Wondering when one get's to the Flashgun stage.

AnimalRights

At the recent Docklands festival I noticed plenty of other photographers using a flashgun, I can understand maybe the use of this at night but can anyone enlighten me the pros of using it during the day too?
Also when I photo my pub gigs I seem to do ok without a flashgun, I use the 50mm 1.4, maybe because I'm so close to the band?.....I am going to a bigger fest come August and maybe I should arm myself with one of these as I will be further away? any tips/recommendations greatly appreciated.

hussey

Direct Flash can result in nasty shadows while bounced loses reflections and give more natural look

have a look here
http://www.all-things-photography.com/flash-photography.html

oshead

On very bright days like we have been having recently, the high noon sun casts very harsh light on the subjects. This can mean very dark shadows especially noticable on the face. It's not very nice and can completely ruin the image. The flash is used as a secondary fill light and is most effective for backlit subjects. Another alternative is to use a reflector but that can be inconvenient. On very bright days it is best to shoot subjects in shadowed areas where the light is more constant.

Dave OS

AnimalRights

Ta guys.

Dave3x

When one gets to the flashgun stage?

I'm only starting off really. Got my D80 in Bermingham's sale in November (I think?) and they had an ex-demo SB-800 on sale for €200-odd. I had just got past my 21st and had some extra cash, and a more experienced photographer friend absolutely insisted I get it. The versatility it adds to an SLR is incredible, and if you spend the moeny on a good model, the type of lighting you can create is really quite astoudning. Of course, learning how to use all the bloody options takes ages, but I really can't reccommend external falshguns enough.

AnimalRights

I actually don't think I'm at that stage, although I did enjoy reading the website Hussey linked me too.