If you are starting new in photography (seriously, I mean), you realize how important lighting is. It is not often that you can control lighting, unless you have the equipment that costs $$. For many others, an external flash is indispensable source of lighting, but let me tell you even that takes a little while to learn.
As I learn more about photography, I try to gather as much conceptual knowledge as I can. I know that I will never be a professional — at least not with the full-time job I have and love. But learning concepts (the whys, rather than the hows) is great way to learn as you can return anytime and start where you left off.
I have collected some great links to learn the concepts of flash photography. Remember, most of them were collected with the “why” in mind, rather than the “how.” While these might help an occasional photographer, it will help someone serious about the hobby better. My main goal in compiling these was to strengthen your fundamentals of flash photography.
- Strobist: A site dedicated to external flash tips and techniques. Read the articles under “Lighting 101” category. Most people struggle with taking pictures under ambient light, and this article will definitely help them.
- Flash Photography with Canon EOS Cameras: While this article is about Canon cameras and their features for flash photography, a lot of concepts apply to all cameras. One way to get your concepts strong, is by knowing as many of them without a camera in mind. While I use a Pentax K10D, I try to read articles without any bias, and that lets me relate to my camera very easily.
- Planet Neil: Neil is a professional photographer, and the site contains several articles on flash photography. It is easier to relate to these articles if you know some concepts already, nevertheless they are very useful. Neil also conducts workshops in flash photography.
- Thread on DPReview: Someone answered this question on ambient/flash balance in such a great manner, I thought this should be spread around. If you are not aware of DPReview site, make sure you bookmark it. The site has forums specific to cameras and might help with your specific questions.
- Lighting forum on DPReview: This forum is dedicated to lighting techniques, not just flash photography.
- Lighting forum at Photo.net: Just like the forums on DPReview, this one talks about general lighting techniques.
Hope the links above are useful to you. Please let me know if you come across any other links that might be useful when it comes to flash photography fundamentals and concepts.
Posted by commontense 
