Using an external flash with your Digital SLR gives you a huge amount of flexibility. Unfortunately, most people just stick it on top of the camera and fire away. With just a few tools you could be shooting photos like the pros.

The Lighting 101 series from Strobist (link is to the PDF file) shows you the tools and techniques used by a professional photojournalist, David Hobby. Every day his job requires him to come back with the shot, no matter what.

The Lighting 101 series was started last year and explains about your flash and what you can do with a few simple addons. In the PDF you’ll learn:

• how to get the most out of your flash
• using umbrellas for soft light
• snoots and other tools you can build yourself
• using remote firing devices
• lighting for portraits, basketball games, macro and more

Visit the Strobist website and you’ll see David is full into Lighting 102 and exploring more about small flashes and using them creatively. The site is chock full of good info on lighting.

If you click the link at the top of the page for Midwest Photo you can see the kits they’ve put together just for fans of Strobist. You’ll also find a (much) less expensive radio remote system called the Cactus V2, if you’re not ready to spring for the Pocket Wizards.