If your camera has a lot of automatic flash functions, get the matching brand name flash. Owning that matched flash allows you to get all the benefits of investing in that automatic camera. It is worth the extra money. Also, if your camera-flash combination isn't working, you only have to turn to one warranty service center for the fix.

Flashes made by the camera's manufacturer for your automatic model are usually the best choice. Instruction manuals for your camera will probably include references to specific flash models that work well with that camera body. This can make the learning curve easier, and you can be certain that all the automatic features are fully supported by the flash unit since they were specifically designed for that purpose.

On the other hand, if you lean toward manual functionality, you can get a simpler and more powerful flash made by any manufacturer that will fulfill your requirements. This lends more flexibility to your choice of flash and will also give you more choices of models and prices. Searching the Internet for new and used equipment opens up another world of purchasing options for flashes.

If you're using a manual flash or you're not sure that your automatic flash is giving you consistent exposures, you might find a flash meter very useful. A good flash meter will cost $200 or more — don't waste your money on an inexpensive model. Your flash meter should also be able to function as a regular light meter, so you are getting two meters in one. Make sure it uses a penlight or nine-volt battery, not some expensive battery only available at camera stores.

FIGURE 11-1 This photo taken of a garden ornament is perfectly acceptable. There is plenty of detail in highlights, midtones, and shadows.

FIGURE 11-2 This is the same image photographed with a flash exposure. Did this improve the overall effect or not?