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How to Mount a Speedlight to an Umbrella

Many of today's digital cameras have either a built-in flash or a flash that will automatically pop up when it is needed. In addition to these built-in flashes, Nikon produces a line of external flashes they call "Speedlight." Nikon Speedlights can be attached to the hot-shoe mount on the digital camera or they can be triggered remotely. The remote trigger feature allows you to attach a Speedlight to an umbrella and stand for a softer light.

Things You'll Need

Studio umbrella
Studio light stand
External flash adapter
Nikon Wireless Speedlight Commander

Instructions

- 1
  Connect an external flash adapter to the umbrella stand. This adapter will have a slide bracket similar to a hot-shoe mount that will allow you to connect your Speedlight to the stand and turn the locking ring to secure the Speedlight into place. Insert a studio umbrella into the holder and tighten the knob to hold it in place.
- 2
  Turn on your Nikon Speedlight and press the "Menu" button on the rear of the flash and set the Speedlight program to "I-TTL." This program will automatically communicate with your Nikon DSLR.
- 3
  Slide a Nikon Wireless Speedlight Commander unit onto the hot shoe on the top of your Nikon camera. This unit will transmit exposure and other data from the camera to the Speedlight. This exchange of information will allow the camera and Speedlight to work together to create the right amount of light to capture the correct exposure.

Photography