How do I use a hot shoe flash?

I have a Canon Digital XTi and just recently bought a flash for the hot shoe. I am able to rotate it up and down, 45* 60*75* and 90*. I can not turn it side to side.


It also has EV Adjust on it. And I can adjust that anywhere from -1.5 thru +1.5. I am not sure what that means. Any helpful suggestions would be great! Thanks in advance.

How do I use a hot shoe flash?
You won't be able to rotate the flash from side to side without mounting it on an auxiliary flash attachment. The EV Adjust allows you to adjust the amount of light the flash creates each time it pops. If you adjust it into the negative it will throw less light. Conversely, adjusting into the positive will throw more light.





If you are using it primarily as fill flash to reduce harsh shadows you will usually achieve the best results by setting it for -1 to -1.5. There is lots of great information on the web about how to effectively use your flash in different situations. Mine is used primarily for fill flash in adventure and nature photos.





Also, you should know that unless you filter or diffuse the light emitted from the flash it will be rather harsh and noticeable. I use a small, portable softbox that attaches to the flash via velcro to create a softer, diffused light that appears much more natural. Another option is to bounce the flash off a wall or a reflector.