One of the limitations of using a camera flash is that it casts a source of light, and that creates the artificial look and contrasty shadows for which flash photos are infamous. One solution to that problem is to use more than one flash--and that's easier than it sounds. Most professional photographers, for example, rely on three-point lighting. A key light illuminates the subject's face, a second light fills in any unwanted shadows, and a backlight adds some light to the surrounding scene.

You can easily use three-point lighting by adding one or more . A slave flash includes a sensor that lets it fire automatically when it senses your camera's own flash fire. These flashes are inexpensive and work with most digital cameras. They're convenient; you can position a slave flash anywhere you like, such as on a flash bracket, a tripod, or even on a nearby tabletop. Using one or even more extra flashes, you can easily set up your own on-the-fly photo studio.