Hello everyone.
Just got my 550d as well witha kit 2.
I really need help for i am in a total loss.I bn asking many ppl for advice bt nothing concrete in help

I really hope some one will help!!!
I do a lot of wedding/birthdays/people/make over/street/potrait shots.Bt I aint there yet and i need guidance my fellow clickers.
1)What wld be a gd flash?I read that flashes are gd for people shooting.Skin turns out smoother.Esp i get chances to shoot for weddings and bdays.
2)Nissin or Emoblitz?
2)Are third party battery grips safe in the long run?
3)What lens shd i invest in?My budget stays abt 500 per lens.So not much for the moment?
I am trying to achieve sharp and vivid pics.#rd party also can.
So far,this is what i think is related
a)50mm 1.8 b)Sigma 85mm c)Telephoto 75-300
4)What filters are gd for people shooting?
5)Techniques and knowledge of the camera is very important.I jumped Nikon.Any one can give tuition?Word is one thing.Demo is another.I can belanjar makan

Thank you and i i really hope some one hears my cry.