Advice needed: night graduation ceremony in stadium

[abigailandsam]

We've been asked to shoot a graduation ceremony at night in a stadium, and would welcome advice on the subject. Equipment will be 20D and 350D with 580EX speedlight. Lens choices are 50 f1.4, 85 f1.8, 16-35 f2.8 17-85, and 70-200 f2.8. I have plenty of experience shooting available light for people and nature photography, but using flash in a stadium at night will be something I've never done.

Comments and suggestions will be very welcome since I've never used an external flash before (the 580ex is on order). What about shooting vertical? Should I get a rotating flash bracket?

Sam

[Croasdail]

You don't need an expensive flash bracket... I have a cheap $70 one that works just fine. Also get some kind of diffuser - there are many out there.

You might also look at posting or having this moved to the lighting area where people can give you more adive on how to get the ettl dialed in just right.

Good luck with it....

[song4themoon]

I havent been in the situation but being in a stadium I suppose you wont be very close to the subjects.. probably not close enough for the flash to really be effective. I would work with Iso of 1600, long shutter and fill in with flash.

But like I said... just my guess, I havent done it yet!