New Paid Shoot? Tips?

[taygull]

OK, I normally shoot performing arts so I feel good about what I like and what the band/venu likes.

I've been hired to shoot a fairly large Suprise B-Day party. It will be indoors from 6:00pm-9:00pm with a live band. There is a bunch of light that will come through some large windows but probably not enough to not have to use flash.

I'd appreciate any tips or thoughts you guys and gals might have. I will spend at least 15 minutes with the person who hired me to find out what she exactly wants. I'm sure here answer will be "just a bunch of nice shots". I know I will focus on the B-Day girl (who turns 40), any other thoughts or tips?

In my low light band shots I shoot AV mode @ ISO's of 1600 and sometimes 3200. I don't have much practice with flash so any settings tips and such would be great!

[liza]

Position yourself strategically so you're sure to capture her facial expressions when she arrives. I'd use the 85mm f/1.8 lens if the light is extremely low. If not, use the 24-70.
Do you have a flash? I just purchased the 580EX to shoot our prom and have been very pleased with it's performance. I set the camera on manual with settings just as I would use w/o flash, and set the flash on ETTL with FEC of -1. There's a bit of a learning curve with the 580, but it's well worth taking the time to learn the correct settings.
Good luck in your endeavors!

[taygull]

I do have the 550EX, my first thought was to capture the moment of arrival. I am assuming I'll just do a bunch of candids and then most of the people will typically "ask" to have their picture shot.

One of those things where I guess you go by the seat of your pants.