flash photography in a room of mirrors!

[Eoseni]

In general, I'm ok using e-ttl and I usually do, and it works well in almost all situations. But I believe e-ttl or e-ttl II won't expose well in a room full of mirrors, right?, since it's own flash fools its sensors?

Anyone have tips on how to use e-ttl II in a room full of mirrors in a fast paced wedding situation? This is a scenario I want to be ready for...since my first paid job is coming up! I haven't yet scouted out the rooms, but I'd like to know anyway, before I go scouting so if there are rooms like this, I can test your advice!

Perhaps going manual is better or essential in such a scenario? You grandmaster pros out there, please give me some tips!

I have a 580EX(just got it and learning it) and a 420EX (which raises another question: does the 420 go into manual mode if mastered by the 580 in manual? I know the 420 doesn't have a manual mode on its own.

Any help is much appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[davidfig]

Does the ceiling have mirrors. I suggest bouncing up there.

[picturecrazy]

In a situation like that, I would set the flash on full manual mode and dial the FEC and zoom according to your subject distance. A light meter could come in handy here. Take some light readings and do test shots here and there at different distances. No, it's not optimal for fast paced weddings, but remember, not too long ago, wedding photographers were manually zooming flashes, using flash tables, manually focusing, and doing everthing else manual in the same fast paced setting.

If it's daytime with windows, keep an eye on your histogram. If it's night time, then there is less worry.
Yes, bounce off the ceiling if you can.

[tim]

Bouncing is the best option, followed by manual mode. FEC has no effect when the flash is in manual. Histograms are essential no matter whether it's day or night.

I know one photographer, who still shoots film with manual focus nikons, often using manual mode instead of Av or something. He takes good photos, drops them off to the lab, and he's done! He's thinking of converting to digital, but i've told him since he's not good with computers, and he's a weekend shooter, sticking with film is probably the best option for him.

[buffalophotographer]

I would set the exposure manually and put a diffuser on the flash depending on how far from the mirrors and try to shoot the mirrors at a angle. I personally do not like to bounce the flash it give the people in my opinion a waxy pale look.

[picturecrazy]

FEC has no effect when the flash is in manual.

yes, that is correct. Sorry for saying that. What I meant what dial in the correct power, not FEC. I was typing faster than I was thinking... :rolleyes:

[samnz]

Of all places and settings, this couple chose to stand right in front of this humungous mirror. The guests were behind me with their point and shoots and reported getting bad flash reflections no matter where they stood.

ISO 400 f4.5 100mm
Flash bounced off cieling/ceiling...ROOF! FEC: +1/3 ETTL

20D + Bracket w/28-105mm f3.5-4.5

This is only a test shot and resized for web...no sharpening - NOWT!
85169

[tim]

The first wedding I shot was in front of a giant mirror, what a nightmare, but for once a lightsphere was useful (dumb luck is great some times).

FEC is independent of being bounced or not, it's dependant on the subject. I very rarely if ever sharpen, unless you're making a huge album or large prints it's not really that important IMHO.

Sam, check the levels of that shot, and perhaps increase the contrast. Maybe up the saturation 5% too.

[samnz]

hehe...thanks Tim. I've actually absolutely murdered this attachment by resizing for the post...good old dial up. I can't even view my OWN attachment without it timing out on me :)

[samnz]

Hey awesome cheers Tim! Muuuuch better :) :) :)

[tim]

Dialup sucks, I can't imaging being without broadband now. Well as close to broadband as NZ has. I guess though i'm watching a video at the same time as surfing the web and listening to streaming music, so it's not so bad :)

[cmM]

1. If you can bounce, bounce.
2. Don't shoot perpendicular to the wall as much as possible.
3. If it's bright, don't use flash. If it's dark, isolate your subject from the background (EC down, FEC up).

Hope this helps.
cmM.

[Eoseni]

1. If you can bounce, bounce.
2. Don't shoot perpendicular to the wall as much as possible.
3. If it's bright, don't use flash. If it's dark, isolate your subject from the background (EC down, FEC up).

Hope this helps.
cmM.

Well, thanks to all for your helpful advice. I will put it into practice. CmM, I like your No.3 technique. Quite creative, I 'll try it. I'm expecting to dial up more FEC than dialing down EC. or is it usually proportional, for example, -2 EC +2 FEC ?

Anyways, I'll try it and see here at home. thanks.