Have you done dual flash + wireless at reception?

[Lorem]

I've been thinking about using both of my 580EXs (Running Manual 1/2 power) on lightstand and light them up with pocket wizards at reception hall. One bounce off the ceiling and the other bouncing off the largest perpendicular wall.

Anyone here have experience with this setup?

Thanks,

Lam

[sblais]

I'm getting more and more into off-camera lighting. I just got my PWs a few months back and at my last wedding, the videograph had some big lamps setup at the reception hall, so no need for my lighting :). But Lloyd (picturecrazy) is probably the guy who want to talk to. He does this all the time (and I say this in a good way!) :)

[philpereira]

http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=299362 check out this thread I started recently about doing off camera lighting with some home examples. Unfortunately, only a few people got into it (even though it had over 300 views) and it died a quick death. If you'd like to resurrect it to do some more chatting, please do.

[picturecrazy]

It all depends on the hall. Some it can work, some it might not. But with two lights blasting away, I'd be scared of running the risk of flooding TOO much light into the hall and completely losing the mood of the place. There is no single solution to light up a hall. Each one is different in size, shape, and colour, and some really high end halls even have gigantic chandeliers and stuff that can cast some soft but rather odd looking shadows on people. I would first learn and completely exploit the usefulness of the on-camera flash before I'd venture into off camera. You'd be amazed at what you can do with that little 580 on top of your 5D. Get creative with your bouncing. Don't stick to ceiling and wall bounce. Bounce off anything.

[philpereira]

To piggyback off of what Lloyd said, it definitely depends on the room you're working in and complimenting the light that's already there (or light that isn't there). If it's a generic reception hall with fluorescent lights, you might want to have the flashes as the main lighting and in essence create the lighting, since fluorescent lighting sucks lol. If the room is dark and moody, maybe you want to shoot the flash directly on the subjects and keep the dark mood of the room (like have the flash head zoomed to 85mm for a tighter beam). It totally depends on the type of look you're after. I'm in the learning process myself, and am using my living room to experiment and try different scenarios, I'd recommend giving it a go and practice with different looks until you're ready to unleash it on the world.

[Lorem]

It all depends on the hall. Some it can work, some it might not. But with two lights blasting away, I'd be scared of running the risk of flooding TOO much light into the hall and completely losing the mood of the place. There is no single solution to light up a hall. Each one is different in size, shape, and colour, and some really high end halls even have gigantic chandeliers and stuff that can cast some soft but rather odd looking shadows on people. I would first learn and completely exploit the usefulness of the on-camera flash before I'd venture into off camera. You'd be amazed at what you can do with that little 580 on top of your 5D. Get creative with your bouncing. Don't stick to ceiling and wall bounce. Bounce off anything.

Thanks! I totally agree with you with not over blasting the place and loosing the mood. It was my first time dragging the shutter with flash. I love how the background colorful lights just bleed/glow from behind my subject.

So I take it with LOW dual 580 power and pocket wizard will brighten up those damaging dark area and mid tones?

[Lorem]

To piggyback off of what Lloyd said, it definitely depends on the room you're working in and complimenting the light that's already there (or light that isn't there). If it's a generic reception hall with fluorescent lights, you might want to have the flashes as the main lighting and in essence create the lighting, since fluorescent lighting sucks lol. If the room is dark and moody, maybe you want to shoot the flash directly on the subjects and keep the dark mood of the room (like have the flash head zoomed to 85mm for a tighter beam). It totally depends on the type of look you're after. I'm in the learning process myself, and am using my living room to experiment and try different scenarios, I'd recommend giving it a go and practice with different looks until you're ready to unleash it on the world.

I can't imagine a reception hall with fluorescent lighting but i'm sure there are many out there. Do you think dual 580 via pocketwizard can over come poor fluorescent lighting?

[tim]

I work with two speedlites on ETTL for most receptions,it works well. I love my CP-E3 battery pack and i'd like to get another some time.

[Lorem]

I work with two speedlites on ETTL for most receptions,it works well. I love my CP-E3 battery pack and i'd like to get another some time.

I've been looking into the CP-E3 as well. Does it get combine with the 4AA internal as well for faster recycle time? Total of 12AA Batteries!!!?

[tim]

I've been looking into the CP-E3 as well. Does it get combine with the 4AA internal as well for faster recycle time? Total of 12AA Batteries!!!?

You can set a 580 to charge its flash off all 12 cells or just the external 8 cells with a custom function, not sure if the 550 has that CF - or any CFs actually, i've never looked at flash CFs. You can tell the 580 to power only its electronics from the internal batteries and the flash from the external if you want. I use the default, which is it uses everything to charge the flash.

[Mayfly]

I just shot a wedding a few weeks ago where I used 2 580's on light stands pointed straight up off the ceiling triggered by another 580 on camera. I brought the pocket wizards but it was just easier to shoot the reception in ETTL since I was moving all over the dance floor area. Worked out real well..

[tim]

With two 580s widely separated you have plenty of light but if you're not careful you lose the advantage of directional lighting. Just a thought :)

[SR071]

Three 580's with the wide screen down will allow you to shoot pretty much any reception venue at 100ISO with f4 or greater. Never underestimate the power of a 580 - just make sure you're not crippling it with a diffuser. Extra batteries help - and as Tim said, go for using all 12. With this setup though, you'll lose all ambient light. Be mindful of this if it's a classy place - but if it's all fluro tubes - who cares!?!??!?!??!?!

If only they'd make a flash battery pack which accepted 2 NIMH batteries from a 30D/20D etc.........................