Where to bounce?

[MrKickalot]

Here's a scenario for you.. I shot a wedding a few weeks back. Outside wedding with reception in the church reception area. Went to the rehearsal and asked to see the church... there was someone in there having a party so I had to wing it... Wedding went well, perfect weather, got to the church...

Medium brown hardwood floors, dark brown walls and medium brown wood ceiling...

I about freaked... no nice white surface to bounce the flash off of. I ended up shooting RAW and corrected the brown tint on the pictures and all was fine but. especially since I shot it for a touch over cost.

I was just wondering how the more experienced would have handled that situation??


Thanks

[robertwgross]

I would go with either a big Quantum flash or a Canon 550EX flash.

I like to be able to put a sunburn on the bride's forehead at twenty paces.

---Bob Gross---

[WestFalcon]

I sometimes put the 550 Ex into almost a straight up position...slightly tilted towards the subject. I put the wide angle diffuser out so it acts like a bounce card. I was shooting at f9.5 on manual mode and full power. I tried to stay about 15 feet away. Beautiful light but it sucks the power,so you had better use a power pack if you shoot like this. I don't ever plan on using ceilings at churches....too high and many are angled. try the stofen omnibounce, a white notecard or something you can depend upon rather than the perfect ceiling.

[Scottes]

LumiQuest Pocket Bounce

[scottbergerphoto]

I would go with either a big Quantum flash or a Canon 550EX flash.

I like to be able to put a sunburn on the bride's forehead at twenty paces.

---Bob Gross---
Hey Bob, am I starting to rub off on you? I've never seen you mention Quantum flashes before. You are correct though. They are powerful flashes with parabolic reflectors and very quick recycle times. I have a Q Flash T2D. You need to use a flash bracket and a battery pack, but they do perform well. You can use Manual, Auto and ETTL.
Regards,
Scott

[robertwgross]

Hey Bob, am I starting to rub off on you?

Scott, I'm not sure what you mean.

When my partner and I do weddings, I use a Canon digital with a 550EX. He uses a Mamiya 645 with a big Quantum flash hooked up on a radio, or else two of them (if it is a very large group). Of course, he's got wires and cables and radios hanging all around the place, and I prefer not to go that way. So I generally stick with one camera, one flash, one bracket, and one cable.

The big Quantum does have some serious firepower, though. When we get stuck in a dimly lit chapel with a large group, it comes out.

---Bob Gross---

[scottbergerphoto]

Hey Bob, am I starting to rub off on you?

Scott, I'm not sure what you mean.
---Bob Gross---
I always mention Quantum when people talk about alternatives to 550EX's. Ive just never seen you mention them before.
Regards,
Scott