Need tips for event flash photography

[bad karma]

I've got off camera flash down, that is no problem. But now I am going to be shooting my first event and will be using a flash that will be mounted to the hot shoe.

I've tried gary fong's lightsphere and I am not impressed at all about the results, but apparently it's the best diffuser available?

I also tried bouncing off the side wall, that worked really well, I like that a lot.

1) Do most people who do event photography simply bounce? Is that the best way to go?

2) Also, are there any other tips you would recommend?

[eddarr]

I've tried gary fong's lightsphere and I am not impressed at all about the results, but apparently it's the best diffuser available?


Not surprising you weren't happy with that and I'd like to know who told you it was the best diffuser available. Take a look in the lighting forum here and see what they think about it.

My suggestion would be to try the Sto-fen omni bounce. Comes highly rated by everyone but Gary.

[thebishopp]

Lumiquest pocket bounce works good too if you are close enough.

[bad karma]

Not surprising you weren't happy with that and I'd like to know who told you it was the best diffuser available. Take a look in the lighting forum here and see what they think about it.

My suggestion would be to try the Sto-fen omni bounce. Comes highly rated by everyone but Gary.
Thanks, I think it was the perception and the one or two good shots here and there that I transfixed my sights on. Shame! At least it saved me from spending a ton of money. It was poor to mediocre at best results wise.

I will look into the sto-fen omni bounce. Do you think a bounce card would diffuse better or the omnibounce?

[eddarr]

I believe they will give you different results. The diffuser will give more even light then a bounce card.

[PhotosGuy]

Do most people who do event photography simply bounce? Is that the best way to go? Depends on what the event is, what the conditions are, & what you need to get out of it? A diffuser at 30' is pretty useless, & you'll have less light intensity to work with. The closer you are & the bigger it is, the softer the light will be. Also, are there any other tips you would recommend? See post #3
Tips for Xmas Ball Please (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=419399)

[bad karma]

Thank you for the great advice!

[René Damkot]

Some threads on light modifiers: One (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=290928), two (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=438827).

There's also a comparison out there somewhere, but I can't find it ATM...

[Titus213]

Lumiquest ProMax System on a camera flip bracket is my preferred way at an even. That allows maximum configuration depending on the room, existing light, and distances.

I have always considered the Stofen a very small light sphere. Since my LightSphere doesn't work outside our white living room I figure the Stofen won't either.

[videochicke]

Do you have a bracket for your flash? Makes a big difference with the shadows.

[Apshiso]

Yeah, you cannot always bounce - colored cielings and/or walls, ceilings too high etc. I actually modified my GF LightSpere (knockoff) that a friend gave me bu using white tape inside so the light did not spill to the rear - not doing me any good there. Anyway, I have found best results and portability (carrying that spere around is comical at best) with a foldable bounce card. Either home made with an index card or a lumiquest type product - portability is good becasue you don't have to keep it on all the time and you CAN keep it in your pocket or bag with ease.

[viet]

Always bounce. I have yet to see an event that I can't bounce, except for outdoor events, then just blast it away straight on.

[form]

The fong lightsphere IS useful in certain conditions, those being small rooms or areas with a good area to bounce against. If I was ever going to buy another on-camera flash diffuser I might consider the lumiquest system or possibly one of the special brand name softbox diffusers. However, I generally just bounce flash or use an off camera flash on an umbrella now.