580 Speedlite and Bounce Off Black Ceiling

[DarthMTS47]

I've been asked by a club that I'm part of to take pictures at the next convention we are going to. I've been to the convention center before, and it is somewhat unique in that the main hall has a glass ceiling and one of the four walls is also glass. The other three walls are black granite or some other dark material. Daylight shooting is not usually an issue as it provides plenty of natural light (unless it's overcast or raining). But once the sun goes down... The house lights are really dim (i.e. difficult to read the menu).

I have a 580EX II Speedlight that I normally bounce off a white ceiling or wall. Does anyone have any suggestions as to shooting full-body portraits without being able to bounce, or experience bouncing off dark surfaces? I'm trying to avoid the direct flash route unless absolutely necessary.

Thanks,

-Mike

P.S. I've tried 50mm @ f/2, and even at ISO 6400 I'm only getting 1/15s without flash.

[40Dude6aedyk]

I'd practice with a bounce card or similar modifier. Also I would try to get the flash off the camera as well. What do you think?

[DarthMTS47]

I thought about using a modifier. But I was hoping someone that has been in a similar situation might have a suggestion as to which works best or possibly some other pointers.

-Mike

[Familiaphoto]

Challenge in that kind of situation is you'll probably be walking around. I would recommend a softbox. Lets you shoot straight on but softens the light quite a bit. I prefer to bounce but have used this with some success. I use the Lumiquest Softbox I.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/544394-REG/LumiQuest_LQ_107_SoftBox_for_Shoe_Mount_Flashes.ht ml

[Canonymous]

I made myself a couple of versions of these: http://abetterbouncecard.com/

They worked a treat. I also had an off camera flash on the perimeter.

[smorter]

Glass ceiling and wall? Ouch. That would really suck.

Make sure the glass ceiling adn wall are out of the frame, otherwise ETTL will die horribly.

Can you bounce off a handheld reflector or something?

[DarthMTS47]

I've got the foam to make a "Better Bounce Card." Would it work any better with a flash bracket?

Still looking for any other input.

Thanks,

-Mike