Flash health issues with large groups

[rammy]

Wondering about health issues using flash at the reception/evening with so many people around. How do you find out if anyone has photosensitive epilepsy and what do you do about it if someone does? Ask them not to attend the reception ;-) or not use flash?

Do the guests comment about having those pop off so many times? Do they find it distracting or annoying?

I've got two flashes, stands and the Skyports to trigger off camera for a wedding later this year and looking for advice/pointers to make sure I consider and respect the guests, as well as trying to get the shot, safely :-)

Thanks.

[harroz]

I don't know if I'm correct with this, but i thought the epilepsy was only triggered if there was a continuous pulse of light, like a dj strobe. I've never come across any problems with strobes in public, thats over 12years and in some very busy places. Only thing I can recommend is keep them out of the way so they're safe and no one can trip over the stands.

[tim]

IMHO anyone with weird illnesses have a responsibility to be proactive about their illness. This isn't something i'd give another thought to.

[sapearl]

I tend to agree with Tim, although I'm not sure if I would have phrased it in that manner ;).

I've been doing this part time for nearly 35 years and I have never been aware of anybody having a problem with my single or multiple strobes. Nobody has approached me with the issue either. You don't have anything to worry about - as has been pointed out, some DJ lights can be far more disturbing - if not annoying - than our flashes.

[rammy]

Thanks for confirming it as a "non-issue". I guess that anyone coming to a wedding has to expect it anyway so I'll snap away as much as I like :-)

Thanks.

[madhatter04]

I am no MD, but I do believe that something would have to flash continually at 5 flashes/second to trigger most epileptic seizures. Then again, if someone had epilepsy and if it would be a concern, they'd let you know (or should). Wouldn't give it another thought.

[rammy]

I didn't think it would be a problem either from the posts but googling around shows people being affected from flash photography. It's a very small chance to be sure but still a chance of spoiling it for someone.

The only reason I bought it up is because of the news! :-) You hear statements such as "this report contains flash photography" and that is when it made me think. i normally wouldn't have given it a second thought.