Metering System & Nightclub Photography

[Marc5DMkI]

Hi all,

I have a couple questions if anyone can give me some advice i'd really appreciate it.

First of all i will say I'm relatively new to flash photography, i shoot with a Canon 5D Mk1, 24-70L & 580EXII.

I've been able to get some work lately shooting nightclub photography. My question is this::

1. What is the best metering system to use for this type of work?
I've heard many people say centre-weighted and spot is the way to go. Or will evaluative do the job also?

2. If i'm shooting with flash straight direct on subject, do i need to dial down any Exposure on flash..or should the E-TTL do the job ok? Ideally i will attempt to bounce though

Type of shots:
I'll be shooting basic group portrait shots (flash) and high angle wide shots of dance floor (no flash). I will be utilising slow-sync & bounce flash if possible and try to get in some ambient background light with a slow shutter.

I know practice is the best answer to these questions for me but any help/tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks alot in advance. http://photonotes.org/forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif

Marc

[sspellman]

As an avid nighlife photographer, M mode, ISO400, partial metering, and centerpoint focus work best for me. For people pictures, I'm usually around f4, 1/10th, FEC +1/3rd. For DJ/Performer pictures I'm usually around f3.2, 1/2sec, FEC -1/3rd. For crowd shots, I'm usually around f2.8, 1sec, flash angeled slightly upwards FEC +2/3rds.

I like the dynamic look of flash head on. I want my nightclub pictures to have great energy-and not look like a reception.