Using a slave flash at Weddings receptions

[lbardun]

We tried using 2 canon 580ex flashes, one master ,one hand held in slave mode with fong
lite spheres . At first reception ,got almost studio results!!! At next reception with dark
ceilings we did not get the same results and went back to on camera flash dragging the shutter !! Anyone with any expertise on this ? We really like the first set up but was stumped with the later results.

[Joelene]

I have been wanting to do this, care to share some of the shots??

[lbardun]

My partner has the files but when he's done with them ill post a few.

[bric-a-brac]

We tried using 2 canon 580ex flashes, one master ,one hand held in slave mode with fong
lite spheres . At first reception ,got almost studio results!!! At next reception with dark
ceilings we did not get the same results and went back to on camera flash dragging the shutter !! Anyone with any expertise on this ? We really like the first set up but was stumped with the later results.

you're problem is probably your choice of diffusers. Fong Spheres are for bouncing. What you need is more diffused directional lighting. you'll get more consistent results regardless of the ambient conditions if you use softboxes or umbrellas instead.

[gravy graffix]

i use a 580 on camera and one on a pole. cyber sync tx plugged into the PC port trigger the pole mounted sigma flash.

i can easily turn off or down the on cam 580 for diff effects.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v727/xb8slim/weddings/-14.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v727/xb8slim/weddings/terry-rebecca-8266.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v727/xb8slim/weddings/terry-rebecca-8437.jpg

[rammy]

At first reception ,got almost studio results!!! At next reception with dark ceilings we did not get the same results

I don't have the experience, but I would say it is almost due to the reflection of the light from the walls and ceilings. White reflects, black absorbs.

In a dark room, as others have commented, you'll need to light them with a diffusion modifier such as an umbrella or softbox.