Off camera flash at live shows?

[The Moose]

So everyone has those gigs where we struggle with lighting and obviously we don't want to go with flash because it can ruin the mood of the image. But sometimes you get those shots where one of the stage lights provides a good back or harsh light around or on someone's head. Has anyone set up a flash off camera to the side of the stage, or above somehow, when they're struggling with the lighting? The last show I shot was really bad and could have used that well but I haven't had one since I bought my triggers. Anyone have any experience or tips or ideas for it? Examples?

[narlus]

the only off camera flash i've used at shows is via the off-camera hotshoe cord, at arm's length.

to truly have it remote, i think it would be good to clear it w/ the band/production manager beforehand (or have a friend hand-hold it for you). the ability to change that flash's output from yr camera would be pretty ideal too (i'd think you would want to put the slave in manual rather than ETTL).

[chromewaves]

there was a guy in Toronto who'd show up early and hook up a flash connected to Pocket Wizard at the back of the stage up in the lighting rigs or wherever he could. don't know if he got explicit approval or if he just did it, but it was mostly smaller shows where no one would care either way. He got some good shots but as another photog shooting with available light, I had more than a few shots ruined by his flash constantly going off in my shots to say nothing of being blinded by them when not expecting it.

[The Moose]

there was a guy in Toronto who'd show up early and hook up a flash connected to Pocket Wizard at the back of the stage up in the lighting rigs or wherever he could. don't know if he got explicit approval or if he just did it, but it was mostly smaller shows where no one would care either way. He got some good shots but as another photog shooting with available light, I had more than a few shots ruined by his flash constantly going off in my shots to say nothing of being blinded by them when not expecting it.

If I'm going to shoot with off camera flash, I'd only do it when I'm the only one shooting, which would mean it's not a large show that has more than one hired photographer. That's just a bit rude if you were hired as well but you can't blame him for doing it if you weren't hired. I'd definitely make sure it's alright though, I wouldn't want to get told half way through the first song or two :lol:

[chromewaves]

If I'm going to shoot with off camera flash, I'd only do it when I'm the only one shooting, which would mean it's not a large show that has more than one hired photographer. That's just a bit rude if you were hired as well but you can't blame him for doing it if you weren't hired. I'd definitely make sure it's alright though, I wouldn't want to get told half way through the first song or two :lol:

if you mean hired as in invited and paid by the band, then neither of us were. we both covered shows in a media capacity so his needs didn't get priority over anyone else. It was an irritation, not a huge thing, and he doesn't shoot live anymore or rarely so so it's not a thing at all

[bacchanal]

Yes, I use off camera flash occasionally at small shows (like um...not even a real stage type shows). The venue knows me, the bands know me, the audience knows me, so it's really not an issue. It's really all about finding good locations to stick your flash(es). Consider trying to distribute the light to various parts of the stage, as you may want some light getting back to the drummer. I generally shoot with a relatively high ISO even with flash to keep the intensity of the flash down (and batteries lasting longer).

The last show I shot, I used the 580ex (bounced) on camera and held a 430ex in my hand (triggered via IR). My images weren't very good, but that isn't a bad way to roll if the "stage" is basically ground level...you get the AF beam from the 580ex and don't have to mess with the cord.

This is with the 580 on camera and 430 hand held:
http://www.photos.fahrenheit128.com/img/v1/p124093126-3.jpg

This is with remote 430ex IIs triggered w/ PWs:
http://www.photos.fahrenheit128.com/img/v6/p724346494-3.jpg