Dance practice and performance shoot, need a few pointers

[Living Daylight]

I have been asked to do my first photography job for compensation (private tango lessons, woot!). I have someone limited gear, and would like to know what some more experienced photographers would use.

One aspect of the event is a brightly lit lesson, then there is a dimly lit Milonga. I have been asked to photograph both. I will be taking a look at the location tomorrow and will take a few meter readings with my camera.

For the dimly lit event I think I will probably need to use my flash. I have very little experience using my flash other than simply bouncing it off the ceiling. The ceiling in this room is a cream color, is that ok? I could also buy an inexpensive flash diffuser, would this be a good idea?

Thanks for your help.

[René Damkot]

I will be taking a look at the location tomorrow and will take a few meter readings with my camera.

Well?
How dark was it?

[Living Daylight]

Well?
How dark was it?

They were unable to reproduce the lighting that will be there for either of the events. It will be brighter than it was when i was there for one event, and much darker for another. I will likely use double curtain flash for the dark event and not for the other one.

They also said that they want at least one good shot of every person there, and that I should not get in the way at all (stay off the dance floor, basically). My plan is to hang on the outskirts of the line of dance and shoot as people walk by, bouncing flash off the ceiling.

For the lighter events I am going to use my 55-200 or a borrowed 100-300 (this one is probably too long) to get some close ups. I will use direct flash if I have to.

[René Damkot]

I'd use first curtain: Second curtain flash with long(ish) shutterspeed screws up your timing...

Also, I'd gel the flash to match ambient (probably tungsten) whitebalance: Otherwise, the flash will appear blue relative to white tungsten.

Flash is not a substitute for a fast lens....

[Living Daylight]

I'd use first curtain: Second curtain flash with long(ish) shutterspeed screws up your timing...

Also, I'd gel the flash to match ambient (probably tungsten) whitebalance: Otherwise, the flash will appear blue relative to white tungsten.

Flash is not a substitute for a fast lens....

My understanding was that second curtain will ensure that my subject will be in front of my background.

Where do I get a gel? I am using an omnibounce and bouncing off the ceiling.

I would love a fast lens...but can't afford it right now :( my IS will have to do.

[René Damkot]

My understanding was that second curtain will ensure that my subject will be in front of my background.
Only with "constant" motion. Like a procession with candles, or a car driving for instance. IMO there isn't much recognizable direction of motion in dance, and timing is more important. Depends on the kind of dancing however I suppose ;)

Where do I get a gel? I am using an omnibounce and bouncing off the ceiling.

Gel: Ask a light tech, or get a Roscolux swatch book (http://www.rosco.com/sbreqs/index.cfm). Cheaper at B&H (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=swatchbook&N=0&InitialSearch=yes).

Useful link: http://planetneil.com/tangents/flash-photography-techniques/

Also, look at his "favorite flash modifiers" here (http://www.planetneil.com/tangents/2007/12/13/my-choice-of-flash-modifiers/).