Samples of Reception light and set-up

[Mike T.M.]

Hi all,

I shot a wedding a week ago and brought my two AB800, and wantd to use them for some shoots, but while I was there I counldn't get what I was looking for. So, instead I used my 580ex. My question is how many of you use more than one light and how are you doing it. Since I shoot weddings I would like to get more out of my lights that I use for STILLS (at home) Any suggests, samples, books, sites please point me in the right direction. I aslo jsut bought (for testing purpose) a PT04 wireless trigger from china to test on the 580ex.

thanks,
mtm

[tim]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=646469

[Mike T.M.]

Thanks TIm. Do you have anything, like your site, for offcamera flash for on the go?. Also, do you have any examples of danicng at the reception. Last month I used one AB with a 40 gird (I think) and just didn't like the hard light effect.

[tim]

Not sure what you mean about "off camera flash on the go". If you mean portable I have my assistant carry one of these (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/90032-REG/Morris_32600_Soft_Box_15x18_.html/BI/2312/KBID/3114) for couple portraits.

Check out my Wellington Wedding Photography (http://www.wildphotography.co.nz/blog) blog for examples of dancing photos with off camera light. There are bound to be some on there somewhere.

[Peacefield]

I use two 580's, my assitant holding one for the main and my OCF as fill with a 2-1 ratio. Given the limitations of the nature of the event, not using, umbrellas, etc., I think it's about the best light I can reasonably achieve.

[Mike T.M.]

Thanks Tim I need to get one of those...and an assistant ;) Since I'm the only one shooting I find it hard to get the couples to pose and execute great shots. I love the site too.

Peace..I'm thinking; needing to buy another 580. I just bought the 7d and I'm going to sell one of my 20d's.

[sando]

I shot a wedding a week ago and brought my two AB800, and wantd to use them for some shoots, but while I was there I counldn't get what I was looking for. So, instead I used my 580ex. I've found this too.

Some reception venues, or locations just don't lend themselves to using off-camera flash. The last time I wanted to use the off-camera flash, but couldn't, was a situation where I had 3 options:

1) Set the lights up in a location safe from being knocked over, but I'd only be able to shoot from one side of the room

2) Set the lights up in places where they'd probably get knocked over, but I'd be able to shoot from anywhere in the room

3) Use on-camera flash and bounce.

I chose 3) bounce.

This is where being prepared for every situation helps. You can't always use your latest kit, because the situation won't allow. You've just gotta roll with it and do what's best.

The link Tim gave is helpful and the only thing I do differently, is bounce flash wherever possible (off the wall behind the flash usually - I find the shadows are softer) and I use a lower power so as not to completely destroy the ambient light. I like to complement the ambient light wherever possible.

[Mike T.M.]

Do you use a custom balace your camera or use the flash setting. So, what setting do you use? I found when using the Custom one I set for after the wedding pictures (at Church) came out too blueish

[tim]

You can do CWB or just correct in post. Do CWB if you have time, if you shoot jpeg def do CWB. I usually want my photos a bit warmer than normal anyway, so no matter what I tweak it.

[PMCphotography]

Everybody does it differently, I suppose.

I find lots of off camera flashes a bit garish, and concentrating too much on flashes takes away from being "in the moment" and concentrating on what's happening in front of you.