corporate indoor work

[HQP]

I’ve been asked to shoot some corporate work for special events such as visiting VIP’s etc. I’ve done very little of this and I’m not very comfortable that I can get consistent good exposures given the various available light and the florescent lighting. I had a pro tell me once to always shoot on F8. I assume that’s at 1/60. Is there a manual setting using a 20D with a 580EX that would give me generally good results? Any advice is appreciated.

[EricKonieczny]

will this be social events? or more set up shots?

But I also think that one setting, is not best for eveything.

You really have to let the setting, lighting and such determine the best settings. We can give some general recommendations but they are general.

For events I usually shoot F5.6 -f9, with the 580 flash. I use ETTL and Manual on the flash.

[PhotosGuy]

I’ve been asked to shoot some corporate work for special events such as visiting VIP’s etc. That's a pretty big etc.! As Eric said, you'd better define just what "etc." means. ;-)

[HQP]

I've been to these type of events as a spectator so the type of shots I'm thinking they would want are a mix of candid, podium, and award presentations.

[Joe R]

For indoor events you may have to use a wider aperture than f/8. The key to natural looking flash photos is to balance your camera's exposure with the flash exposure. A good starting point is ISO 400, 1/60, f4. Meter the existing light in the room with your camera on Manual, and see where it falls.

Remember, with your camera on Av or Tv mode, the flash exposure will only light your subject to match the background. If your camera is on Manual, the flash will light your subject, and your aperture & shutter speed settings will dictate the balance between the camera's exposure & flash exposure.

Read the EOS flash bible a couple of times, and practice. The 20D + 580EX combo gives you great tools for the job.

http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/



You may need to bump up to ISO800, and open up to f/2.8.

[NGrinerPhoto]

when i shoot corporate work (inside) i ALWAYS bounce my flash with the card out if there's a white ceiling in addition to using a monolight or q-flash for fill. it makes for some nice even light. i try and keep my camera at 60@5.6. the extra flash really helps with that.