Need help lighting my Engagement Party.

Im getting engaged in a month and i guess im going to be the photographer, lol, well ill have my brother in-law shoot to (using my 5d II and YN 468 flash, also have a wireless trigger) so i would really appreicate some help. The ceiling's at the place will be high so i dont think i can bounce the flash, so what would be a good way for lighting groups of family and just random moments on the dance floor. Not looking to spend a whole lot. Thanks for the help.

LumiQuest ProMax System maybe? You only have the one flash? Maybe an eTTL off shoe flash cord and a flash bracket? Thats usually how I do event photography.

ben_r_ wrote in post #11899015
LumiQuest ProMax System maybe? You only have the one flash? Maybe an eTTL off shoe flash cord and a flash bracket? Thats usually how I do event photography.

Yes i only have one flash, i never really needed more, i guess until now, or a better way to use it, Ive been messing around with a beauty dish lately. Is that Lumiquest any good?

Do you mean OFC? can you explain please, thank you.

Edit: What would be the difference with the bracket and just leaving the flash on the camera, Isnt it the same thing? I just dont want direct harsh flash.

How about a softbox for the flash?

I think this is the best explanation that Ive already done. LINK

Not saying you have to go that expensive of a route, but reading with will give you some ideas as to what you might want to get. This is just what I use to shoot events.

Great wright up. Thank you, i dont think im looking to spend that much on just a bracket. I cant, since im getting married in June, i gotta save up. I would love to know what advantages using a bracket has as supposed to using the flash on the camera, besides the fact that you can use the camer in portrait orientation and flip the flash.

Cool. Seems some of my images are broken... Thats due to RRS's website being down right now or something. But youll still get the idea as my images will describe the points more anyway.

Would this work okay? http://www.amazon.com …TF8&qid=1288213​826&sr=8-1

I borrowed from the ABBC type modifiers and made a foam paper modifier that works well for me in most situations. The way that the velcro attachments are set-up, allows me to move the foam bounce area further back (allowing for more bounce off a ceiling/wall), or more forward (directing more of the light forward toward my subjects). Along with FEC, and ISO I can put more light on the subject, or bounce more into the background, etc. It's nice because I can still get the effect of bouncing off walls and ceilings, yet provide some fill that prevents shadows in faces, etc.

A few sample shots:

FOAM BOUNCER in "FORWARD" POSITION:

Thank you, i may consider that, Would the softbox work similar to this??

I cannot comment directly to the softbox, as I have never used one. Per your link, at 8 x 12 it seems like a rather large element to have right on your camera. Try putting a sheet of paper in front of your flash and see if that is comfortable for you, or if your brother-in-law is comfortable with that. There is a 6x8 version. They seem to get good user reviews...

Best of luck...

I would say go with softboxes if possible

I suggest you apply the K.I.S.S. method.

You got a good camera, a nice set of lenses, a flash with bouncing ability, why do you need anything else?
Any other might modifiers will reduce the power of your flash. Plus the biggest softbox in the world will never be larger than a side of a wall or ceiling (no matter how high) Don't underestimate the power of speedlites!

These aren't the best, but here's what I did as a guest at a friend's wedding/reception:
http://www.flickr.com …n/sets/72157624​685394321/

I basically used my 5D2 and switched between my 35L & 135L w/ bounced flash on camera and my settings on manual and my flash power on manual too. (When the light is consistent, why have it on any other setting that can trick the camera?) Bounce the light to the closest white thing available to you and use your bounce card. My only regret is that I didn't gel my flash to match ambient.

My guess is that you're hoping for photos that will capture that special day, than having a technically sound photo.

K.I.S.S.

Congratulations on the engagment!

[Hyuni wrote:
='[Hyuni];11899771']I suggest you apply the K.I.S.S. method.

You got a good camera, a nice set of lenses, a flash with bouncing ability, why do you need anything else?
Any other might modifiers will reduce the power of your flash. Plus the biggest softbox in the world will never be larger than a side of a wall or ceiling (no matter how high) Don't underestimate the power of speedlites!

These aren't the best, but here's what I did as a guest at a friend's wedding/reception:
http://www.flickr.com …n/sets/72157624​685394321/

I basically used my 5D2 and switched between my 35L & 135L w/ bounced flash on camera and my settings on manual and my flash power on manual too. (When the light is consistent, why have it on any other setting that can trick the camera?) Bounce the light to the closest white thing available to you and use your bounce card. My only regret is that I didn't gel my flash to match ambient.

My guess is that you're hoping for photos that will capture that special day, than having a technically sound photo.

K.I.S.S.

Congratulations on the engagment!

Thank you for the help. Can you please explain what K.I.S.S. is ?

javig999 wrote in post #11899475
I borrowed from the ABBC type modifiers and made a foam paper modifier that works well for me in most situations. The way that the velcro attachments are set-up, allows me to move the foam bounce area further back (allowing for more bounce off a ceiling/wall), or more forward (directing more of the light forward toward my subjects). Along with FEC, and ISO I can put more light on the subject, or bounce more into the background, etc. It's nice because I can still get the effect of bouncing off walls and ceilings, yet provide some fill that prevents shadows in faces, etc.

A few sample shots:

FOAM BOUNCER in "FORWARD" POSITION:

FOAM BOUNCER in "BOUNCE" POSITION:

ALL SHOTS at 1/80s, 5.6, ISO 400 - adjusted for Exposure, contrast, etc for optimized settings - no color changes.
DIRECT FLASH:

DIRECT BOUNCE - BARE FLASH:

FOAM BOUNCER in "BOUNCE" POSITION:

FOAM BOUNCER in "FORWARD" POSITION:

Hope this helps...its functional, versatile, and cheap!

I tried this at home using a blank piece of paper just to try it out, makes a huge difference. Thanks.