To flash or not to flash, that is the question...

Ever seen Jonas Peterson's work? He rarely uses a flash - in fact, I can't recall an image he's shot with one. And American Photo has him in the top 10 in the world.

Doesn't this totally miss the point ? There are in fact scenarios for which NOT using a flash will produce unacceptable results. These might be only occasional shots or shots past a certain hour or shots at certain venues--but these situations do occur. I'm certain that when they do arrive, this Jonas dude uses his already developed flash knowledge and pops in that flash. The point ? Even if he rarely uses it, he at least knows how and has the gear to make it happen. I think this should be pre-requisite.

vanmidd wrote in post #17134543
Ever seen Jonas Peterson's work? He rarely uses a flash - in fact, I can't recall an image he's shot with one. And American Photo has him in the top 10 in the world.

The example you give of a wedding for which you didn't need flash doesn't show hardly any reception shots or dancing photos. That's not really representative of most weddings I don't think.

vanmidd wrote in post #17134539
nor did I use them for this one:

http://vanmiddleton.co​m …/adrianna-nathan-newrybar

You're right, I read it as "rarely", not "never".

One of the examples - the other one included a reception shot in a dark basement restaurant. (To be fair, there was dance-floor action, or I would have pulled it out).

But my point is that my flash often stays in my bag. I guess it was more a contrarian viewpoint to those suggesting a flash should be used during prep, ceremony, locations reception etc. And sf course I agree that understanding how to use a flash and having them onboard at all times is a must.

Your work--it's great--obviously speaks for itself. I'm finding that the more I shoot the more I gravitate toward your viewpoint re: flash usage, mainly because, yes, whipping out the flash and setting up can be harmful, literally, to the possibility for movement and spontaneity. I just fear threads like this one serving as justification (for thread lurkers) to avoid study of how to light when the ambient ain't doing it.

vanmidd wrote in post #17135023
One of the examples - the other one included a reception shot in a dark basement restaurant. (To be fair, there was dance-floor action, or I would have pulled it out).

But my point is that my flash often stays in my bag. I guess it was more a contrarian viewpoint to those suggesting a flash should be used during prep, ceremony, locations reception etc. And sf course I agree that understanding how to use a flash and having them onboard at all times is a must.

Fair point. I guess I'm just trying to add balance to the viewpoint of the first two commenters. I just can't imagine setting up off-camera lights when I show up at the bride's place, and they're getting ready, enjoying themselves, being natural. As soon as that flash starts popping, something's dead. Also, it kills time, which otherwise could be spent sneaking around, trying to catch those special moments.

I'm actually a big fan of good flash work. If I ever do a workshop, it will be with someone like Tony Hoffer, who is a master of artificial light. Amazing stuff.

I guess I'm a lurker who has no interest in flash other than bouncing it from on camera now and again during the reception. The rest of the time they just act as weights in my bag.

Personally I have no interest (nor need) in learning anything beyond that.

No way you can set up lightstand during the getting ready. I use on camera flash and bounce. If the room is well lit then I will use natural light. So really it depends on what the situation is.

Some rooms have 4 walls and no windows, you need to do something to get dimension.

^While I don't use a lightstand during getting ready, my assistant carries a monopod with a flash atop it. If I don't need it, it stays off; if I do, I turn it on and she bounces it according to my direction, which she's pretty good at guessing now. If I think the room is too small OR I can bounce well from atop my camera, I'll have her wait outside. As has been stated by Tim and others often, it's very often about quality of light, not quantity. Faster lenses, higher ISOs and lower shutter speeds can't change the quality or direction of the ambient light you happen to find yourself in; and sometimes that light is just unacceptable.

Christopher Steven b wrote in post #17135210
^While I don't use a lightstand during getting ready, my assistant carries a monopod with a flash atop it. If I don't need it, it stays off; if I do, I turn it on and she bounces it according to my direction, which she's pretty good at guessing now. If I think the room is too small OR I can bounce well from atop my camera, I'll have her wait outside. As has been stated by Tim and others often, it's very often about quality of light, not quantity. Faster lenses, higher ISOs and lower shutter speeds can't change the quality or direction of the ambient light you happen to find yourself in; and sometimes that light is just unacceptable.

Totally spot on. An assistant with a monopod works unless you have 8 bridesmaids getting ready in a small hotel room *LOL*

When you have fast lenses and full frame camera flash becomes a matter of personal style. I use only flash during dancing part of the reception.

Christopher Steven b wrote in post #17135210
Faster lenses, higher ISOs and lower shutter speeds can't change the quality or direction of the ambient light you happen to find yourself in; and sometimes that light is just unacceptable.

Very true. With engagement shoots I can choose the location (scenic) and the time (early morning or evening). Weddings, at least where I shoot, generally take place outdoors during the harshest light of day. Brides get ready in small, dark rooms that are crammed full of clothes, makeup, etc (and don't even get me started on the rooms grooms get stuck with). Without the ability to create nice lighting--or to at least modify extremely harsh lighting--, I'd get the same shots as a typical bridesmaid would, or a wedding guest. As I've said in a dozen or so posts here on POTN, knowing how to use on- and off-camera lighting can actually make photos appear more natural, not less, by replicating how our eyes see the world, not how our cameras do.

scorpio_e wrote in post #17135188
No way you can set up lightstand during the getting ready. I use on camera flash and bounce. If the room is well lit then I will use natural light. So really it depends on what the situation is.

Some rooms have 4 walls and no windows, you need to do something to get dimension.

That is my favorite song, Ed .

I only use flash during the reception for creative shots. I have two remote speed-lights on light stands and manually mix and adjust their power. It definitely depends on your style. I shoot more documentary way so I don't mind noise in high ISO.