Challenging high ceilings in Chinese Restaurants

Direct flash on a bracket tends to look better than a flashgun in the hotshoe with a tiny diffuser on it. It also saves power and time. If it was just being used for a bit of fill then your whole direct-flash hangup is a non-issue. I don't know how you can possibly call anything 'harsh' without seeing the finished product either.

I think I'll start experimenting with direct flash for fill indoors. As a hobbyist and NOT a self proclaimed "wedding photog" I posted this thread to see how people approach this difficult lighting.

Please remember that this particular reception there isn't a whole lot of stuff going on. Peoples stomach's are growling and after dessert is served the room thins out almost instantly in these types of receptions (fact). I got alot of nice candids and "speech" pictures. I just find direct flash and interesting choice indoors. I am amazed how direct flash as a main light source be flattering.

This thread has truly opened my eyes regarding flash. I never would have thought direct flash would be used as a main light source indoors. I guess in an album the B&G do not regard those photos highly compared to poised photos.

direct flash is something I noticed too when watching US President's speeches and press conferences. not that I am saying it is something that should be done however, I think it is more of how you control the light and the camera settings. I am not defending the photog or claiming he may have done a great job however, given a set of tools, it all comes down on how a person uses them (given the skill).

It is indeed intriguing on what the results are...I wonder if we could somehow see the wedding photog's work. I too am not a fan of direct flash but if I have no choice (no ceiling and wall to bounce, using bounce card would yield not much of a difference), direct flash would be my last resort.

I know this thread is old but...using direct flash set the flash to M and use the nuff power for the distance. It is good to gel the flash to balance things out. Using direct flash with gels..

How do pros deal with this you ask? Off camera lights.