Quick question about proper flash...

I know the best answer is to always "know how to use" flash in general...

That being said, I currently shoot with a 430ex. I purchased a diffuser from my local camera shot & I have figured out how to use it, the only problem is that it works correctly for only about 25% of the situations where flash is needed.

I have an event coming up where I will need flash since it will be indoors with little to no light at all (concert).

I am about to buy a flip bracket since I will need to shoot vertically with flash.

My question is this, will getting the flip bracket and using the 430ex alone (no diffuser) be good enough for wide angle (17mm) to somewhat tele (100-200mm), in a dark environment that will be roughly the size of a small theater/concert area?

Should I invest in something like a Gary Fong? I am bringing some fast glass with me (1.8 & 2.8 ) so I am hoping that the faster glass & non-diffused flash will be appropriate.

Typically I shoot sports & small events, this is a bit outside of my normal (helping a friend out), and I just want to make sure I am prepared enough. I am open to getting different gear if needed.

Also, as a side question, what flash brackets work well for a gripped 7d/5d body?

I appreciate any/all help in advance.

Thanks.

JoeyCes,

Everytime you shoot you should ask yourself what exactly you want to capture. For example... if shooting a portrait/head and shoulders shot of someone I would want to light the subject in a manner that highlights the best features of the subject. The best way to do this is usually to use my own light whether it be flash or reflectors of ambient, or a combination depending on the environment.

In the case of concert photography I personally want to capture the look and feel that the stage and lighting crew is trying to portray. It's all about capturing that environment how you are seeing it live. That being said just about any amount of artificail light/flash that you introduce is going to totally spoil that look/feel and your images are not going to capture the scene as it was intended to be seen. On top of that flash can be very annoying to the performers and concert goers. So I would opt to not use any flash. Simply use large/wide open apertures and high ISO settings to capture it as is.

Ron

Ron,

Thanks for the reply...

I plan on shooting all stage & performance shots "as is" to capture the lighting and feeling from the venue, that is not my worry.

I am trying to plan for portraits on the fly in the crowd. I know from shooting in stadiums for sports, it becomes very tricky to try and not have hot spots on the people and extremely dark backgrounds.

Again, I appreciate the help, I think I have the stage shots covered, it's the crowd & non-performance shots I want to try and plan in advance...

Joey