580EXII + Dark Banquet Hall + 17 People

I just wanted to share this shot from my dad's 70th birthday party last year. When all the guests had gone home for the evening, we took a couple quick shots of the entire family (That's me on the camera's right end with my wife and kids). We only took three shots with self-timer, but thankfully most of the kids are at an age where they cooperate nicely! I can't blame "my littlest nephew" in the back for his lack of interest.

THE TECHNICALS:

This was a typical banquet hall with poor lighting. I set up the tripod facing out toward the hall. I angled my 580EXII (on board my 5DmkII) back and into the upper right corner of the wall/ceiling. I'm happy we were able to get this family shot! Thanks for looking. Any comments welcomed!

Tim

That is a very nice family photo.

Did you go with E-TTL or manual exposure? Either way it turned out really nice. Lighting is directional, flattering, and the group is evenly lit. Well done!

Maxwell, thank you very much! E-TTL.

what were the settings on your flash & camera ?

So you actually pointed the flash away from the subjects?
I'm just curious, as this is an excellent shot! I also have the 5D2 & 580EX2...thinking of getting a tripod for family photos like this one.
Great job!

picard wrote in post #10614002
what were the settings on your flash & camera ?

35mm, f/5, 1/40, ISO 800, AWB
E-TTL

aboss3 wrote in post #10614006
So you actually pointed the flash away from the subjects?
I'm just curious, as this is an excellent shot! I also have the 5D2 & 580EX2...thinking of getting a tripod for family photos like this one.
Great job!

Thanks! Yes, the corner of the walls/ceiling acted like a large bounce umbrella.

Nice job.

I like your shot. It is perfect.

Do you notice any significance between the 50 mm 1.4 and 35mm ?

would the Sigma 50mm F/1.4 be suitable for this shot too ?

That is a great shot. All eyes are open and everyone is cooperating.... Good choice on using the walls and ceiling for bounce.

I don't think using studio lights would have turned out this good.

Excellent capture and a good looking family.

Once again - awesome! I will try to use the same technique next time I'm shooting a family gathering. Bouncing off the corner/back wall sounds like a smart idea.
Thanks for posting!

excellent

awesome shot!

Nice shot, I'm just curious also, how far is the back wall ?