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02/28/2005 11:23:12 PM · #1 |
I am preparing to try my hand at wedding photography, using a digital Rebel. I have looked at many a weddding photog's site and am not impressed by many of them, technically speaking (bad color balance, underexposed pics, bad bad composition and no editing/cropping).
I have 2 trial shoots later this year, and am in the equipment acquisition phase...next on the list is an on camera flash...and I have some questions about that and brackets.
I am thinking either the canon 550EX or the sigma EF500DG Super 2. Anyone have any recomendations on either, or more specifically, what modes do you shoot in at weddings and how do you use YOUR flash?
What about flash brackets or battery grips? When turning the camera for a portrait shot, the flash will of course be turned...they make brackets to turn the flash to the correct orentation - how much does this help (vs the extra weight and or hassle or turning the flash?)
What about diffusers or a soft box on the flash?
If you have to take pics of large a group or other formal shots, do you use any auxiliary flash and if so what? (i have a couple of slave flashes, GN 70 or so and tripods to hold them)
I might also try some senior portraits - 99% of them her are done outside in a park setting. Any suggestions on that (while i have your attention..)
thanks
chris
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02/28/2005 11:30:54 PM · #2 |
I have the canon flash and love it! I shoot mainly outdoor weddings, and try to use as much natural light as possible. I haev been stuck in the church(rain, cold) quite a few times, and you will have to make due. I am fortunate to have a nice light set for just such a catastrophy. With your flash and that rebel, you will be able to get some great photojournalistic shots, but fot the large group formals, you will have to be creative. I have a stroboframe flash bracket, which I personally like because of the feel, and comfort. It really doues help even out the shadows. I wish you the best, and if ya have any questions, feel free to email or ask. I am still in the learning process, but a LOT of years into it. B
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02/28/2005 11:41:32 PM · #3 |
| I would say that a bracket is a must. You can get by without it and some would disagree. You are looking for a flip bracket. It will allow you ro keep the flash on top. You will need to get a Canon off camera attachment to keep the ettl or ttl working with the bracket. Calumet photo has them and I am sure others do also. I would also get an external power source. A bit more weight but well worth it. Quantum has several batteries. I use a Quantum Qflash T4D and aQuantum Turbo pack. I can do a full wedding and not have to worry about running out of power. Besides it will recharge very quickly. If you are going to do a lot of weddings, I woul dreccomend that you get a Quantum instead of the Canon. I have a 580EX but I use the Quantum for the weddings. I sometimes use the 580EX at the reception, but not always. Good luck. |
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02/28/2005 11:48:57 PM · #4 |
In agreement with gwphoto. I've got the same flashes (T4D and 550/580) and use them the same way he mentioned. Highly recommend the external battery sources. Get a battery grip if for no other reason then to look more professional when shooting with the rebel. You could use a lumiquest softbox on your canon flash as well as a dozen different kinds of bounces. Talk to your camera store :-)
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03/01/2005 12:09:41 AM · #5 |
Originally posted by GoldBerry:
Talk to your camera store :-) |
The newest member here probably knows more about this subject. And they certainly have more passion!
The bracket seems like a good idea, and doable. Adds to the pro look as well. I am not sold on the battery grip idea - i want a lightweight package (i got a bad case of tengonitis on my first day out with the rebel..still in pain nealy 2 months later!) I can get 300 or more shots on 1 charge, so to carry and change a battery at 200 or 250 shots is doable. Same for the flash batteries, although i know the packs recycle quicker.
The Quantum looks NICE, but that will have to wait until i have a paying gig or 2!
I suppose i need to DL and read the 500 and 550 flash manuals and give them a read. I want a predictable flash result..my current flash is totally manual and works, but I have to think alot regarding ditance and exposure and keep checking the histograms. I know the 550 goes into different modes (fill or full)depending on the camera mode (auto, ev, tv, manual, etc) and total EV...i think this is one of hte reasons for hte negatives i hear about it, it's unpredictablability (one shot is good, the next underexposed, etc).
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