Flash indoors - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II

06/26/2007 08:51:38 AM · #1

Hello, i'm photographing a wedding soon and would like some tips and advice on using my flash (580EX) indoors.
The venue has gorgeous grounds so hopefully it will be lovely weather and mostly outdoors but on the off chance it rains and we're indoors i'd like to;
be able to light a room and subject without blinding and getting the garish pure brilliant white flash.
I think i'll bounce it off the ceilings as they are about 15ft high.
What settings can i use to just illuminate the subject to make sure they stand out abit from the backgrounds etc?

Thanks very very much.

MattO

Nikon D4

06/26/2007 09:08:18 AM · #2

I'd get a Gary Fong lightsphere or similar device to help and depending on ceiling height either go dome on or dome off.

MattO

06/26/2007 09:31:09 AM · #3

Yeah i've got a lightsphere i think it's called on the end.
Basically a clouded plastic hood to soften the light.

Nullix

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

06/26/2007 09:31:45 AM · #4

If you have time, practice going manual. That's all I use for indoor flash. Set your apature wide open and some shutter speed to not cause blurring and shoot away.

Make sure you understand your flash.

Also look up Dragging the shutter

tate

Apple iPhone 15 Pro

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D

06/26/2007 09:50:30 AM · #5

I just got this: Lumiquest 80/20 Kit - as indicated, it can be used in several ways - they say the silver reflector is good for weddings - not sure if you want to add the diffuser in front of it. It also indicates approximate stop loss for each method. I don't have samples on me right now but I'm sure they can be found osomewhere in in the tubes of the internets ;P

ExcaliburVT

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

06/26/2007 09:57:53 AM · #6

I've built two of these:

//super.nova.org/DPR/DIY01/

DONT LOOK AT THE CARDBOARD VERSION, SEE THE FOAM VERSION LATER ON DOWN THE PAGE.

They are GREAT and can fold up easily into my camera bag. I take one with me everywhere I go. The best part is that it took like $10 in materials to make two of the things, and about an hour cutting and sewing it together.

If you do make one, you definitely need to sew it by hand, the sewing machine tears the foam. Another option is to glue it together, which I may do in the future if I need to make more of them.

Message edited by author 2007-06-26 09:59:40.

06/26/2007 12:53:31 PM · #7

Good ideas but i'd like some advice on the equipment i already have.
I've got;
30D (350D as backup)
24-70 2.8L (which i'm hoping might negate the need for a flash in some cases)
580EX + stofen omnibounce thing or whatever it's called.

I'm guessing leave it P + eTTL ?
I'm not comfortable enough for pure manual with the flash i don't think.

Nullix

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

06/26/2007 01:45:29 PM · #8

Originally posted by Ben:

I'm not comfortable enough for pure manual with the flash i don't think.

Then you shouldn't be shooting the wedding. I'm hoping you're not the paid professional, but the the Uncle Bob instead.

If you're Uncle Bob, put it on "P" and shoot away. You should really checkout manual mode with flash. It's the only thing I use it for. Besides, it's digital, get jiggy-wid-it and go manual. If worse comes to worse, delete it.

Also, if you're Uncle Bob, do be aware of the Pro shooting. You might even introduce yourself and ask for pointers or to help.

Uncle Bob: A relative or friend of the bride or groom who brings their cameras and get in the professionals way during key moments in the ceremony. Can be an Aunt Betty, but they're usually more aware of their surroundings.

_eug

Nikon D50

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

06/26/2007 02:51:51 PM · #9

Originally posted by Ben:

I'm not comfortable enough for pure manual with the flash i don't think.

I learn this recently. It's easy. My D50 when I have the flash on sets itself to 1/60s regardless of the aperture I set. To get more background light switch to manual with the same aperture but try 1/30s or 1/15s. Easy as pie.

Go practice this doing sunset or night portraits and it'll become natural.

jemison

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

06/26/2007 03:38:35 PM · #10

Originally posted by Ben:

Try setting your camera to manual - something like f/4 1/100sec for starters - and have your flash on TTL. Don't put your flash into manual unless you are very sure of what you are doing. Setting the camera to manual will give you very consistent ambient exposures and the TTL flash mode will take care of the rest.

Nullix

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

06/26/2007 03:58:59 PM · #11

Hey, also watch for back lighting:

Windows opening out to the sun outside.
Lights pointing at your camera.

They might screw with your E-TTL. You'll have to experiment around, but when I have something that's heavily backlit, I pump up the flash exposure +1. You'll have to check your manual how to do that.

If that's too much, just be aware of the background and the light coming from it.

Oh and make sure you have plenty of batteries!!!

ragamuffingirl

Sony Alpha NEX-5N

Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

06/26/2007 07:29:48 PM · #12

Ben, just as an aside, my 30D seemed to go for dragging the shutter automatically if I just left it in P mode. I took this picture using my flash in P-mode.

I was trying to achieve the same with this picture, but I was shooting manually. Obviously, I failed miserably.

Anyway, mess around with your camera and see what it does and in which setting.

doctornick

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

06/26/2007 08:07:02 PM · #13

Don't forget, outdoor shots can benefit greatly from some fill-flash.

AND YES GET A gary fong lightsphere for indoors.

Message edited by author 2007-06-26 20:07:41.

06/27/2007 07:59:43 PM · #14

Ok thanks everyone.
I think that's my main concern, how can i be sure my flash will act as a simple 'fill flash' rather than blinding people?
I need settings people. :P

Thanks again.

fotomann_forever

06/27/2007 08:35:29 PM · #15

//www.dpchallenge.com/tutorial.php?TUTORIAL_ID=51

Check out the section on dragging the shutter.

jemison