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08/16/2004 03:31:09 PM · #1 |
Hi there. I have a question about lighting, which is something i'm very concerned about and also not very knowledgeable about.
Particularly about portrait lighting and lighting for events such as weddings - reception halls - etc. I want to get more into photographing weddings, etc. and I have worked with another photographer as an assistant but she doesn't use anything onther than on-camera flash... so I haven't gotten to learn too much about this issue...
I have been reading about photographers who use several light stands around the reception hall, and have radio-controlled flashes that go off when the photographer takes the picture. What would these be? I have a Canon Digital Rebel (FINALLY GOT IT!!) and I am wondering if just a couple Canon Speedlites with slave-capabilties... such as something like this //www.adorama.com/CA550EXUK.html would be all I need??? And... do all of the flashes go off at the same time? How do they sync up EXACTLY to the shutter of the camera?? I am having trouble understanding this whole concept, and I apologize if I sound stupid, heh.
I really want to take better photos, that's the bottom line. I want to learn more about lighting. I want to invest in a good light kit.... i just don't know where to even start!! |
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08/16/2004 04:51:47 PM · #2 |
well if thats what you are aiming to do - you should have saved up for the 10d - as the 300d doesn't have the option of remote flashes.
just the hot shoe on top of the camera.
although with say the 420ex flash, and a couple reflectors you could get decent three sided light from the mounted flash. flash in front reflectors to the sides of the subject - i would think your mentor there would have used something along thses lines if all that was used was a hot shoe flash.
hell of a lot cheaper than remote controled lamps and flashes too.
Message edited by author 2004-08-16 16:52:05.
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08/22/2004 08:11:52 PM · #3 |
I dont want to step on any toes or anything, but here is the actual scoop. ... What the 10d has and the 300d is lacking is what is known as a PC flash sync port (not sure if thats treally the correct term but I think it is). This port allows a sync cord which would connect an external flash to the camera in order to sync the shutter with the flash unit. This port is not the only way to "pop" the flash. With you hotshoe (the connection on top of you camera) you can attach a hotshoe/sync port adapter (similar to this one: look up Wein at bh, the link won't work
This is one option. The other options are along the same lines where you fire the remote using your hotshoe. The above option is the cheapest as it basically adds the missing PC port through the hotshoe. Others such as PocketWizard add wireless transmitters to the hotshoe and then require a received either built into the pack (ie Profoto Acute2R) or purchased spearately. The middle of the road option if you want to stick with the speed lites would be this: //www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=226523&is=USA
which I can vouch is awesome. The best part is that the STE2 will fire some other external strobes with IR slaves. I have used it on a Powershot G1 with I believe calumet monoblocks.
PM me if you have more questions.
Hope this helps!
Josh
Message edited by author 2004-08-22 20:13:33. |
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08/22/2004 08:22:09 PM · #4 |
Sorry,
I shoot Nikon, so I don't know Canon,
but don't they make flashes that sync to other flashes cordless?
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08/22/2004 08:40:22 PM · #5 |
Yes, Canon's Speedlight's can operate in a wireless mode with any of their recent cameras, including the Digital Rebel. Both the 550EX and ST-E2 can operate as "masters" and control other 550EX or 420EX "slave" Speedlights.
For more information on Canon's wireless E-TTL system, see this page of the Flash Work brochure.
Note that Canon's Wireless E-TTL is much different than just having multiple optically-triggered slave flashes. The Wireless E-TTL system actually meters each flash in the group individually a split-second before the actual exposure, and wirelessly adjusts the power to achieve proper flash exposure, all without any manual "tinkering" with the flashes.
Message edited by author 2004-08-22 20:42:22.
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08/23/2004 12:58:14 PM · #6 |
EddyG makes a good point about E-TTL on the newer canons.. The greatest part about the STE-2 is that it doesnt fire a flash with light, it uses IR so I believe if you turn off the ETTL it will trigger a strobe correctly. Actually, it should work even in ETTL because you would have the camera in manual mode and you would be setting the exposure yourself, ie... Shutter to 1/125 or 1/60 (doesnt matter because of the strobes) and the F-stop to your flash meter reading...
sp00f |
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08/23/2004 01:13:02 PM · #7 |
| My best suggestion is to spend about $400 for 2 "C" stands, 10 A clamps, and a Westcott 60" 6 in 1 reflector kit. I just shot a wedding at night all with one Nikon 800 flash and the reflectors and it turned out to be my best ever. I did wrap a 85 over my flash to more closely match the color temp of incandescent lights, and shot the flash into a bounce card strapped above the camera. |
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