Advice for flash setup at weddings

[aaz01]

I have shot a few friend/family weddings and would like to seek out some new couples as I enjoy it.

The only flash I've used at weddings so far has been either bounced off a ceiling or direct fill-flash when outside on sunny days.
I don't want to use flash much, because I prefer to stay "covert" for 90% of shots (I use 6D as main camera and f2.8 zoom or primes - so there's usually enough light).

BUT - If I'm going to do ask for proper money, I feel I should be more skilled with lighting! The most I've done is set up a couple of umbrellas with PT-04 style triggers for simple corporate portraits and wedding photo booths.

So - I'm looking for advice or links that will give me some inspiration for some "lightweight" lighting at weddings.

Specifically I'd like to know:
1) Will an on-camera softbox (like the Lumiquest Softboxes) improve light quality when I can't bounce it (high ceilings or outside)
2) What kind of lightstands/umbrellas/softboxes are recommended for off-camera flash, to make setting them up and carrying them around as painless as possible

 

[Phil V]

I think this is arse about face tbh!

If you're setting yourself a project, or running a business, you should set off with a problem, then find a solution. You've decided the solution is OCF, now you're looking to find the problem to suit it.

I use OCF to shoot in falling light or for an added bit of drama, for controlled lighting portraits indoors and for first dance shots. I can shoot without OCF and the customer wouldn't think they'd been short changed in the least.

 

[LongLensPhotography]

1) a tiny bit. It is still direct on camera flash... If you could stick that to your left with your hand (cable or trigger) that would be better. Not easy I know with 24-70 and full size body.

2) The more you get the harder it will get to move, so it seems the way to go is assitant(s) with softbox on monopod for speed. Or they will have to allow more time / less photos while you fiddle with the stands (and they have a tendency to fall down in wind. But you don't want to have a few sandbags on your head on top of that). Indoors you can just setup cleverly and hopefully that would be good enough for the whole evening. Have a look at super clamps as potential alternative to full stands.

 

[Sir SR]

Having been at a friends wedding this weekend, I'd have to say its worth considering a flashbender. Bought on a whim and I've been nothing but impressed. Given that you can also add a diffuser to turn it into a mini softbox, it's worth a punt.

 

[aaz01]

I think this is arse about face tbh!

If you're setting yourself a project, or running a business, you should set off with a problem, then find a solution. You've decided the solution is OCF, now you're looking to find the problem to suit it.

I use OCF to shoot in falling light or for an added bit of drama, for controlled lighting portraits indoors and for first dance shots. I can shoot without OCF and the customer wouldn't think they'd been short changed in the least.

The "problem" is that there are times when I could improve the quality of the shots I get with the use of flash. So far I have been able to get by with bouncing off a white ceiling or bumping up the ISO.

But I would like the option of shooting at narrower apertures, and a safeguard in case the ceiling isn't white.

My skill with flash could definitely be improved - so maybe after a bit of practice I'll see how it can help me.

 

[aaz01]

1) a tiny bit. It is still direct on camera flash... If you could stick that to your left with your hand (cable or trigger) that would be better. Not easy I know with 24-70 and full size body.

2) The more you get the harder it will get to move, so it seems the way to go is assitant(s) with softbox on monopod for speed. Or they will have to allow more time / less photos while you fiddle with the stands (and they have a tendency to fall down in wind. But you don't want to have a few sandbags on your head on top of that). Indoors you can just setup cleverly and hopefully that would be good enough for the whole evening. Have a look at super clamps as potential alternative to full stands.

Thanks for that. I plan to have assistants/second-shooters for paid jobs, so that would be a good idea!

 

[aaz01]

Having been at a friends wedding this weekend, I'd have to say its worth considering a flashbender. Bought on a whim and I've been nothing but impressed. Given that you can also add a diffuser to turn it into a mini softbox, it's worth a punt.

I'll be honest - I didn't really believe that these things made much difference.

I have just "imitated" one by sellotaping white card to my flash and trying some simple portraits with/without. The difference is immense! Not only is lighting nicer (in my opinion), it also allows me to decrease the output of the flash quite a bit (less battery changes & faster recharge are very welcome!)

Will definitely get myself a flashbender. Any idea if the "diffusion panel" add-on is worth it?

 

[Sir SR]

I'll be honest - I didn't really believe that these things made much difference.

I have just "imitated" one by sellotaping white card to my flash and trying some simple portraits with/without. The difference is immense! Not only is lighting nicer (in my opinion), it also allows me to decrease the output of the flash quite a bit (less battery changes & faster recharge are very welcome!)

Will definitely get myself a flashbender. Any idea if the "diffusion panel" add-on is worth it?

I was a bit sceptical too but there are a couple of flashbender threads in the people/portraits critique section which show its ability!

I bought the diffusion panel so I could use it off camera as a softbox. Has to be close but worked well.

Got some nice images at the wedding with it on camera too (without the diffuser)

S

 

[DoubleT]

I use ofc with brollies , and strap my bag to the base if it's windy, seems to do the job ok . If I'm shooting flash on camera I always shoot rear curtain and expose for the scene so that you get ambient light with a little fill flash . Seems to work well in my opinion.

 

[Steve Smith]

I made my own bounce flash adaptor for a Vivitar 285.

The white surface is some photo paper, there are some stiffening pieces and the back is covered with self adhesive foam. It is held in place with velcro straps.


Steve.

 

[FlyTVR]

Weddings are fast paced events. Getting 20 mins with B&G can be good going. So, I would say that using OCF at a wedding is something that you will need to be smooth and efficient with. I guess what I am saying is not to put yourself under too much pressure. Don't forget that if you set up a shot, the B&G will expect to see it after the wedding.

Good luck with it all!