Flash bracket and sync lead.

Merc

Merc

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Mark
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Hi all.

I have an indoor function to photograph in a couple of weeks time (Which i'm doing as a favour for someone who has helped my Mum out). I have a D700 and will probably mostly use a Nikon 24-70 F2.8 and a SB600.

Landscapes are my normal thing so i'm going to be out of my comfort zone.

I am thinking that a flash bracket would help and am not sure which way to go. I will be mobile all day so i won't be setting up flash on a tripod but would like it off camera.

Could anyone reccomend a system that would help? I don't plan on spending much as it won't be something that i would use very often.

I was thinking something like this? http://www.warehouseexpress.com/buy-kaiser-k1100-folding-flash-bracket/p1006101

But then i'm stuck as to what sync lead to get as sometimes the CLS hasn't worked properly in the past.

Your views and comments will be most welcome. Thanks.

Mark.
 
I wouldn't bother with a flash bracket and cord, though it won't do any harm.

Check the venue and if there's a normal white ceiling, make a simple bounce card (here www.abetterbouncecard.com ) or get a Stofen diffuser, which does much the same thing - Stofen copies on ebay for about £3. or from FITP. Try making a bounce card and do a few tests - something like with a business card and rubber band is perfect.

You'll be amazed at the results. Even better if you use slow-sync flash and slow down the shutter speed to match the ambient light level. For perfection, put a light-orange CTO gel on the flash to balance it with the artificial ambient light (assuming it's tungsten, light green for fluorescent) and set the camera to tungsten white balance.

If there isn't a reasonably low ceiling, a Lumiquest bouncer works well, either on or off camera. I like the the Quik Bounce, as it does so many other things too - including working like a big bounce card/Stofen. In all honesty, if you only buy one flash modifier, get this one for £40 http://www.lumiquest.com/products/quik-bounce.htm
 
Thanks for the reply Richard.

I would usually just bounce the flash and have a diffuser but the venue is a hour drive each way so checking it out will be difficult.

It starts at 12pm so i'm assuming there will be a certain amount of window light.

All i know is that it is a "Posh" sit down meal for an 80th Birthday.

Thanks for the links.
 
Merc said:
Thanks for the reply Richard.

I would usually just bounce the flash and have a diffuser but the venue is a hour drive each way so checking it out will be difficult.

It starts at 12pm so i'm assuming there will be a certain amount of window light.

All i know is that it is a "Posh" sit down meal for an 80th Birthday.

Thanks for the links.
Click to expand...

Get that LQ Quik Bounce, then you're covered. It does the lot, very versatile. Softens the light usefully - much more than most other modifiers. Because of the way it attaches, you can position the head off-centre similar to a flash bracket, and it does the same thing horizontal or vertical. If you want to shift the flash further away from the lens (though I'm not sure why you should want to) stick it on a bracket.

If there's a bit of daylight around, I probably wouldn't worry about bouncing at all and just bump the ISO to get a nice balance with the background. D700 is perfect for that. Don't overdo the flash - just a dash of fill-in will make all the difference, brightening faces and adding a nice sparkle in the eyes :thumbs:
 
Thanks again Richard.

I thought i would bump the ISO up as the D700 can handle it and just use fill flash. That Lumiquest looks just the job. I had a similar diffuser many years ago when i used film and if i looked hard enough could probably find it but the Lumiquest does look perfect.

Much appreciated.:thumbs:
 
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