Flash set-up for bars/clubs etc.

[paleblue]

I have a question regarding a set up. I'm a newbie when it comes to lighting techniques so please be kind :bonk:.

I have a job shooting an event at a club, and while I am getting on quite well with my 430ex, I want to add directional light and was thinking of getting a 270ex to act as a controller while I hold the 430ex off to the side.

Is this overkill? Also I presume ceiling bounce won't work so I'm thinking of making my own flash bounce out of an opaque milk bottle like cravendale. Is there a better material/method of equal cheapness.

 

[david1701]

270 can't be a controller, you would need an ST-E2 or a 550/580EX

what about a ttl cable that'd give you a meter off camera, I've just used ebay triggers and manual control before in a club - ball park controlling the exposure by moving my hand forward or back a bit takes a little practice but once you have the feel for it it just works

Intend to have RF remote ttl by the end of the summer though

 

[paleblue]

Doh! I was hoping I could use it as a controller, but appears you're right. The ST-E2 is £150! pretty expensive for what it is so i'll probably take your advice and get an off camera cord, at least until I get used to off camera techniques.

 

[david1701]

yeah

and learn manual its great fun

 

[paleblue]

yeah

and learn manual its great fun

Are you talking about the manual setting on the camera? or with the speedlite? I usually use the manual setting on camera for light trails and effects, haven't really experimented much with the speedlite though to be honest!

 

[david1701]

manual flash, so set the power manually on the flash unit, you also need to have the camera in manual else it gets confuddled


though manual flash in a club is a helluva thing to be using as it takes a lot of practice and delivers 'inconsistent' results I got my shots with ttl on the shoe for a bit then started playing with the flash on 1/64 or 1/32 in my left hand