Portable flash portraits? (events)

[dancook]

Assuming you have no ceiling to work with!

How far would you go for decent mobile flash setup?

I recently setup my 5dm2 with grip, in a flash bracket topped with a 600RT and lumiquest quikbounce (has doors that can be opened for ceiling bounce). I'm thinking the modifier provides too small an area, and positioned directly above the lens, perhaps it's uninteresting?

I'd like to improve my photos, is there more I can do with the flash setup? perhaps something like this? (minus the reflector dish I guess)

http://www.karlu.com/images/products/Ezybox-Hotshoe-in-action-2.jpg

Also with crowds of people in the background, would you consider increasing the shutter speed to black them out and use the flash solely to light the subject?

Here's some examples of my setup output, with some PP i'm sorry.


Star Wars by dancook1982, on Flickr


IMG_1513 by dancook1982, on Flickr


Moxxi - Borderlands by dancook1982, on Flickr


IMG_1570 by dancook1982, on Flickr

 

[dancook]

I thought I might add - I'm sure I saw someone at this event with a honeycomb modifier of some sort. Something to consider, to reduce light spillage around subject?

Or a ring flash modifier? I'm googling...

Multiple flashes? I'm really open to ideas..

 

[HoppyUK]

LQ QuikBounce is a great little device and to improve on that you need something substantially bigger, as per your link.

I have something similar, with two guns on a bracket - one into a softbox and the second to provide independent or simultaneous ceiling/wall bounce. It works brilliantly I have to say, kinda studio on legs, but is obviously cumbersome and attracts a few smiles Most of these things involve a fair bit of DIY.

I used to use it with a simple shoot-though brolly and that was good (v light and easy) but now with a GamiLight 43 softbox for more control. It's also very light and not too deep http://photo-tips-online.com/review/gamilight-square-43-softbox/

 

[dancook]

Thanks! The GamiLight looks good.

I don't mind about cumbersome my current rig attracted a few comments, I've had a few people ask me if I was professional. (The preferred response!)

I think "studio on legs" is what I'm looking for, but a little less 'DIY look' if there are manufactured alternatives.

 

[HoppyUK]

Thanks! The GamiLight looks good.

I don't mind about cumbersome my current rig attracted a few comments, I've had a few people ask me if I was professional. (The preferred response!)

I think "studio on legs" is what I'm looking for, but a little less 'DIY look' if there are manufactured alternatives.

My rig doesn't look DIY at all. It has got some bits I made myself but mostly it's a mix of different components from various sources. I don't think anyone makes anything like it off the shelf.

At the heart of it is a Lastolite flash bracket http://www.wexphotographic.com/buy-lastolite-camera-bracket/p1519332 though I've removed the vertical flip feature, to reduce weight and improve balance, and because I never used it. It's hard enough to wield the thing anyway

Edit: I like the look of this small folding softbox, available in two sizes, similar to Aurora Firefly http://www.enjoyyourcamera.com/Stud...e-softbox-Diffuser-40-for-flashgun::5644.html Calumet also sells them. Oh, and same retailer also sells the GamiLight.