Using as external flash + christenings

[chalky87]

Hi Guys,

Have a quick question for you lot.

I'm chuffed that I've been asked to be the photographer for a christening for 2 close friends of mine (especially chuffed as I still consider myself as very inexperienced and amateurish).

Of course I agreed but my first thought was I wanted to get natural and personal photos of the little one and her folks as well as group shots of everyone celebrating. With this in mind I don't want to shove a flash in a younguns face.

I've bought myself the sb400 speed gun and diffuser for my nikon d5100. However I have no idea how to use it properly. I've heard bouncing he light mentioned, when should I do this? He's anyone got any advice about using an external flash and getting some great, usable shots at a christening.

Cheers in advance

 

[pingu666]

that nikon guy has some good tutorials on youtube, and micheal ziebal?

do you mean a stofen?
7dayshop do a clone of the gary fong thing if you want to buy more gear btw

 

[Phil V]

Bouncing flash requires a suitable surface, rare in churches. So you either have to take your own surface*, take your chances, or shoot in available light. I'd mix it up, do you have a fast lens for available light shots?

* a reflector held by an assistant does wonders.

 

[LongLensPhotography]

Bouncing flash requires a suitable surface, rare in churches. So you either have to take your own surface*, take your chances, or shoot in available light. I'd mix it up, do you have a fast lens for available light shots?

* a reflector held by an assistant does wonders.

they might not even allow flash in a church. I would think about fast prime like 50mm f/1.4

Reflector is only good for posed shots

 

[PeteMo]

Keep it simple.

Forget the flash, crank up the ISO a notch and even a 50mm f1.8 will probably do.

If it's new to you remove the worry of flash etc and just shoot.

Just my opinion.

 

[specialman]

Be mindful that the SB400 only bounces vertically so with camera in horizontal position you'll have to bounce off a surface above you, and with the camera on the vertical (i.e. on the side) you'll need a surface to your left or right to bounce off. The former poses problems if the surface (ceiling) is too high, as you'll lose power. If you're bouncing off a wall then make sure you don't have obstructions in the way that will cause shadows and ruin the bounce