Which flashgun for interiors?

B

Bettybarchetta

Suspended / Banned
Messages
9
Edit My Images
No
Hi

I have been asked to photograph some new apartments and an indoor swimming pool. This is a bit out of my comfort zone as I usually do child portraits, but I am keen to give it my best shot and expand my horizons.

I am using a Canon 40D and have just bought the Sigma 10-20mm lens on recommendation. Now I need some help with lighting. I am hoping to utilise natural light as much as possible but at this time of year I can't count on it. So, will a flashgun do the job? If so, can anyone recommend one that won't break the bank?

Thanks
BettyB
 
Try the Canon Speedlite 430 EX II but point the flash at a nearby ceiling or wall to bounce the flash and create a wider and softer light source.

You will struggle to get a flash that will throw out a beam of light wide enough to cover the angle of view taken in by the Sigma lens. Bounce flash is your only real option.

The 430 EX II can be had for £160 to £200 and is well worth it.
 
If you have to do it with one one camera flash just buy the most powerful you can afford, you can never have too much power! But you don't sounds too confident about it so you might be better of buying a tripod and using available light from whatever the room has. Don't forget though that as soon as you have two different types of light you'll have colour balance issues that will mean either blending multiple RAW exposures or gelling your lights to get them to somewhere near the same colour temp.
 
Kev M said:
Don't forget though that as soon as you have two different types of light you'll have colour balance issues that will mean either blending multiple RAW exposures or gelling your lights to get them to somewhere near the same colour temp.
Click to expand...

Be aware though that most flashguns are daylight balanced (or thereabouts) and will work well to fill shadows whilst using the daylight to provide the main light.

Bounce the flash off a suitable white wall or ceiling or if this is not possible I would put the camera and flash on a tripod, set the flash aimed away from the subject and hold a large sheet of white card or polystyrene to provide something for the flash to bounce off. This will give you the advantage of allowing you to bounce the light exactly where you need it.

If using daylight as the main light, do not try to use room lighting (of any type) to fill the shadows, this will lead to all sorts of colour balance problems as suggested in the quoted post.
 
A 580EXII will suit upto a 14mm wide angle lens.
 
You don't need a flashgun - you need a tripod!
 
awp said:
You don't need a flashgun - you need a tripod!
Click to expand...

Actually, you probably need both to give you some chance of balancing the light nicely. but a tripod will be more useful if you can only afford one of them.
 
Thanks everyone......I have ordered the 430EXII and already have a tripod so I am good to go now!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top