Last minute Flash advice

[Alpha_7]

Damn,

I've been so preoccupied I have forgotten to ask, I'm taking photo's at my sister in laws wedding, (leaving really soon). And I just wanted to double checked what mode I should have the SB-800 on, or any tips to using the flash for this type of photography.

I was planning on keeping the diffuser on, and bouncing the flash where I was able, not sure of the conditions at the church, or reception so I'll have to play it by hear. I was just wondering if, its better to put the flash into TTL mode or something and let it do most the thinking, and just dial EV on the flash to suit the pics I'm taking ?

Any quick suggestions or tips are appreciated.

[MCWB]

Bounce where you can, AA or TTL doens't seem to make much difference. TTL-BL if you're using it outdoors as fill flash. Check that you're allowed to use the flash in the church too, good luck!

[Matt. K]

Craig
Indoors. Camera set to manual...shutter speed - 1/125 and f5.6 and gun to TTL

outdoors camera to Program mode set to f5.6 and gun to TTL BL

[PiroStitch]

Good luck Craig

Sorry to whore your post, but does TTL-BL chew up more battery power than TTL or vice versa?

[losfp]

The settings I normally START at are:

Flash Exp Comp +2/3 (if bouncing)
TTL
Flash straight up, with diffuser (LSPJ)
A-priority, F/5-f/8

Season to taste.

Good luck!

Hopefully you're not the main photographer? I wouldn't wish that pressure on anyone....

[shutterbug]

Bounce where you can, AA or TTL doens't seem to make much difference. TTL-BL if you're using it outdoors as fill flash. Check that you're allowed to use the flash in the church too, good luck!

good advice


Are you the main photographer? if not...stay out of the pro's way maybe use long lens and/fast lens to capture all available light images?

Enjoy and bring plenty of CF.

Indoors, shoot manual and put flash on TTL.
Outdoors, available light or TTL-BL.

Have fun

[radar]

Not a flash expert, I don't even own one

But, get in early and try a few test photos before people get there, if you have a chance. That will allow you to feel a bit more at ease taking the photos during the ceremony,

Don't take photos at the reception, especially if you are above 0.05

And remember, have fun

Cheers,

André

[Matt. K]

Most churches you can't bounce. Get close and use diffuser at 45 degrees. Run a few test shots before the event as already mentioned. Keep it simple and concentrate on the action.

[Alex]

Craig,

Looks like you got plenty of good suggestions already. Good luck.

Alex

[Alpha_7]

Well only just got home and sadly I didn't get a chance to check for responses before I left, but I've read them and will note them for next time.

I wasn't main photographer, just asked to capture candids, and what the main photographer might miss. I used TTL and a mix of shooting in A, S and a little M mode. I also shot with a range of lens, used the 80-200 2.8 a lot and would of loved a 2.8 in the 35-70 ish zone, but used the kit lens.
I also tried the Sigma 10-20 for a few shots at the reception... dumping the cards now, can't wait for a quick review.. before bed.

Well I got there and found it was an outside wedding, so no bounce (the clouds weren't low enough ) The reception was half outside half inside, and the roof was not bounce friendly but I gave it a shot and when using direct flash kept the diffuser on (a Lightsphere could of been handy).

As far as keeping out the the main photographers way I was always very polite and kept out of her shots and only took mine after she took hers. She commented that she appreciated this later, as two oldies keep running in with their cameras and f*ing up shots left right and centre, even after being asked no too many times. I had a chat to her (photographer), she was a fellow Nikon-ite as was another guy there, she was shooting film (Fuji 400, 800 and Kodak something for the B&Ws). She also had a range of flashes etc, used a big-arse Metz for the reception that had me jealous. The other Nikon guy had a couple year old D70 with just the kit lens.

I'm away all day tomororw 5am start, but I hope on Sunday to check out the pictures and post a few for feedback. I appreciate the help and suggestions here, just sorry I had no way of getting the info (I left my phone at home, otherwise I would of called somone to check the forum for me.... )

Cheers,
Craig

[gooseberry]

G'day Craig,

Looks like some good advice from the members here, too bad you didn't get a chance to read them before you went. Look forward to seeing how some of your shots turned out. I know it's a little late, but hope you don't mind this suggestion for using flash





(images are from http://www.juergenspecht.com)

[Alpha_7]

Thanks Goose, Inspiring stuff, quite inventive