p.1 #1 · What do you use to light for Wedding Formals?
Hello,
Who uses studio lights vs 580 type flashes for formals? I just used a strobe for the first time during the formals and the pics looks great but it took a while to set up. I was sweating like a pig! Any ideas? Any quick set up? What do you use or do to make it easier for you?
p.1 #2 · What do you use to light for Wedding Formals?
Hey mike, I use two 580 ex's on stands with umbrellas and set them off with the canon transmitter ST_E2. Light weight and easy to set up. The ST-E2 is $200, but thats still much cheaper than a pair of pocket wizards.
p.1 #4 · What do you use to light for Wedding Formals?
I use two AB800's, one with a softbox and the other with an umbrella for fill. They really aren't that much of a hassle to set up, considering I usually take an assistant and a second shooter with me to help.
p.1 #11 · What do you use to light for Wedding Formals?
Winman3, Its a common misconception that they run off of IR but the st-e2's infra red beam is just for AF. I have used the unit in another room and it still triggered the flashes, so they do not have to be in direct sight. I'm not sure how it works.
p.1 #17 · What do you use to light for Wedding Formals?
"I use two AB800's, one with a softbox and the other with an umbrella for fill. They really aren't that much of a hassle to set up, considering I usually take an assistant and a second shooter with me to help."
Liza,
It took me 20minutes to set mine up. Can't afford an assistant yet. From what I hear
formals should be less than hour. Preferably 30minutes.
"We use one or two WL X1600s. Depending on the available room, we will either use one as key and one as fill or one above and behind as key."
Thanks for the reply Ryan.
If you were shooting it outdoor with a flash, how do you go about setting up the lighting ratios?
"no really 99.9% of all my formals of couples are done with 100% natural light.
p.1 #20 · What do you use to light for Wedding Formals?
ozarkboy wrote:
Winman3, Its a common misconception that they run off of IR but the st-e2's infra red beam is just for AF. I have used the unit in another room and it still triggered the flashes, so they do not have to be in direct sight. I'm not sure how it works.
Both Canon's and Nikon's built in systems are line-of-sight. Sometimes inside you'll get a nice bounce but they do have to be able to "see" the signal in order to work. The exception to that is if you're using Radio Poppers with them. Then the line-of-sight issue goes away.
For receptions:
Depending on the venue (size, ambient lighting, color of walls/ceiling), and my mood, I may use a single Qflash without reflector for barebulb, triggered by Pocket Wizards. Sometimes I'll set-up a hot-shoe flash else where in the room, again fired by a PW, for added depth. I may use a single speed light topped with a Stofen on a stand, triggered via Radio Poppers... I might use two speed lights with RPs. It really depends on what I'm after.
For formals:
I usually use a single Qflash bounced into a 60" Westcott convertible umbrella. The light will be placed slight in front and off to one side of the camera position with the umbrella's center pole pointed into the center of the group. This is quick to set-up, tear-down and move and will light a very good sized group.
My Lighting Gear (Toy) Box Contains:
Qflash x2, Sunpak 120j, Sigma EF500DG Super x2, Canon 580ex, 580ex II, 420ex, Vivitar 265, Pocket Wizard PlusII x3, Radio Poppers- 1 Trans. 2 Recv., various cords, batteries, shoes, adapters, gels and misc. hardware. In addition I usually have 3 stands - 13', 10', & 6', a 60" umbrella, 48" Westcott Halo umbrella/softbox hybrid and a Westcott Apollo 28" softbox along for the ride.
