Lighting a reception

FM Forum Rules
Wedding Resource List

FM Forums \| Wedding Photographer \| Join Upload & Sell	Search Used
1 2 end

Archive 2009 · Lighting a reception

jcolman
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: On

p.2 #1 · Lighting a reception

Deb Brundage wrote:
When do you set the lights up? Hmmm... I'm still deciding what look I like for receptions. I think I need a gopher to hold my off-camera flash all night ;-)

I bring in all my gear and "pre build" it ahead of time and set the lights out of the way. I can pre build my lights in about three-four minutes. Then it only takes me a half minute to walk a light stand over to where I want it and put a sand bag on it. I'll move lights around several times during a reception. If I have my assistant, it takes even less time.

My studio lights will take a bit longer to set up but I've yet to use them in a venue. I have a shoot in April that I'm planning on using one of my bigger lights, set up on a second floor, but I'll set it up well in advance and leave it set.

Jan 08, 2009 at 09:37 PM

Ryan Britton
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #2 · Lighting a reception

Deb Brundage wrote:
Ryan Britton wrote:
Anything less than the AF on Canon's 1D3 would not have focused well at all. Our 5Ds are useless in that low of light.

I've considered keeping a 580EXII on my camera JUST for the focus assist -- and keeping it to "flash doesn't fire" -- you could still plug a PW in to the camera to get the other lights to flash, right?

You just nailed the reason I want a 1D. That 5D, esp. with the 70-200, can't find a focus point in low light. Even with the center point.

Yep. You'd plug the PW into the sync port on the left side of the body. Where you stick the PW after that is up to you though. Some velcro theirs to the flash, but I've never liked that.

The low light focus and better high ISO are the ONLY reasons we shelled out for the 1D3s. We like the 5Ds more in pretty much every other way.

Jan 08, 2009 at 09:40 PM

jcolman
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: On

p.2 #3 · Lighting a reception

Deb Brundage wrote:

I've considered keeping a 580EXII on my camera JUST for the focus assist -- and keeping it to "flash doesn't fire" -- you could still plug a PW in to the camera to get the other lights to flash, right?

You just nailed the reason I want a 1D. That 5D, esp. with the 70-200, can't find a focus point in low light. Even with the center point.

Yes, that will work.

I'm using my 580EX on my next gig just to provide some fill light and to help with focusing while still using PW's to fire my off camera lights.

Jan 08, 2009 at 09:41 PM

mineymole
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: On

p.2 #4 · Lighting a reception

So I guess with the equipment I have (right now), it would probably be best to keep my 580exII on my camera (with the demb flip), and have my 430exII on a stand pointing straight onto the dance floor.

Jan 08, 2009 at 09:54 PM

Tony Hoffer
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: On

p.2 #5 · Lighting a reception

mineymole wrote:
So I guess with the equipment I have (right now), it would probably be best to keep my 580exII on my camera (with the demb flip), and have my 430exII on a stand pointing straight onto the dance floor.

Just remove that "with the demp flip" part and you've got a winner

Jan 08, 2009 at 09:56 PM

curryphoto
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #6 · Lighting a reception

I agree with Hoff. about keeping it simple - One bare bulb flash in the room , high up on a stand, usually near the DJ almost 90% of the Time. Unless you shoot with an assistant, a second light can be moved around the room at bigger venue's.....thomas

Jan 08, 2009 at 10:15 PM

fotorelic
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #7 · Lighting a reception

I would also investigate putting the off camera flash on the mezzanine (where the photographer was standing to take the shot you show), pointing down. Until you have a better feel for setting up off camera flashes, it is probably best to still rely on an on camera flash.

Adimage is right about ETTL and Canon's wireless system.

And the Demb Flip It can be folded down and not used, so no need to remove it completely, if you don't want to use it. Personally, I use it with the card straight up in non-white/light/neutral rooms. Helps with the white balance, since wood gives a reddish cast, which doesn't respond to gelling for tungsten.

Jan 08, 2009 at 10:40 PM

mineymole
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: On

p.2 #8 · Lighting a reception

Tony - you're the balm for even taking time to chat with me about lighting

A shout out to the Grays as well

Thank you!

fotorelic - yes - lighting from the mezzanine might work. I have yet to get in to look at the place. thank you for the info about the demb flip with white balance issues.

prof-fate - I love reading your posts. You seem so practical and level headed. Thank you for posting pics.

chrisDM - I will bounce, bounce, bounce... as much as I can against wood paneling!

jcoleman - absolutely beautiful shot #1 of the bride and groom dancing

deb b - I've been reading your posts.... a LOT! I love that you have the nerve to ask anything and everything. Keep asking and I'll be following right behind you.

Everyone else.... thank you, thank you, thank you.

Jan 09, 2009 at 12:00 AM

mineymole
Offline
Dedicated FM
Upload & Sell: On

p.2 #9 · Lighting a reception

Wow...okay... so I just met with the bride. Got the job.

The wedding ceremony and the reception are taking place at this lodge.

But, because I did ask her questions about lighting over the phone before meeting with her, she has moved the wedding to noon and the reception will follow. So there will be some natural light!

Thank you again everyone.

Jan 09, 2009 at 12:05 AM

fotorelic
Offline
Upload & Sell: Off

p.2 #10 · Lighting a reception

That changes everything. Makes it easier--unless bright spots of sunlight hit them during the ceremony... Might want to check that.

Jan 09, 2009 at 01:04 AM

1 2 end
FM Forums \| Wedding Photographer \| Join Upload & Sell 1 2 end