I'm shooting some events soon and I need to get a speedlight for on-camera. I have two questions about accessories:
1. I'm thinking I probably need some kind of modifier. I've seen miniature softboxes and beauty dishes that fit on an on-camera speedlight. What modifier would you recommend for event photography?
2. Do I need a flash bracket? I don't mind spending the extra money if it makes a big difference, but I don't want to get something I don't really need.
pic related is a bit large and excessive but you get the idea. I'll be moving around a lot, taking red carpet style photos, banquet photos, and possibly some party photos. I want to do it right.
[EXIF data available. Click here to show/hide.]
Camera-Specific Properties: Equipment Make NIKON CORPORATION Camera Model NIKON D7000 Camera Software Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 4.1 (Windows) Photographer K. Vaugier Maximum Lens Aperture f/1.7 Sensing Method One-Chip Color Area Color Filter Array Pattern 802 Focal Length (35mm Equiv) 52 mm Image-Specific Properties: Horizontal Resolution 240 dpi Vertical Resolution 240 dpi Image Created 2012:07:23 19:10:34 Exposure Time 1/250 sec F-Number f/6.3 Exposure Program Manual ISO Speed Rating 125 Lens Aperture f/6.3 Exposure Bias -1/3 EV Metering Mode Spot Light Source Unknown Flash Flash, Compulsory, Return Detected Focal Length 35.00 mm Rendering Normal Exposure Mode Manual White Balance Auto Scene Capture Type Standard Gain Control None Contrast Normal Saturation Normal Sharpness Normal Subject Distance Range Unknown
>>2769009
Generally, anything large enough to make much of a difference is going to be too big to carry without looking stupid. A flash bracket will bring the light closer to the lens, which will minimize the look of shadows, since the flash is pretty much on-axis.
>>2769032
I was under the impression that a bracket moves the flash further from the lens.
>>2770799
You were under the right impression. A bracket is nice to have but they can be a little large and unwieldy. They do come in handy to reorient the camera to portrait shooting and still have the flash above the camera. If you can find a good lightweight one with a small profile go for it. I wouldn't worry too much about modifiers, maybe a diffuser that goes over the flash head of some kind if it makes you feel better.
>>2769009
This is the only type of modifier that actually works for on-camera flash.
It's called an "omnibounce", or somewimes a "sto-fen".
It works by illuminating the ceiling, walls or other large objects in the room, which in turn illuminate the subject.
So it's completely useless in open spaces.
Like >>2769032 pointed out anything big enough for direct illumination won't fit on your camera.
The one in your picture for example is still "tiny" for anything but closeups.
>>2770835
I find that the Fong Lightsphere works very well too, but when you think about it it's essentially a giant Sto-Fen.
I've had quite good luck with mine outside too, it's great for gentle fill flash.
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Camera-Specific Properties: Camera Software Adobe Photoshop CS4 Windows Image-Specific Properties: Image Orientation Top, Left-Hand Horizontal Resolution 96 dpi Vertical Resolution 96 dpi Image Created 2012:03:06 15:07:18 Color Space Information sRGB Image Width 606 Image Height 450
>>2770799
>>2770819
I suppose it depends on the bracket. When I google for photos to make you both look dumb, I find all of the photos are big complex brackets that do in fact move the flash further away, however, in my mind, I was imagining the type of bracket that I use, which does in fact move the flash a lot closer (pic related). My mistake.
>>2770836
There is basically no difference between them.
The Sto-fen is a little more directional, which is actually an advantage in most cases.
And it's nice and compact.
>>2770838
The big difference comes when you use it without the top. I've actually tested bare flash vs. Sto-Fen vs. Lightsphere back to back, and the lightsphere's fill light is a bit nicer while still kicking a lot of light off the ceiling. It's especially noticeable when shooting vertical, because the Sto-Fen is so narrow when "sideways" while the Fong stays the same size.
>>2770839
>Sto-Fen is so narrow when "sideways" while the Fong stays the same size.
They are both so tiny it makes no difference whatsoever.
Both are essentially single points of lights.
>>2770839
Oh, and to add to this, WITH the top it also works like a mini-softbox if you point it directly at the subject when shooting outside in harsh light. It's not something you'd use for real fashion shoots or anything, but it's a big help when doing event coverage or sports portraits.
>>2770842
Again, still way too small to make a difference.
So basically anything other than bare-bulb modifiers (like a sto-fen) used in conjunction with bounce is useless?
>>2770846
yes
