joemig Posted February 4, 2005 Share Posted February 4, 2005 Up to now, I've been doing almost all glamour portraits using studiolighting, but a close friend insists that I photograph her wedding(believe me, I've tried to talk her out of it). I just got a D-70 andam probably going to get an SB-800 flash. I have never used a flashbracket before, but I understand the reason for moving the flash offcamera. Having said that, how big of a difference would it reallymake? I don't really want to spend 100.00 or more for something Iwon't get much use out of, but on the other hand, I really want herpictures to come out as well as I can possibly make them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe_r1 Posted February 4, 2005 Share Posted February 4, 2005 A bracket makes a big difference, especially for vertical shots. A Stroboframe Press-T will run you about $85. You'll also need an off camera shoe cord to mount your flash. The anti-twist plate for mounting the bracket to the camera is worth the few bucks extra. Even though you are shooting the wedding for a friend, use professional wedding contracts to protect yourself & limit your liability. Shooting for friends can be a risky business. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
picturesque Posted February 4, 2005 Share Posted February 4, 2005 A very good, inexpensive bracket is the Stratos bracket--can be had for about $40. Check B&H. You will, however, have to get the off-camera shoe cord. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_phillips7 Posted February 4, 2005 Share Posted February 4, 2005 Joe It makes a big difference. If you don't use a bracket all your vertical shots will have a very distracting shadow off to one side. You want to make sure you can get a bracket that will allow you to flip the flash above the lens for vertical shots. If not all your verticals will have the Grim Reaper shadow in them. Not pretty. Anytime your intention is to shoot quality shots of people, you need a bracket. It helps eliminate red eye and drops the shadows behind the subject instead of off to the side. I would also suggests shooting as much as you can in RAW in case your exposure is off a little you can adjust in post-processing. You only get one chance to get the shot so give your self some flexibility. Good Luck Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joemig Posted February 4, 2005 Author Share Posted February 4, 2005 Well, looks like I'll be buying a bracket and cable then. By the time I'm done buying everything I need to do this wedding, I'll have spent more than the bride's father =P Anyone have a suggestion on a good book on shooting weddings? Most of the ones I've seen just show a lot of photos, which is nice, but I'd like something a little more specific and technical. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
picturesque Posted February 4, 2005 Share Posted February 4, 2005 Steve Sint's "Wedding Photography: Art, Business and Style". Doesn't cover digital and the most recent trends but still covers the practical basics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lb- Posted February 4, 2005 Share Posted February 4, 2005 just a thought but you might want to check out the gary fong lightsphere. It�s not quite a replacement for a bracket, but I�ve been messing with for a couple of months and it does significanly reduce shadows. It also costs less than a bracket and off camera cord. I�ve been very happy with the results. cheers lucas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_hovland Posted February 5, 2005 Share Posted February 5, 2005 On the other hand, for this one occassion you can just put the flash in the accessory shoe with a softbox and just don't shoot portrait. Shifting from portrait to landscape makes the album hard to read. I have a cheap $15 flash bracket from bugeye digital (the folding one). Here's a portrait shot with Vivitar 285 and Lumiquest Softbox: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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