Question about flash ?

[eden_soto___dallas_tx]

I am planing on getting a flash, because I am shootying my first wedding and

is coming up.... I need recomendations on a good flash, I also want to get a

flash that can be wireless to the camara......

[mike_barrett2]

what is your camera?

[eden_soto___dallas_tx]

Rebel XTi

[eden_soto___dallas_tx]

also is there a guide online that has a lot of stuff to know about photographing weddings?

[mark_fisher6]

Get either a 430EX or if you have cash a a 580EX. I use a 430 and am very happy with it. Get some sort of difuser such as a Lighsphere or Omnibounce.

[jimstrutz]

To go wireless you'll need a Canon ST-E2 to be the master to the 430EX or 580EX. It's either that or get another 580EX to act as both master and fill flash. Either way, Canon cameras do not control wireless flash without some device to be the master.

 

I agree that a 430EX is a good choice unless you are going to do this professionally. Then you will want a 580EX. Actually two 580EX units as you will need a back up for everything. Don't forget to get a backup for your camera and lens(es) as well.

 

For first time wedding photography, you can go here... http://www.beaumontcameraclub.com/MiscInfo/My%20Wedding%20Tips.htm

 

There is a lot to learn, and a lot of equipment to buy.

[brucelsnell]

I would point you to http://www.thatsmymonkey.com which is a website offering photographers of all types tips and information on photoshop, travel, wedding, portrait, and other areas of the craft. My brother and I started it as a way to share real world experiences, from the trenches, to other photographers of all skill levels. There are free articles on getting started in wedding photography, lighting, etc. Hope you enjoy it!

 

-Bruce

http://www.thatsmymonkey.com

http://www.blsphoto.com

[BrettPrucha]

Unless you have allot of time to work with a new flash before the wedding I think you would be better off sticking with your current equipment. I assume you are shooting the wedding based on your previous talent and that the couple likes your work. If that is the case stick with what you know and are good at.

 

Flash is a difficult thing to learn to use well. If you add wireless to the equation and you don't know how to set it up in your sleep you are really going to be distracted by the technical details and forget all about composition and everything else that got you the opportunity to shoot the wedding.

 

If you don't have allot of time before the wedding I would use the flash only during non critical shots like guests dancing and such. Everything else stick with what you are already really good at. If their are situations where you must use a flash like the processional practice, practice, practice those shots with flash as much as possible.

 

I know that's not what you asked for but just my $.02 on the subject.

[conraderb]

eden - is this wedding for friends? I hope so b/c it sounds like you are underequipped for the job.

 

if you want a wireless flash, you need to get either a radio sender/receiver device or two canon speedlite flashes.

 

I would recommend two canon 580EX flashes or a quantum radio slave set and a vivitar 285.

 

eden - do you have two rebel bodies? if you don't, why not? what do you plan to do if one of the bodies suddenly poops out w/ a bad shutter?

[conraderb]

also check out:

 

http://www.planetneil.com/faq/flash-techniques.html

 

conrad

conrad erb photography

http://www.conraderb.com

[annealmasy]

Well, you can get the 580EX, which costs an arm-and-a-leg and has some obnoxious ETTL

issues.

 

OR you can get a Vivitar 285 off of eBay for less than $100. This would give you OFF-camera

flash, which is typically way cooler. Pocket Wizards or hotshoe to PC cords will do the trick.

[w.smith]

Canon 580EX, guide number 191 (feet) - Vivitar 285, guide number 120 (feet). No

comparison.

[BrettPrucha]

W. Smith,

 

The 580EX GN at 191 feet is at the 109mm zoom setting. The Vivitar 285 GN of 120 is at the 50mm zoom setting.

 

Put the 580EX at 50mm and the GN is 138.

 

The price difference more than makes up for the Vivitar flashes 18 extra feet of reach IMO.

 

If you really want power at a good price look for a used Metz 50 MZ-5 with a GN of 164 feet (50 meters).

[BrettPrucha]

I should have said "The price difference more than makes up for the Vivitar flashes 18 feet less of reach."

[picturesque]

Also study photonotes.org/eosflash. Kind of late to get the hang of multiple flash if your first wedding is coming up. I'd stick to one on camera flash and using it well. Read the planetneil article many, many times.