bracket/flash confusion

[jennifer_kitchen]

<p>I shoot mainly childrens portraits but do weddings as well and have thought I would greatly benefit from a flash bracket and flash battery pack. They arrived yesterday and after setting the whole mess up I found it cumbersome, heavy and just awful.<br>

I use a Canon 50D with battery grip, 580exII and my fave lens is a 17-50 2.8. What I bought was a stroboframe quickflip and a canon cp-e4battery pack for my flash.<br>

Recently I saw a post that said any respectable wedding photog doesn't show up without a bracket. I'd like to think I am not the only one out there who finds this notion a bit much. I would love to hear from photogs who do not use flash brackets as to what gear they do use. <br>

My big complaint was not having the flash orientation for verticle shots and not having the flash recycle time be fast enough. <br>

Should I just get used to the bulk? Any tips?<br>

Thanks in advance</p>

[nuzumphoto]

<p>We never use brackets. We bought them and now they are in a drawer somewhere. We use Gary Fong sphere's and whale tails. They do everything we need and prevent direct harsh flash. They also allow for vertical movement of the flash. We prefer bouncing light off of ceilings or walls, but that's not always possible. </p>

<p>My thoughts on the brackets are that they are for show. Your suppose to look like a "professional" so what sets you apart from the others at the wedding with a Canon SLR...the big bracket right? Waste. We don't use the battery packs but we have been looking at them. My whole thing on flash is that less is more. Flash ruins photos, flash is so distinctive in pictures, you don't capture the essence of the moment. We use it as little as possible. I can't stand seeing photos that have harsh flash shadows that look like they came right from a point and shoot.</p>

[picturesque]

<p>Read the following post.<br>

<a href="http://www.photo.net/wedding-photography-forum/00TUJS">http://www.photo.net/wedding-photography-forum/00TUJS</a></p>

<p>You should return the Stroboframe Quickflip. It won't work for vertical shots, particularly with a vertical grip. The pack, you can keep if you want, if you use flash a lot or just can't do what you need to do without the faster recycling. You'll just have to get used to being tethered, so if you don't like the idea of the battery pack screwed to the bottom of the camera, figure out a place to put the pack. As described in the thread above, I use a Turbo SC and just slip it in my skirt pocket. Then when I need to put the camera down, I just take the pack out too.</p>

<p>As for the bracket, you will need to figure out if you can work without one. You can use a Demb Diffuser or Lightsphere (go to the websites and look at the needed configuration of the flash head), particularly if you bounce a lot. The only time you will have a problem is if you need to shoot verticle, with the flash direct (such as outside against bright sun) and the flash produces a visible shadow. This is when you get the dreaded side shadow.</p>

<p>Otherwise, you can look at the Demb flash bracket, or try a FlashFrame Hand On Top bracket, which works with the vertical grip.</p>

[jon rennie]

I would hate to work with a bracket as they are cumbersome and heavy.<br>

Orientation of the flash for me isn't an issue, nor is the recycle time of my 580exII, although the CP-E4 is great if you feel you need it and really doesn't add much weight as you can clip it to your belt.<br>

I bounce my flash as much as possible and avoid straight on flash for best results. For the shots straight on, it just isn't worth the hassle.</p>

[DickArnold]

<p>I have had a stroboframe for years. I tried it just once shooting a party. It was awkward and heavy and never used it after that. I did use battery packs for my weddings but that was before decent NiMH rechargables. I used to carry three charged quantums to a wedding. I found flash very useful and got many pictures that I could not have gotten without them. I used to compute my own fill with Vivitar 283s and if ylou do it right you don't really see it. I also used Canon speedlites. I made it through a lot of weddings. I pulled out the strobofame about two weeks ago when shooting a very dark birds nest through a small glassed opening. It was useful to keep the glare off the glass. But I have since put it away because it is heavy awkward and I don't like using it generally. </p>

[picturesque]

While I am not anti-bracket (I use one when it makes sense to use one), that seems somewhat dated. This bracket issue, like the RAW/jpeg issue, is polarizing. I don't understand the need for black and white, all or nothing opinions. Analyze your working style and methods, use what you need to support them. If that means using a bracket, use one. Just find one that fits your priorities.</p>

[david_schilling___chicago_]

<p>Ten to fifteen years ago it was the norm for most wedding photographers to use a bracket. I'm comfortable using the Stroboframe camera-flip model. Back in the day while shooting with the Vivitar 283s, an external battery pack was a good idea and the typical wedding would need two of the Quantum 1 packs to make it through the day. With today's flash units, a couple of sets of rechargeable AAs should get you through the day.</p>

[douglas lee]

<p>Check out planetneil.com for additional flash tips (without a bracket.)</p>

[francie_baltazar]

<p>I had a bracket and dumped it as I hated the feel of it too. I use the lightsphere and love it. Flash is great when used properly - Planet Neil is a great tool for flash photography. He always uses a flash and his work is amazing... I would return the bracket and all of its stuff and get a lightsphere... you won't regret it... and for batteries - go to <a href="http://thomasdistributing.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=581&SP_id=&osCsid=a6f4eacb4eafb0c5fe52b30ebab6f4fc">http://thomasdistributing.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=581&SP_id=&osCsid=a6f4eacb4eafb0c5fe52b30ebab6f4fc</a> these batteries are the best and you will get the most consistant output with them with the weight...</p>

[mike_bisom]

<p>Yes, flash brackets fall into the category: to each their own. Through the years we have tried several different brackets and our current favorite is the RRS Wedding Bracket- but this bracket requires an L-plate. I use a bracket because I like to use an on-camera flash along with an off-camera strobe and I need a Pocket Wizard to fire the strobe in sync and therefore need someplace to attach the PW! Hopefully the newer PW's will take care of this and eliminate the bracket for me. Many shooters like them since they keep the flash higher above the subject which will help keep any shadows lower (that's one of the reasons my wife likes the bracket). In most cases, I think the use of the bracket is simply to keep things ultra simple: flash on bracket, Sto-fen style diffuser, bounce off ceiling if possible or flash forward if ceiling is too high or outside. I say simple because in this case you aren't so much concerned with the direction of light, you are just concerned with getting some light on the subject. When shooting forward, it helps keep the flash higher than the subject (at least higher than without). So you can see that your style will play a large part on whether there is any benefit to a bracket. </p>

<p>In regards to a flash battery pack, I can't live without one. I typically shoot with a Turbo on my belt and that will usually last all day. I like the battery pack because I prefer a very quick recycle time. And not having to worry about battery power as the day goes. Do I always need that ultra fast recycle time? No. But I would rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it!</p>

[david_schilling___chicago_]

<p><em>"Many shooters like them since they keep the flash higher above the subject which will help keep any shadows lower (that's one of the reasons my wife likes the bracket). In most cases, I think the use of the bracket is simply to keep things ultra simple: flash on bracket, Sto-fen style diffuser, bounce off ceiling if possible or flash forward if ceiling is too high or outside. I say simple because in this case you aren't so much concerned with the direction of light, you are just concerned with getting some light on the subject. " - Mike B.</em><br>

<em></em><br>

Yep, exactly.......</p>

[hjoseph7]

<p> "had a bracket and dumped it as I hated the feel of it too. I use the lightsphere and love it"<br>

I must be still living in the dark ages , but it's not allways possible to use the lightsphere and you better be damn good at it, or your subjects will have that eerie racoon look. For me and I'm not an expert, the constant looking up and to the side for spots to bounce my flash would drive me nuts especially in a crowded room. </p>

[steve_c.5]

<p>I fall into the "no bracket" catagory. I fall into the Lightsphere or bounce flash catagory. Like many here, the frames and brackets are simply bulky and passe, in my personal opinion. I've never needed one and never wanted for one. Looking to the future, flat panel strobes and LED video lights are going to change the way we light things anyway. I'm keeping my eyes peeled on them...</p>

[aimee_pieters]

<p>Jennifer,<br>

You will get as many different replies here as you have posts. If you choose to use the bracket, they're all cumbersom at first, but you'll get used to them just like anything else. I always use the Just-Rite Bracket because it's made well and if you purchase the model for your specific camera, the lens always rotates on axis, so vertical or horizontal, the center of your frame will always remain exactly the same....-Aimee</p>

[jennifer_kitchen]

<p>A HUGE thanks to all for the great responses and constructive info and tips. I had been considering a lightsphere for a while and this pushed me to purchase it and I am excited to give it a go. I will likely pass on the bracket for now and see how I like the battery pack in action. Thank you all again, I so appreciate the help.</p>

[lex_jenkins]

<p>Take a peek at <a href="../photography-lighting-equipment-techniques-forum/00TDXD">this thread</a> , and the related link to reviews of various <a href="http://photo-tips-online.com/review/best-flash-diffuser/">hotshoe flash diffusers</a> and doodads.</p>

<p>If I'd known about the Demb bracket at the time I'd have gotten it instead of the CB Junior. But as Nadine and others have said, there's no single correct solution to every problem. Personally, I wouldn't do a wedding or event without a bracket, mostly because there never seems to be a wall or ceiling within 20 feet for bouncing, and the diffusers I've tried don't quite deliver the results I want. Close, but not quite. But if I could ditch the bracket I'd sure be happy to do so.</p>

<p>That's why I don't bother with a bracket when there's any possibility of using bounce, especially the rear-facing bounce technique I swiped from <a href="http://www.planetneil.com/">Neil van Niekerk's site</a> . That trick is the bee's knees. It's worth dealing with the color correction issues from non-neutral reflective surfaces, just to get that subtle effect.</p>

[savagesax]

<p>I shoot both ways, with and without a bracket. Sometimes you need the right tool or tools to get the job done, so there's no need to place limits on your photograhic skills and the gear you choose to use. Sort of like having lens and never using it because you heard something bad about it, such as being too heavy or focuses slowly.</p>

<p>Brackets have always had a place in the photographic world and until a company comes out with the perfect flash unit to get rid of harsh shadows photographers will continue using a bracket.</p>

[markonestudios]

I second Lex. I'm a Demb user myself, and have found it versatile, light and very easy to use. I get great results. I would also advocate that you read the link he's posted, before you decide which flash modifier to purchase.

[david_schilling___chicago_]

<p><em>"I second Lex. I'm a Demb user myself, and have found it versatile, light and very easy to use. I get great results. I would also advocate that you read the link he's posted, before you decide which flash modifier to purchase." - Mark AK</em><br>

<em></em><br>

Unfortunately though, the review completely ommitted the Stoffen omnibounce.........</p>

[steve_crist]

<p>I'm from the school of "If it helps get the desired result - use it". As others have posted, blatent refusal to use a tool at your disposal can make the job more difficult. Like saying "I'll never use a zoom lens". This topic has been reported on before and attached is the photo of my bracket set-up when used. I use this Stroboframe model as it's compact and keeps the flash in proper alignment when shooting horizintal or vertical. I always use a battery pack but don't attach it to my camera. I use a shoulder strap with the pack and never notice it's there. When I use a diffuser its the Stofen. They're simple and effective and just fit right in my pocket when not being used. Hope this was helpful. Steve<br>

<img src="http://static.photo.net/attachments/bboard/00T/00TCJa-129185684.jpg" alt="" hspace="5" vspace="10" width="700" height="730" /></p>

[richard___7]

<p>I've used only one bracket for 35mm shooting for the past 25+ years: the Jones Circular Bracket (Calif.)! As the youngsters say today, "It rocks!" And it's "rock steady."<br>

I now use it with my D200, but without the vertical/power drive attachment. It just doesn't fit.<br>

The beauty of this bracket is it keeps the flash 8-12" directly above your lens axis, vertical or horizontal; minimizing, if not completely avoiding shadows! Its circular design is smooth, the construction "indestructible" (25+ years and never a problem!), and because of its unique design it's a "conversation piece," not to mention its "professional appearance!" I've adapted mine with a Nikon pistol grip for further balance and ease of use.<br>

I don't have an address, but you can Google "Jones Bracket" for more info.<br>

Try it...I think you'll like it.</p>

<p>Richard</p>

[lex_jenkins]

<p>Ah, I tend to forget about the Sto-Fen Omni Bounce because it's almost identical to the doodad included with the Nikon SB-800. The only significant difference is the Nikon doodad has little lugs or fingers that activate microswitches on the SB-800. It really is a handy little nothing, takes up almost no space. I routinely use it outdoors with the flash head aimed straight forward. So simple it almost seems unhip, but it really works pretty well.</p>