Do you ever use your flash off camera? Specifically, do any of you ever attach the flash via an extension cable and hold it in the hand not operating the camera? I think it might be a bit awkward (and tiring) but I'm curious. Is it simply more comfortable to leave the flash attached to the hot shoe and figure clever ways to bounce it?
Thanks!
Tim
p.s. I'm asking Wedding shooters only because it seems likely this group will be using flash regularly, but anyone who's used a flash consistently is free to chime in.
Hi Tim.
Yes, I shoot weddings ... yes, I use flash quite a bit ... and yes, I use it off camera sometimes.
To start, here's the way I generally think of it, which seems to work pretty well:
When using flash look at what ambient light you have to work with first. Then think of the flash as a supplement to the ambient even in darkish conditions. The objective is to use flash and make it look as if none was used.
All that you are really doing is evening out the light balance a bit so the camera can record the scene. If you use too much flash then a proper exposure on the foreground subject will render the background as a wall of black or cast deep drop shadows to the side. The reason some people use brackets is that it keeps the flash centered over the lens, and up high to drop the shadows behind the subject.
This means you need to learn how to read the ambient, set a reasonable ISO/shutter speed/lens aperture and then compensate the flash up or down quickly ... which takes a bit of practice, but not as much as it sounds like here : -)
I use flash on-camera with a diffuser. At weddings you cannot count on a bounce surface all the time, sometimes the surface is a ghastly color, or to far away. If you are to close to the subject and you bounce off the ceiling, it can cause "raccoon eye". So I look at where the ambient is coming from and jockey the diffused flash to fill the shadow side.
I use flash off camera a number of ways.
Usually flash in one hand with a remote in the hot shoe to trigger it. No cords that way. I may hold the flash high up and to the side for directional light ... usually the opposite direction from where the ambient is coming from. Or I may fire it down low for a dramatic "foot lights" look like a theater stage production.
Another way is to use the lights on a stand or sitting on a table out of view... with a remote trigger (if working close to the lights, a Canon STE-2 or Nikon Commander will do, if further away, a Pocket Wizard type radio trigger.)
Last (and best) is the use of studio type strobes with a radio trigger.
The shot with the lighthouse was done by compensating the flash +2 stops because of the strong backlighting.
The Bride at the mirror was compensated down to just fill the shadows but preserve the mirror light.
B&W of the groom grabbing the Bride was direct diffused flash dialed +1 to keep the whites.
The color shot of the procession was direct fill at the camera but weaker than the two side lights.
The kiss at the alter was directional flash held by an assistant camera left ... to light the altar and back light the veil.