JBTaylor Loc: In hiding again

My shoe mount flash has been getting flaky, sometimes not firing for no obvious reason. (Shots many seconds apart at way less than full power so it's not recycling delay).

So for some family gatherings this season, I put my monolight in the corner of the room and aimed it at the ceiling. After adjusting it for the aperture that I wanted to shoot at, I was ready to go. I used a wireless remote for the flash.

It was nice to use. No direct flash looking pictures. Fast recycle time and dependability. No having to fiddle with on camera bounce flash when changing from landscape to portrait orientation. No batteries to use up or recharge.

And I could change the ratio of the window light to my flash by adjusting the shutter speed. Depending on the shot I used the window light as a kicker or key light or dialed it down to where the outside exposure matched the inside exposure.

This isn't about painting with light or creating art. Just capturing the moment with relatively natural looking light and clear shots. I've seen a wedding photographer using the same concept at a reception for candid shots.

Has anyone else tried this? I may still use this after I have replaced my shoe mount flash with a more reliable one.

djb663 Loc: Massachusetts

I have a very large family room with tower speakers in each corner. Two sb-800's and one sb-600 with pocket wizards on three of the four speakers bounced off the ceiling and I didn't have to think about it all day.

Also, after the formal dances at weddings, I do put a softbox about 9 feet high to pour over the entire dance floor. With minimal effort and a second flash on a monopod, great lighting can be had.

JBTaylor Loc: In hiding again

You know what I mean about the convenience. I would have liked to have had lights in a couple more corners. I can see where speedlights would be more discreet with the right furniture.

Initially, I aimed the flash half way to the center of the ceiling. Later took a couple with it aiming into the nearest wall ceiling intersection. I might try that first next time.