ChrisW. Loc: Medina Co., OH

I normally shoot in natural lighting for portraits but will be doing an event where additional lighting will be needed. I presently have a rogue flash bender (large) but I'm wondering if there is a significant improvement/advantage in purchasing an off camera flash bracket and cord? I don't do any studio lighting so thats not the direction I want to go. The event will be in the evening some outside and some in a building with fair lighting. Do you have any helpful suggestions or experience you could share?

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

Off camera flash will give you more options. You could buy a bracket or just handhold if you don't want to put money into a bracket you might not use much. Depending on the power of your flash you can also just bounce light off walls or ceilings. This can add some tint to your photos if they are not white or neutral colors though.

The Flashbender is a good tool but you might also look at the MagMod Magsphere or Magbounce with one of their magnetic mounts that easily goes on your flash head. You can learn more about the MagMod system on their website and on YouTube. I have 3 Speedlites and use a bunch of MagMod products. Highly recommended.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

I don't think so. You'd be better served with a flash diffuser that slips over your speedlight. My favorite is Gary Fong's Lightsphere.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

The Flashbender is a good product.
I have one of them but prefer the LiteGenius when I need to soften the light a bit (which is almost always!).
It even does ok when used vertically. I have a large one.
Most of the time, I bounce when I can. (Not outside obviously, unless I'm under white tent)
Cement walls even work- they are pretty neutral.
I haven't used a bracket in years.

The Fong type dome works well (I have a couple) in smaller spaces and is easy to use, but in large venues or outside where there are no nearby reflective surfaces, I find it's not as effective as a Flashbender or LiteGenius.
The light it puts out is smaller, it wastes light/power in large areas due to it's design and people have complained about it being distracting.

ChrisW. Loc: Medina Co., OH

Todd, Thank you for replying as well as telling me about the MagMod which I've not heard of before!! I am very intrigued by such a simple and effective way to use my flash.
Thank you for the help!! Chris

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

It is a relatively new system and they continue to add to it fairly often. It is not inexpensive, but good things rarely are. You can buy large sets now or buy the pieces as you need or want them. It is really easy to use filters and grids with the system too. Well worth you checking out in my view. If you have any questions let me know. I get mine from B&H Photo.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

MagMod
Interesting.
Always looking for a better grid system.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

In your question you mention the term "portraits" so I am assuming that you are after a method of creating or simulating portrait or studio-like lighting.

If you main and only light source remains on the camera or on the camera/subject axis, regardless of whether or not you use a light modifier and/or an encircling bracket to hold the flash unit in place, your lighting is going to be basically flat. The pleasing aesthetic or portrait effect you get with directional natural light or with a properly used off camera or multiple lighting set up is based on the savvy placement of highlight and shadows in the subject(s).

A light modifier, essentially, softens or diffuses the light from a direct source such as a speed light, however, softening alone not make for directional lighting. The illusion of dimension and aesthetically based portrait techniques are derived from having you main light source striking the subject(s) from an angle anywhere from about 20 to 135 degrees off the camera/subject axis- the exact angle is dependent on the lighting pattern and effect you wish to achieve.

A second flash unit off camera is you best bet for any kind of controlled lighting. If you simply extend only one light off camera, there is a chance that you will not have sufficient fill light to illuminate the shadows and end up with harsh results. If you are using a light modifier that redirects some light upward or sideways, you will be depending on light bouncing off nearby walls and/or ceilings which precludes outdoor locations. If there is enough available light which is aesthetically pleasing, you can use you flash as a fill in light but this may be unpredictable, at least, until you arrive at the location and asses the existing lighting.

I hope this helps.

ChrisW. Loc: Medina Co., OH

GoofyNewfie- Thank you for your suggestion. The Rogue flash bender and LiteGenius seem like similar products. I like the Rogue flash bender due to the fact I can bend the Rogue and redirect some of the light. The one I have has a diffusion panel that velcros onto the reflector. Thank you again for your reply!! :)

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

I don't have that particular Flashbender.
Saw the Flashbender XL 2 recently and it looks really good.

ChrisW. Loc: Medina Co., OH

E.L. Shapiro- I understand what your are saying about the benefit and better lighting by using a second flash off camera or multiple lighting units and you are correct its a more aesthetically pleasing photograph and I will do my best to utilize the natural lighting with respect to fill flash. The angle of light can make or break a portrait photograph and I have come to a better understanding of that as I do more senior portraits. I greatly appreciate your knowledge and suggestions and will keep them in mind as I photograph the event. Thank you for your input :)
Chris

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

Chris,

I will also recommend Robert Harrington's videos on YouTube called "One Speedlite, Multiple Looks" and "One Light 101". These will give you some good ideas as what can be done with a single Speedlite.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

These look good.
One Speedlite, Multiple Looks
Link to One Light 101

ChrisW. Loc: Medina Co., OH

Todd, I greatly appreciate the additional information. I will check it out tonight.
Have a great evening!!
Chris

ChrisW. Loc: Medina Co., OH

Thanks for the links :) They're on my to do list for tonight!!
Chris