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On camera flash with rogue flash bender or off camera flash with rotating bracket
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Aug 9, 2017 19:07:24   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
ChrisW. wrote:
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?
I normally shoot in natural lighting for portraits... (show quote)


Think out of the box, you'll be better off.

https://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-use-your-on-camera-speedlight-to-do-bounce-flash-effectively/
https://www.colesclassroom.com/wedding-photography-reception-tips-open-air/
https://neilvn.com/tangents/using-on-camera-bounce-flash-outdoors-at-night/
https://neilvn.com/tangents/what-if-there-is-nothing-to-bounce-flash-off/


Bounce flash is the way to go if you are indoors. And not off the ceiling. I've even used a large woman in a white dress as a bounce as well (without her knowledge, of course).

Off camera flash with a reflector will work if you are close but not great if you are more than 4-5 ft away. I hire an assistant and have them walk around with a pole mounted, RF triggered speedlight fitted with an umbrella or XL Flashbender to place the light where it is needed. Or I will place a couple of speedlights on stands with large umbrellas aimed in the general direction of the action, or use my speedlight hand held with a FlashBender attached, RF triggered - just to get some semblance of directionality in the light - it's still better than pointing a flash, even a modified one, at your subjects. But sometimes you have no choice -

The main feature of flash brackets is to allow you to switch from landscape to portrait orientation and still have the flash upright. Using a Flashbender is not a problem, even if the flash is mounted on the hotshoe, as long as the flash has a swivel head that tilts. But the best solution is to get it off camera altogether.

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Aug 9, 2017 23:49:31   #
ChrisW. Loc: Medina Co., OH
 
Gene51, Thank you for your insights and helpful links!! It so nice to be able to ask questions and have so many valuable resources all in one place!! I love UHH!!
Chris
Gene51 wrote:
Think out of the box, you'll be better off.

https://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-use-your-on-camera-speedlight-to-do-bounce-flash-effectively/
https://www.colesclassroom.com/wedding-photography-reception-tips-open-air/
https://neilvn.com/tangents/using-on-camera-bounce-flash-outdoors-at-night/
https://neilvn.com/tangents/what-if-there-is-nothing-to-bounce-flash-off/


Bounce flash is the way to go if you are indoors. And not off the ceiling. I've even used a large woman in a white dress as a bounce as well (without her knowledge, of course).

Off camera flash with a reflector will work if you are close but not great if you are more than 4-5 ft away. I hire an assistant and have them walk around with a pole mounted, RF triggered speedlight fitted with an umbrella or XL Flashbender to place the light where it is needed. Or I will place a couple of speedlights on stands with large umbrellas aimed in the general direction of the action, or use my speedlight hand held with a FlashBender attached, RF triggered - just to get some semblance of directionality in the light - it's still better than pointing a flash, even a modified one, at your subjects. But sometimes you have no choice -

The main feature of flash brackets is to allow you to switch from landscape to portrait orientation and still have the flash upright. Using a Flashbender is not a problem, even if the flash is mounted on the hotshoe, as long as the flash has a swivel head that tilts. But the best solution is to get it off camera altogether.
Think out of the box, you'll be better off. br br... (show quote)

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Aug 10, 2017 06:16:54   #
pbphoto
 
Hi Chris, your post (as far as I can see) doesn't say how quickly you'll need to be working inside and out at this event, at what time of day, or whether once inside you'll have a static position with your subjects coming to you to be photographed. If it's the latter, I would certainly recommend going down the route of ocf using a lightweight portable light stand with softbox and bracket for your speedlight. There's no requirement to be tethered to your speedlight by cable either, rather instead using a couple of inexpensive transceivers such as those made by YongNuo. I am a Canon user and have a few of these (YN622C) and have used them successfully at similar events to yours where it wasn't practicable or possible to have a bigger monobloc set up. The only other thing I would add that you might need to look into (if you don't have on already) is an external battery power pack, but that may again be dependent on how many portraits you will be shooting . . . . just my tuppence worth (from across the Pond).

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Aug 10, 2017 07:40:17   #
bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY
 
ChrisW. wrote:
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?
I normally shoot in natural lighting for portraits... (show quote)


I'd go with the Flash Bender, personally I use a Lumiquest bounce attachment in those situations, try it before you go, see if you get what you need, I use the swings and tilts in my flash to get the light off the lens axis, a little above and to the left, not a lot but enough with the bounce to reduce/hide the harsh shadows, and give better modeling .

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Aug 10, 2017 08:26:45   #
Jimmy T Loc: Virginia
 
For informal, impromptu portraits I love my Large Rogue Flashbender.
ChrisW. wrote:
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?
I normally shoot in natural lighting for portraits... (show quote)

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Aug 10, 2017 10:16:37   #
Rab-Eye Loc: Indiana
 
rgrenaderphoto wrote:
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.


Gary Fong's Lightsphere blows me away. I have a nice Stroboframe bracket that I haven't used since trying the Lightsphere.

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Aug 10, 2017 10:54:58   #
Linda Ewing Loc: Lincolnshire,UK
 
Thanks for that great explanation, I really struggle with lighting, hence not much portraiture being done by me, I know the light is essential and getting it right is critical for the light and shadows to fall correctly. Thank you once again.




quote=E.L.. Shapiro]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.[/quote]

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Aug 10, 2017 11:26:30   #
dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia
 
2 things.

1. Buy a Fong just because Gary is a great guy!

2. Could you say a little more about the event and what kind of shots you are expecting to get. Individual portraits, group shots, interaction shots, all of the above....

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Aug 10, 2017 11:34:03   #
frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.
 
An off camera flash bracket gives you more options. You could even still use the rogue flash bender if you wanted, but think you wont need it. As mentioned before, use bounce or less power. I have one and use it sometimes as needed. They are not that expensive as an option.

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Aug 10, 2017 12:21:23   #
seniormomentnw Loc: Seattle
 
Going to Magmod was a revelation. Even better is that I can still use my Flashbenders as flags. Syl Arena has written a superb book about speedlites and flash photography in general. I have learned a whole lot about photography in general from that book as well.

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Aug 10, 2017 12:50:24   #
George Kravis
 
Here's the best combination I've found for almost all indoor pictures and even some outdoor when fill is called for.



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Aug 10, 2017 14:40:46   #
sirlensalot Loc: Arizona
 
Suggest looking up Neil Van Niekirk for some suggestions. He is IMO, the master of flash for weddings and portraits. I have a knock-off of the Rogue Bender which is used less and less in favor of the infamous "BFT" used by Neil. Can't beat the price for a DIY piece of equipment. I have used it more on-camera than off, but it works well with a cord also. I prefer to use it without a bracket for its versatility. Neil has tons of free videos out there and also sells some books and a video course devoted to off-camera flash.

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Aug 10, 2017 15:21:00   #
speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho
 
ChrisW. wrote:
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?
I normally shoot in natural lighting for portraits... (show quote)

Well, just having the light come from the desired direction, istead of the flat light you get from it placed on camera is worth it ten fold!! The flash bender will come in handy too, but for more flexibility I would recommend to get a radio trigger!!

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Aug 10, 2017 15:21:49   #
Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina
 
sirlensalot wrote:
Suggest looking up Neil Van Niekirk for some suggestions. He is IMO, the master of flash for weddings and portraits. I have a knock-off of the Rogue Bender which is used less and less in favor of the infamous "BFT" used by Neil. Can't beat the price for a DIY piece of equipment. I have used it more on-camera than off, but it works well with a cord also. I prefer to use it without a bracket for its versatility. Neil has tons of free videos out there and also sells some books and a video course devoted to off-camera flash.
Suggest looking up Neil Van Niekirk for some sugge... (show quote)


Neil does do great stuff with Bounce Flash, but he also speaks very highly of the Profoto B2 system if you want to invest $3-4K... His stuff is also definitely worth taking some time to study...

Best,
Todd Ferguson

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Aug 10, 2017 19:14:24   #
Reinaldokool Loc: San Rafael, CA
 
GoofyNewfie wrote:
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.
The Flashbender is a good product. br I have one o... (show quote)


What he just said. I like Gary Fong's invention, but now prefer the light genius.


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