 Jennifer Casey |
Amatuer 35mm wedding lighting I am just starting a small business with weddings in my area using my 35mm film camera(Canon Elan7). I have an on the camera separate flash for it, but was wondering what is the best way to light inside the church using this equipment. I do not want to spend alot of money on other equipment as this is very part-time and I am not charging alot. Also, if it picks up I would like to invest in a digital camera instead of purchasing more for this camera.
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John A. Lind |
Jennifer, If you're starting a small business doing weddings part-time, drop the "amateur" part of your question. Start thinking "professional" (it will help you in the long run). One of the biggest problems encountered by those who have little or no experience shooting weddings is the amount of light their flash can produce . . . it takes considerably more than in the average home with shorter distances and smaller spaces that contain the light . . . and the flash needs to recycle much faster. See the sections of my "survival guide" about lighting and flash power; it will give you an idea of the GN rating you should be considering: Note that it's not written for those who what to get into the business, but I think the lighting portion of the equipment section will be of use to you. Companies such as Metz make flash units that use modules to allow dedicated operation with a wide range of camera systems. Metz equipment in particular (their "SCA-3000" units) would allow continued use of the flash with another camera system by simply replacing the modules. This is pro grade flash gear. It's not inexpensive new; prices are much better for used ones. Keep in mind that there are numerous reasons pros use pro grade equipment . . . if less expensive consumer gear could be effectively used to do the job(s), and hold up with heavier use, they'd use it. -- John Lind
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Jennifer Casey |
Thank you for your input... I checked out the site that you offer. It all does help. The flash that I have does produce sufficient light usually, but I seem to have more of a problem with the way that the shadows are showing up. I bought a softbox for the flash that I have, and I thought that it would eliminate the shadows, but they are still there. Reduced, perhaps, but still there. I have tried a little with bouncing the light from the ceiling, but usually that seems to give me no light at the subjects feet. Maybe I just need to work more with the light output for these different options. What can you tell me?
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Christopher A. Vedros |
Jennifer, a small investment that would help you get better results from your current equipment would be to get a flash bracket and a hot shoe cord for your flash. A flash bracket, like the Stroboframe Quick Flip or Camera Flip will move your flash a few inches higher above the camera lens. This will help to move the shadows lower behind your subjects instead of directly behind them. You can still use the softbox also.
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Jennifer Casey |
Thanks, Chris. It sounds like that is what I need to do. You recommend those brackets?
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Christopher A. Vedros |
I have the Stroboframe Quick Flip and it works very well. With this one, when you turn for a vertical picture, you flip the flash so that it stays above the lens. I wish I would have gotten the Camera Flip model instead. It's also made by Stroboframe. The difference with this one is the flash and frame stay still and the camera rotates in the bracket. It just looks easier to me. Either should work well, and they aren't too expensive.
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