Goal #81 – Learning Off-Camera Flash

I’ve put off writing up this post b/c I wanted to make absolutely sure I had the technique down.  Not to mention I had a long, drawn-out war with my pocket wizards and my flashes and my pocket wizards kept winning battle after battle.

But finally I’ve figured out a system that allows me to trigger my off-camera flash and fire my flash on camera at the same time.  And as long as my batteries are good, it works 99% of the time.  I shoot both flashes on manual mode, choosing the power of the off-camera flash based on the size of the room and dance floor.  I use my on-camera flash at either 1/64 or 1/32 power, depending on which lens I’m using and how far away I’m standing.

My favorite way to use the set up is to backlight my subjects during dancing, particularly first dances and parent dances.  I love the rim light the flash creates and I sometimes even like the flare if the light peeks out from behind the couple.  This set up is also great for toasts.

My 2nd favorite way to use the light is by having it 45-90 degrees to the side of where I’m standing, creating nice side lighting. I think these photos really set the tone for a spotlighted dance and add dimension to group dancing.

Having shot with off-camera flash at every reception for the last 8 months, I can’t imagine ever going back and I’m so happy I FINALLY got my set-up to behave!

Goal #81, check!