Flash Question

SweetScenePhoto

I am taking your suggestion and purchasing a Sigma EF-530 DG Super Electronic Flash for Canon DSLR over the Canon 430 EX ii. Anyway, I am a big-time newbie and don't have any experience with flash. I want to get a diffuser and was looking at the inverted cloud domes out there - I've seen a few local wedding photographers have these. I can't easily tell if they would fit on the Sigma EF-530 DG Super (and googling isn't helping). A friend asked me to photograph her outdoor wedding and small indoor reception (at a local restaurant). Her family can't afford a "real" wedding photographer, and I've done a few for small, family gatherings. I know that my 270EX (which I have been using for portraits) just might not cut-it in the reception room. And, since I'm not getting paid, I have a very, very low budget (most of the money I have is going into the flash purchase itself).
I own a canon rebel xsi (and will be borrowing another one - so that I have a back-up camera onsite with me). I'm also short - only 5'2", so I don't want to have harsh flash in anyone's faces.

Thank you for your input!

ImageX Photography

SweetScenePhoto wrote: »

I am taking your suggestion and purchasing a Sigma EF-530 DG Super Electronic Flash for Canon DSLR over the Canon 430 EX ii. Anyway, I am a big-time newbie and don't have any experience with flash. I want to get a diffuser and was looking at the inverted cloud domes out there - I've seen a few local wedding photographers have these. I can't easily tell if they would fit on the Sigma EF-530 DG Super (and googling isn't helping). A friend asked me to photograph her outdoor wedding and small indoor reception (at a local restaurant). Her family can't afford a "real" wedding photographer, and I've done a few for small, family gatherings. I know that my 270EX (which I have been using for portraits) just might not cut-it in the reception room. And, since I'm not getting paid, I have a very, very low budget (most of the money I have is going into the flash purchase itself).
I own a canon rebel xsi (and will be borrowing another one - so that I have a back-up camera onsite with me). I'm also short - only 5'2", so I don't want to have harsh flash in anyone's faces.

Thank you for your input!

I'm a newbie too but I would for sure bounce the flash off of the ceiling or walls.... at least in the restaurant. That way you will avoid harsh flash on their face. I use a Stofen Omni flash diffuser. They are cheap and work well. I can't help with your fitment issue though. Sorry.

ziggy53

A single Sigma 5xx DG Super flash and "scoop" modifier produced these:









A scoop modifier costs around $3USD to build each and is around 15 minutes to DIY if you take your time.

Link to basic construction:

http://www.fototime.com/inv/908195739C4C0D3

... and here is how it looks in operation:

Landscape orientation:


Portrait orientation:

SweetScenePhoto

Thanks so much! What ISO and what Fstop were you shooting at?

ziggy53

SweetScenePhoto wrote: »

Thanks so much! What ISO and what Fstop were you shooting at?

Each situation requires a different setup and exposure combination.