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gtxtom · 03-17-2011, 05:13 PM

I'm going to be shooting a fashion show of sorts this weekend and would like some tips. It's a low budget, amateur type thing. Anyway, what setup should I try to start with regarding flash? The room won't be very dim, it will have overhead office lighting that don't dim at all. I will be using my K-5 and AF540. Should I put it on the hotshoe, or place it wirelessly somewhere? I think I'm going to be at the end of the runway, getting pictures of the models as they pose. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

I know it's no Victoria's Secret fashion show, but I would like to have the pictures turn out well.

twitch · 03-17-2011, 05:52 PM

If you haven't had experience with off camera flash I wouldn't try it for the first time at the event.

Your problem will be ugly overhead lighting, and flash recycle times.

I'd tend to use flash on camera, but only under expose ambient by 1 to 1.5 stops so the flash is more subtle, and recycle times aren't as bad (put camera on manual; set shutter to 1/180, ISO on ~400, and see what aperture you need to underexposre a stop of so, you might need to increase ISO if the light is a bit dim). If you have good light then maybe put a stofen on the flash head, it eats a stop or 2 though so could hurt recycle times too much. Then dial the FEC down on the flash to about -1 or -1.5. Take a test shot and see what it looks like.

Ideally you'd take a shot as they walk towards you, and that gives the flash enough time to take a second shot as they pose in front of you.

Good luck

**MJL** · 03-17-2011, 05:52 PM

If you have the room to set up a flash on a tripod with diffuser to the side, that should be the best set up. Regardless of the setup, make sure you have plenty of good batteries on hand. They will drain FAST. Good luck & have fun.

gtxtom · 03-17-2011, 05:57 PM

twitch, you mean the put the AF540 on the camera, not the on-camera flash?

MJL, I have 2 batteries, but I think the show will be pretty short. I should be ok.

twitch · 03-17-2011, 07:27 PM

Originally posted by gtxtom

twitch, you mean the put the AF540 on the camera, not the on-camera flash?

MJL, I have 2 batteries, but I think the show will be pretty short. I should be ok.

Yes, put the 540 on the camera. Ideally you'd have the flash off camera on a stand, and use some reliable remote radio frequency triggering devices, but unless you've done it before I wouldn't try it for the first time at an event.

03-17-2011, 05:13 PM	#1
gtxtom Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Philly Posts: 395	Fashio show photography? I'm going to be shooting a fashion show of sorts this weekend and would like some tips. It's a low budget, amateur type thing. Anyway, what setup should I try to start with regarding flash? The room won't be very dim, it will have overhead office lighting that don't dim at all. I will be using my K-5 and AF540. Should I put it on the hotshoe, or place it wirelessly somewhere? I think I'm going to be at the end of the runway, getting pictures of the models as they pose. Any info would be greatly appreciated. I know it's no Victoria's Secret fashion show, but I would like to have the pictures turn out well.

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03-17-2011, 05:52 PM	#2
twitch Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,571	If you haven't had experience with off camera flash I wouldn't try it for the first time at the event. Your problem will be ugly overhead lighting, and flash recycle times. I'd tend to use flash on camera, but only under expose ambient by 1 to 1.5 stops so the flash is more subtle, and recycle times aren't as bad (put camera on manual; set shutter to 1/180, ISO on ~400, and see what aperture you need to underexposre a stop of so, you might need to increase ISO if the light is a bit dim). If you have good light then maybe put a stofen on the flash head, it eats a stop or 2 though so could hurt recycle times too much. Then dial the FEC down on the flash to about -1 or -1.5. Take a test shot and see what it looks like. Ideally you'd take a shot as they walk towards you, and that gives the flash enough time to take a second shot as they pose in front of you. Good luck

03-17-2011, 05:52 PM	#3
MJL Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: The Canadian WetCoast Photos: Albums Posts: 384	If you have the room to set up a flash on a tripod with diffuser to the side, that should be the best set up. Regardless of the setup, make sure you have plenty of good batteries on hand. They will drain FAST. Good luck & have fun.

03-17-2011, 05:57 PM	#4
gtxtom Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Philly Posts: 395 Original Poster	twitch, you mean the put the AF540 on the camera, not the on-camera flash? MJL, I have 2 batteries, but I think the show will be pretty short. I should be ok.

03-17-2011, 07:27 PM	#5
twitch Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 4,571	Originally posted by gtxtom twitch, you mean the put the AF540 on the camera, not the on-camera flash? MJL, I have 2 batteries, but I think the show will be pretty short. I should be ok. Yes, put the 540 on the camera. Ideally you'd have the flash off camera on a stand, and use some reliable remote radio frequency triggering devices, but unless you've done it before I wouldn't try it for the first time at an event.

Fashio show photography?

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