outdoor night event shoot help

[wanadlan]

dear all,

need help in getting the best pictures from an outdoor night event shoot - ie. family bbq.

what are the best set-up? what shutter speed to use? which apperture setting is best? what lens? what flash set up? ISO? which modes to use - manual, av or tv? i know there are a lot of questions... i hope this is the right forum to get the best answers.

i am currently using a 30d with 580exII + sto-fen omnibounce coupled with 50 1.2L, 24-70 2.8L and 70-200 f2.8L IS lenses.

here are some sample pictures taken from one of our previous beach bbq. comments are very much appreciated. taken using 50 1.2L

#1 - f1.2, 1/15, iso400, flash fired, manual exposure mode
#2 - f1.4, 1/60, iso400, flash fired, manual exposure mode
#3 - f1.4, 1/60, iso400, flash fired, manual exposure mode

thanking everyone in advance.

wanadlan

[Freaky]

Me also wanna learn... i suck at flash photography...:(

[simonliu]

Hey U R using canon.....well known for its high ISO capability. Do not be afraid to boost up the ISO to 800 or even 1000. And use a slightly slower shutter speed (maybe 1/30 - 1/50). With both these settings it allow more of the background to be captured. As for the flash I do not use TTL. I would usually use manual and adjust the power setting manually. Remember, the distance would determine to power needed so u may need to take a few shots before u get it correct but what the heck.....its digital and it does not cost u anything.

Happy trying.

[matcom]

Hi Wanadlan,
I'm using 30D too and I also not good when comes to flash thing. For me, I use P setting, or M if I got enough time to set everything. Consider u are using ur wide lenses, I think its adequate, if using ISO 400-800 and shutter 15-60.
Experiment with it if u fond to use manual setting. Then u will know how to set in every situation.
Another way u can learn is, by set to P, half press and see at the viewfinder, what setting the cam prefer. Then u set to manual and try to use the setting recommend before. Just plus 1-2 stop for the shutter.
Be patient. I also take one step at a time. Not all pics always perfect . Too many things to consider. Thats the challenge. :cool:

[Peisqo]

Hey there ! I'm also very new in flash photography .. recently i've oppened a thread here : http://www.shutterasia.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3582

Erm tats for nikon but i guess it applies to canon as well hehe .. in there .. 1 forummer intro me 1 website which im reading NOW ( literally now :P in a different browser ) .. and i find it VERY usefull .. have a look http://planetneil.com/tangents/flash-photography-techniques/

Also like ShaolinTiger said .. there are many links here already : http://www.shutterasia.com/forum/showthread.php?t=246