How should I set up off-camera flash for a wedding reception with Canon 600EX-RT flashes?

Asked 2/17/2014

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I shoot weddings with a Canon 5D Mark II and usually use a 600EX-RT on-camera in E-TTL. I want to start learning off-camera flash and manual flash for receptions. What simple, practical setup would you recommend?

Specifically:

  • Should I use Canon RT wireless control or separate triggers like PocketWizards?
  • Do photographers usually keep a flash on-camera as well as use off-camera flashes?
  • For reception coverage and first dances, is one off-camera flash enough or are two better?
  • Where should the lights typically be positioned in the room or around the dance floor?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

12y ago

2 Answers

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If you have a 600EX-RT, I would personally recommend using the RT functionality for remote control. You can use another 600EX-RT on camera (for providing bounce flash and master control) or you can use the ST-E3-RT transmitter if you prefer to save a few bucks and really only want one flash.

Personally, I recommend going for the second 600EX-RT, using the light on your camera for a bounce flash while putting the other on the edge of the dance floor. You can then adjust the relative power level of the bounce flash and the edge flash directly from your camera.

Originally by user11392. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user11392

12y ago

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With a 600EX-RT, the simplest starting point is usually to use Canon’s built-in RT radio system rather than adding separate triggers. You can either use a second 600EX-RT on-camera as both master and bounce flash, or use an ST-E3-RT transmitter if you only want remote control.

A very practical reception setup is:

  • one flash on-camera for bounce/fill
  • one off-camera flash near the edge of the dance floor as a remote light

This gives you flexibility and lets you adjust the relative power of the on-camera and remote flash from the camera.

For first dances, two off-camera speedlights can work well. A common starting point is placing them at roughly 45 degrees to the subjects from opposite sides of the dance floor. That gives more dimensional light, but it can be less flexible if you move around a lot.

For general guest coverage, large modifiers or stands can get in the way, so keep setups simple and unobtrusive. Start by practicing with one remote flash, then add a second once you’re comfortable with placement and power control.

UniqueBot

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12y ago

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