Nikon D750, AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 200, ƒ/5.6, 1/30–Pocketwizard AC9 to combine with my Pocketwizard TT5 and then using the phone cord plug into the back of the Alienbees B1600. |
Available light or strobes?
First, I had an excellent second shooter for my last job. Second, Laura Deas Espeut is one of my favorite people to work with through the years.
I asked her to shoot as she usually does and that the two styles would give the bride and groom some options. She did a great job.
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Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L, ISO 640, ƒ/2.8, 1/100 |
Now I will not make a call as to which is better. This choice is about seeing how each is as much a style choice as anything else.
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Nikon D750, AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 200, ƒ/5.6, 1/30–Pocketwizard AC9 to combine with my Pocketwizard TT5 and then using the phone cord plug into the back of the Alienbees B1600. |
Here I strobed the group jumping, and then Laura shot about the same time from a slightly different angle with available light.
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Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Canon EF 28mm f/1.8, ISO 640, ƒ/1.8, 1/500 |
Here is another example:
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Canon EOS 5D Mark III, Canon EF 50mm f/1.8, ISO 640, ƒ/1.8, 1/800 |
This photo is Laura’s shot of the bridesmaids with the bride.
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Nikon D750, AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 100, ƒ/5.6, 1/30–Pocketwizard AC9 to combine with my Pocketwizard TT5 and then using the phone cord plug into the back of the Alienbees B1600. |
I love available light and think if it looks good, it goes with it most of the time. However, every once in a while, I believe strobes can make a photo a lot better.
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Nikon D750, AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 100, ƒ/8, 1/100–Pocketwizard AC9 to combine with my Pocketwizard TT5 and then using the phone cord, plug into the back of the Alienbees B1600. |
Here I had the groomsmen and the groom walk toward the camera in the flying formation. Again, this technique helped them keep their eyes open rather than walk straight into the sun.
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Nikon D750, AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, ISO 100, ƒ/5.6, 1/400–Pocketwizard AC9 to combine with my Pocketwizard TT5 and then using the phone cord plug into the back of the Alienbees B1600. |
Recommendation: Know available light and the ability to create light with strobes or constant light
I recommend that every working pro know how to do both, use whatever you need to get the photo and try to make your work distinguishable from all the competition.