Character meals - should I bring my speedlite?

[DisneyKarenG]

I am going to WDW with my Rebel T1i soon. I will be bringing my 18-55 kit lens, and my 50mm f/1.8 "nifty fifty".

I am assuming that those will be sufficient for most outdoor pictures?

My big concern is getting great shots of my toddler at our character breakfast at Cape May, and our lunch at Crystal Palace. I have a speedlite - is it really worth it to bring it? I don't LOVE the idea of carrying so much camera equipment around the park. Or can I make due with the kit lens and built in flash? If so, what settings should I use?

If you do really recommend that I take the speedlite, what settings would you recommend with that?

 

[mom2rtk]

You'll get a variety of opinions on this. My personal preference is to bring it. I use it for many outdoor character shots as well. In the light of the day, it's nice to even out the harsh shadows you sometimes get.

One thing I do is dial down the flash exposure compensation so it doesn't overpower the subjects.

The nifty fifty will allow decent light, but you might want to stop it down a little to get everyone in the plane of focus. And my personal feeling is that 50mm is too long for my taste at a character meal. If you only want close-ups though it should work.

If you're not sure, I'd say bring it the first day, take some shots with and without, then decide if it's worth carrying with you on subsequent days.

 

[photo_chick]

When it doubt get it out. While it's not my preference, if you like using the speedlite you'll probably regret not having it with you.

 

[Marlton Mom]

I took it and used it the on the last trip for character meals and I was really glad I did. The one thing I would have done differently is practiced at home using the exposure comp. button so I could have been quicker making adjustments during the character meal.

Also take a couple of test shots before the characters come around so you can adjust for the lighting conditions in the restaurant.

I know all these are pretty basic ideas but you'd be surprised how things go quickly when those Characters arrive. Things like not waiting for your flash to recharge in between shots can affect your shooting. By practicing at home you get a feel for the recharge time.

Also lithium batteries take longer to recharge the flash in between shots than alkalines, which are the fastest batteries to recharge the flash for the next exposure.

Knowing Little stuff like that really helps.

Oh, and I think mom2rtk is a master at using that flash!!!

~Marlton Mom

 

[mom2rtk]

I took it and used it the on the last trip for character meals and I was really glad I did. The one thing I would have done differently is practiced at home using the exposure comp. button so I could have been quicker making adjustments during the character meal.

Also take a couple of test shots before the characters come around so you can adjust for the lighting conditions in the restaurant.

I know all these are pretty basic ideas but you'd be surprised how things go quickly when those Characters arrive. Things like not waiting for your flash to recharge in between shots can affect your shooting. By practicing at home you get a feel for the recharge time.

Also lithium batteries take longer to recharge the flash in between shots than alkalines, which are the fastest batteries to recharge the flash for the next exposure.

Knowing Little stuff like that really helps.

Oh, and I think mom2rtk is a master at using that flash!!!

~Marlton Mom

Wow, THANKS Marlton Mom!

When will you be posting the photos of all the sleeping people on TTA at OMDD????? Remember, I was living vicariously through you......

 

[andytaro]

+1 for flash during character meals.
Also I recommend bouncing against ceiling or side wall even against back wall of you if you can. Bouncing light can dramatically improve your photograph.

 

[C&B Young]

Another vote for the kit lens + speedlight. You'll need to go much wider than 50mm, otherwise you'll have to stand far away to get the character in the shot. We found even our 30mm Sigma f/1.4 lens wasn't wide enough at Crystal Palace, ended up going with our 17-55 with a little bit of flash.

 

[wbeem]

Bring it! If you really want to make a difference, get a Lastolite Brolly Grip & Trifold umbrella for a little studio on the run.

Any time you can control the light, you're in for better results.

 

[handicap18]

For the character meals, bring it. Thats about the only time I used mine except for some fun portrait/rear curtain shots at night. I always brought mine to the character meals.