photographing character meals and lighting

[praline3001]

We have a few character meals and I have been brainstorming the best plan for lighting. I was going to attempt no flash but my camera doesn't do so hot on higher ISO. So I have an externel 430 speedlite and I really like it.. but not sure the best way to approach character meal photos.

Should I try bouncing the light from the ceiling or should I use my diffuser at a 45 degree angle ..maybe no diffuser and still 45 degree angle?

Anyone have any good examples of proper lighting at character meals they would like to share with me? I would love to see the EXIF file if at all possible so I can take notes on the lighting in each setting/enviroment.

The character meals I am most interested in are:
CRT
1900 park fare
Chef Mickeys

Thanks for any input you can give me.

 

[Gdad]

Here are a few from CRT: Pretty dark inside the castle.

http://www.capturelifeinaction.com/gallery/2473721_FAcen#129741796_xr8Qf

During the day Chef Mickeys is pretty bright if I remember.

Never eaten at 1900.

You will not be able to bounce your flash 'up' at those two anyway- as they have very high expansive ceilings that will just swallow the light. You may be able to bounce off a wall if one is near by.

 

[Frantasmic]

1900 Park Fare is lit like a gym more or less. The paint scheme is pretty light hue wise. The room is interior with little to no external light. I'll check to see if we have some pictures when I'm at home. The characters there are or at least were a few years ago pretty exhuberant and lots of fun.

 

[boBQuincy]

When our choices are so limited the best I have found is an on-camera flash with a good size diffuser (LumiQuest, et al).