The Flash Bracket? Do they really matter anymore?

[saul01]

Read this on the Canon forum. It was interesting enough to want some opinions on brackets.

"I was talking to a fellow photographer who works weddings all the time. We were discussing on-camera flash and he spoke of always using a flash bracket for on camera.

I've seen them before, those large hulking contraptions that some photogs carry around on a wedding. Is it really necessary though anymore? I think one of those would slow me down but if the benefits are really worth the hassle i'd might look into it.

Supposedly, it will remove the horrid side-shadow when shot in portrait orientation but why not just use a TTL cable and hold the flash in proper orientation rather than carry a bulky and heavy bracket? Or just bounce?"

 

[G.K.Jnr.]

Hi, As far as I'm concerned a flash bracket is essential if using a flash gun that is designed for a hot shoe. Some of us use hammer head guns.

As you suggest it does help to get rid of the side shadow when shooting in portrait orientation but it also gives you a very good extra support for the camera. I can't imagine how difficult it would be to try and hold a heavy Pro SLR camera possibly with a battery grip in one hand and a separate flash gun in the other hand and keep them both steady. And presumably you'd have to keep on connecting and disconnecting the flash gun as required.

I know some of the other pro togs on TP never use a flash gun on Weddings, they prefer to increase the ISO instead, we all have our own way of working, but for me it's an essential bit of kit for brightening shadows etc in harsh sunlight (fill in flash technique) and I also like to have it there as they say just in case it's needed. Works for me.

Only my opinion of course and my way of working.Hope this helps.

 

[badboy1984]

For church wedding stuff where flash is not allow so that's why some pro tog just shoot with high iso. Depend on your need actually .