Diffuser/Reflector question

[autofocus]

I'm not sure I understand why I'll be limited to1/160(my camera's sync speed) and won't want a faster shutter speed, which I can get by using high-speed sync. Over exposed? Actually I'm not sure I've got a handle on this at all

I just wanted to keep things simple...faster shutter speeds can be used when high speed sync is supported. Being that you can use shutter speeds faster than your sync speed you will be able to have better control over DOF using wider apertures. Remember, shutter speed controls your ambient light...slow speeds = more ambient light in your image, fast shutter speeds = less ambient light in your image. High speed sync pulses the flash, and tends to suck up battery life faster.
Over exposed? Not necessarily the cause
Actually I'm not sure I've got a handle on this at all Maybe best to stay within your normal sync speed range then until you get a handle on using HS Sync

[sk66]

I'm going to suggest the 5-in-1 is not going to be a lot of benefit....It's used to create your own bit of shade or fill in a little from rather close.

A shoot-thru or reflector umbrella would be my recommendation. Both spread more light than a soft box. A reflector will tend to throw wider than a shoot-thru and is used from a greater distance. For groups/couples and a small setup this will probably be the most beneficial.

You'll also need to get that flash off the camera via trigger or sync cable....

First wedding?

[cyber3d]

For you (and anyone really) the videos from this manufacturer of reflectors are filled with tips and techniques that would apply to any reflector brand - of course they push their own products. But, I love the Sunbounce Mini Micro reflector. I want to get the flash attachment at some point.

www.sunbounce.com: AWESOME SUNBOUNCERS VIDEOS

[FlyingKiwiGirl]

Originally Posted by autofocus

Maybe best to stay within your normal sync speed range then until you get a handle on using HS Sync

Thanks, you may be right, I'll be practicing a fair bit over the coming weeks but I'm not going to stress. If I get it, I get it, if I don't the wedding party won't know any difference

Originally Posted by sk66

... First wedding?

Yes! *gulp* And not by choice either(see the thread below). Thanks for your comments. I can see this is going to be an expensive hobby.

"It's just a casual affair......"

Originally Posted by cyber3d

For you (and anyone really) the videos from this manufacturer of reflectors are filled with tips and techniques .......

Woah, good site, there's a lot to take in there. I've saved the site and will review more of it when I have some spare time. Thanks for that.
(PS- did you happen to see my latest post in the photoshop thread you helped me with? On closer inspection the photo has a major mistake )
Thanks for your help everyone.

I know I'm like a dog with a bone, but, I have some further queries.

How good are those diffusers that fit over the flash? Does this make shooting more mobile and off the cuff?
And which is better if they are OK, the fitted ones or those small cones that fit around the flash and direct it up and away from the subject?
Are these the same as being able to angle the flash up anyway(as is the case with my external, it has 3 different degrees of angle up and also moves around sideways. My flash also has a little diffuser screen that I can pull down over the flash screen. It won't flash unless I have it down for wide shots.

[sk66]

They're "OK". They do make things more portable and "easier", but not "better". FWIW, IMO bigger is better (up to a point).
I have an Alzo 15" soft box as my "portable". Other than that I just use the diffuser dome that comes with the flash. They do not work like bouncing the flash. You can get a bounce card for that.