Flash or fast lens

[cherrygirl]

OK, shooting a child's birthday party at a place where they have all kinds of stuff to do and play on so the light will be bright. They want lots of candids and some "staged" shots. Should I use a flash or would it be better to use a fast lens and use the available light?

Any suggestions would be great. Thanks in advance!

Both.

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[LoveDSLR]

That depends on your camera's low noise high ISO value (e.g., ISO 400 for some entry levels and ISO 6400 for Nikon top models), type of flash (I have one that reaches 100 feet @ ISO 400, f/2.8) and which fast lens of proper focal length (50 f/1.8, 85 f/1.4, 200 f/2 etc.).

[Mr Guy]

Are you talking about buying/renting or just what to bring?

It's hard enough to do adults in low lighting without a flash, I agree with Max, to do the best job you'll very likely need to freeze them with a flash, but I'd plan on bringing a fast lens to take shots of the environment as well.

Oh, and presumably you've read this: http://digital-photography-school.co...birthday-party

and http://digital-photography-school.co...ht-photography

Good tips in there from Darren!

Another good tip from max here is to practice using a bounce flash, wide aperture, and dragging the shutter to get the candles on the cake looking pretty: advice/help for that birthday cake candle shot

[cherrygirl]

Originally Posted by Mr Guy

Are you talking about buying/renting or just what to bring?

It's hard enough to do adults in low lighting without a flash, I agree with Max, to do the best job you'll very likely need to freeze them with a flash, but I'd plan on bringing a fast lens to take shots of the environment as well.

Oh, and presumably you've read this: How to Photograph a Child’s Birthday Party

and 15 Tips for Great Candlelight Photography

Good tips in there from Darren!

Another good tip from max here is to practice using a bounce flash, wide aperture, and dragging the shutter to get the candles on the cake looking pretty: advice/help for that birthday cake candle shot

Yes, just what to bring..I have the equipment. I know that this will be fast paced so I wanted an opinion have the right equipment out and ready to go.And yes! I did read Darren tips, they are helpful..I love this forum!!!

Thanks for the tips.

[Bluenoser]

When you say the "Light will be bright", are you talking indoor or outdoor?

[cherrygirl]

Originally Posted by Bluenoser

When you say the "Light will be bright", are you talking indoor or outdoor?

It's indoor but with huge windows to light with natural light...the shoot is at about noon so I expect it to be very bright.

[kirbinster]

Go with a fast lens, flash may be very distracting.

[Chip]

I'd bring both, and I'd try to rely on the fast glass as much as possible.

But, if you find you need more DOF and don't have enough light, then the flash might be a good "safety net." Flash could be helpful for the posed photos, too.

My 2 cents.

[cherrygirl]

Thanks to all yall for the advice!