27/02/2026 6:31 pm
Topic starter
Notifications
Clear all
0
I've been trying to take pictures of my family for my nieces backyard wedding coming up in like two weeks and honestly everything I take looks terrible. I bought this Canon 90D because everyone said it was good but every time I use the little pop up flash the people look like ghosts or they have red eyes and the background is just pitch black. its so frustrating because I spent a lot of money on this camera and I feel like a total idiot right now.
I tried reading the manual but all the stuff about shutter speed and sync whatever just makes my head spin. I really need to get an external flash but I have no idea what even works with this thing or how to attach it. I dont want to spend more than 150 or 200 bucks max because I'm already broke from the camera purchase and I just want something that makes people look normal and not like they're being interrogated in a dark room. is there a specific one I should buy for portraits that just works without me having to be a scientist?
4 Answers
12
27/02/2026 6:31 pm
I've been very satisfied with a reliable, budget-friendly flash setup on my 90D. Using this specific model keeps things safe and simple for the wedding:
- Godox TT685II-C TTL Flash for Canon includes E-TTL technology which automates the light output for you.
- The build quality is solid and it fits the 90D hot shoe securely.
- Using this model saves you money while delivering consistent, reliable results for portraits.
11
27/02/2026 6:45 pm
Quick reply while I have a sec. In my experience, technical stuff like TTL is what saves you from that ghost look because it calculates the light for you automatically.
- Godox V860III-C TTL Li-ion Flash for Canon has HSS which is great for outdoor sun.
- Yongnuo YN685 II Wireless TTL Speedlite for Canon is a really solid budget choice. Just bounce the flash head off a white ceiling if youre inside... it makes things way softer.
5
14/03/2026 4:41 pm
Late to the party but I remember being in that exact same spot with my 90D, feeling like I wasted my money because my backyard shots looked like police mugshots. I eventually grabbed a Godox V350C Li-ion TTL Flash for Canon and I've been really happy and satisfied with how it handles portraits. It is incredibly reliable and uses a rechargeable battery so you aren't constantly swapping out AAs in the middle of a wedding... thats a lifesaver honestly. I have no complaints about the light quality and it just works well without needing to fiddle with the menu too much. Quick tip for the wedding: just point the flash head up at a slight angle instead of straight at your family. It makes the light hit peoples faces way softer so you dont get those ghost eyes or harsh shadows. It has worked well for me for a long time and hasn't let me down yet tho.
4
27/02/2026 7:15 pm
Regarding what #2 said about "Quick reply while I have a sec. In my experience, technical stuff like TTL is what saves you", I totally agree. TTL stands for Through The Lens, and it basically means the camera and flash talk to each other to figure out the power automatically so you dont have to. I've been super happy with my Godox V860III-C TTL Li-ion Flash for Canon because the battery lasts forever and it just works well without me fussing with dials. If you want to save some cash, the Godox TT685II-C TTL Flash for Canon is also amazing and hits that budget perfectly. The trick is pointing the flash at a white ceiling or wall behind you. It turns that harsh light into a huge soft glow. If you want to learn fast, look up a site called Tangents by Neil van Niekerk. His bounce flash tutorials are gold for wedding portraits and explain it way better than any manual. No complaints from me on this setup!
