Who says that's what I want to shoot, or the look I'm going for? And flash is EXTREMELY disruptive in public situations. imho the only place it belongs is the studio or off in some hidden corner shooting staged shots.

I can get what I seek without flash. Different strokes for different folks. Also you can pull stuff out of shadows in post very easily. More than one way to do it. Flash is a tool that I choose not to use. ymmv.

fair enough, perhaps i should have said 'you can't get THIS effect consistently...'

certainly appreciate different stylistic approaches to portraits.

I have developed a style with the flash.

Bouncing, diffusion and holding the flash in hand allow lots of latitude re creativity.

It's a good thing there as many different styles as there are photographers, of course.

Sounds like fun and if "that" girl is going with you; ohhh boy! I'd suggest a video camera then ;)

I'm no expert compared to those who've chimed in here; but I have taken over 100,000 pics of houses in the past couple years.... I agree with Todd, I hate flash too. I try my best to use natural light, gives a much better shot imo. Trick with that is you risk getting blurry pics if you're not steady. Get a tripod with remote snap for these shots.

Yes; extra batts, mem cards will be a must.

You'll want to make sure you take one shot with flash and one without, to be safe. You'll need to learn how to trick your camera into no flash when the auto feature calls for it; I use the landscape setting, but practise your shots with the various settings the camera offers.

These guys ^^^^ are inspiring me to take the hobby to another level? So much to learn and know about the sport.

Have fun! My bro is here right now, visiting us from India. He works for UN.

I also find the flash very disruptive and much prefer not to use it. I will be picking up the new Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX when it comes out if nothing else I'm getting frustrated with my slow lenses indoors.

You can pre-order the 35mm Nikkor at Canoga Camera now for $200. Great lens for D40/60 shooters.

The woman is Aishwarya Rai. She is one of the most famous Bollywood actresses at the moment.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aishwarya_Rai

Thanks for the help guys.

A fast lens is good, and MAY allow you to avoid the use of a flash. Maybe.

Like Nostatic, I tend to avoid flashes like the plague.

But.....a pure "no flash" policy means there are pictures you cannot take. Even in the best of circumstances (fast lens, good indoor lighting, slow-moving subjects, tripod, cable release, blah, blah) the pictures almost certainly will have limitations.

The "practice first" advice is very good, and I suggest (even though I don't like flashes) getting a decent flash and diffuser, and see what you can do. The flash can result in colors you would not get without it and reduce the need for a tripod. Exposure-setting is made easier also. I would not even take a flash with me if there were no diffuser involved....that's how obnoxious flashes usually are. But with a diffuser, a much softer frame is possible. And like someone said, the flash (with diffuser) is going to take on some of the colors of the room, particularly the ceiling.

Good candid shots of people at night are very very difficult in the best of circumstances, and nearly impossible without some flash.

It depends on your definition of a good candid shot. I frankly despise the front-fill look, but that is a norm for "portrait" work. I'm much more drawn to and moved by less perfect light and a bit of grit. Everyone has their own preference though.

I still stand by flash as verboten in candid public shots. It intrudes on the scene and is the antithesis of observing the moment. But obviously this is a pet peeve of mine. I do reserve the right to go over and smash the flash of anyone who takes photos at a party or on the street though. They need to keep their photons to themselves. :D

point is our guy doesn't have that option. he's not going to be in a well lit room and he doesn't have $1500 worth of 'wedding lense' on his camera.

so he's going to have to learn to use flash. and quickly.

HD get to know the adjustments on your flash and play with the diffuser that you MUST BUY BEFORE YOU GO. if nothing else play with saran wrap, tissue paper, etc. taped to the flash.

I LOVE candid shots but without a lot of luck on the lighting and a very high dollar lense you are going to be limited in this situation.

Recently saw a show about Indian weddings. They are a beautiful sight and worth the effort to be prepared. But you will miss a at least some of the vibe without a super fast lense to take in the oh so cool lights they use.

something to think about if you have a chance to rent a good lens (and i STRONGLY recommend doing so) is that a good wedding zoom lense (2.8) will allow you to get very intimate with guests without them knowing it. strongly agree with NS that being unintrusive is pretty darned important for good candid shots PARTICULARLY when you're not the paid photographer.

No relation, never used them etc, etc BUT it might be $30-50 well spent.
http://www.lensrentals.com/rent/canon-50mm-f1.4/for-canon

1. Extra memory flash card.
2. Attachment to card for a laptop if you want to download.
3. Extra Battery.
4. Skylight or UV filter for protection.
5. Diffuser for the flash. Try to aim the flash away from subject if possible.
(natural light is great, but creative flash work is fun as well-if you know what to do.. I use 2 at a time 580ex and a 420ex)
6. your flash and camera manuals. Always good.

Keep taking pictures- extras are is OK with digital. Try some bracketing. Make sure you stay aware of speed and lens opening. If it rains - go crazy (before, after)...

Also: Post pics when you return please.....