trying speedlites

sparky675

[IMG][/img]i am trying to get better at using multiple speedlites with umbrellas and radio triggers, on this shot i used a 580,540canon speedlites set at 1/2 power or slightly less right and leftof the girls. with a sigma flash at 1/16 in front bounced off a foam board. using a canon 40d and 24-105 at around f8. if they suck let me know, i am a big boy, thanks Sparky
OK I AM SORRY BUT MY COMPUTER IS LOCKING UP EVERYTIME I TRY TO ADD AN IMAGE.

leaforte

I couldn't see your example, but I too am throwing a couple 580's and an st-e2 around the studio, trying different diffusers, angles, etc. Shoot and learn I say...Can't wait to see what you came up with.

sparky675

lets try again. sorry just learning
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sparky675

one more
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Qarik

they don't suck but they don't do anything for me either. The reason is because the lighting is too even..the same effect could have achieved with 1 flash in the hotshoe and diffuser. Also they appear about 1/2 stop underexposed as well.

I would suggest trying and getting good with 1 speed light and one umbrella 1st. Master it. then add as you see fit.

Cute kids

dmmattix

One real advantage you have going for you is having models to work with to try these things out. Having one with glasses is even better because it changes the lighting tricks you have to use (in the second post the girl with glasses has a slight reflection off the bottom of her left lens (her left not photo left)).

I am assuming you have looked at the David Hobby's Strobist website (http://strobist.blogspot.com). Another site that is a bit old but focuses on using Canon equipment to do Portraits is Chuck Gardner's site (http://super.nova.org/DPR/#Index). Chuck's site is more basic but pretty detailed and focused on Portraiture while Stobist gets more advanced and delves further into overall Lighting theory/concepts. Both authors are opinionated regarding how to do things but that is pretty normal.

Regards,

Mike

sparky675

thanks for your comments

sparky675 wrote:

[IMG][/img]i am trying to get better at using multiple speedlites with umbrellas and radio triggers, on this shot i used a 580,540canon speedlites set at 1/2 power or slightly less right and leftof the girls. with a sigma flash at 1/16 in front bounced off a foam board. using a canon 40d and 24-105 at around f8. if they suck let me know, i am a big boy, thanks Sparky
OK I AM SORRY BUT MY COMPUTER IS LOCKING UP EVERYTIME I TRY TO ADD AN IMAGE.

i was trying to make sure they were not to bad. today i will try toning down the 2nd strobe,thanks for the links, love strobist ,but sometimes you have to do it a few times to understand it, just getting people to give you an hour to practice is not always easy, all help is appreciated Sparky

Hackbone

In post 1 and 3 you have a nice ratio set up. A pleasing starting point is to have your main light one stop brighter than your fill. (measured at the subject) The biggest problem is that there is no separation between your subjects and the background. You need to light your bkg or hit them with a rim light to get some separation. Keep it up you have a good start. Remember that the larger the light and the closer to you subject you can get it makes a softer light.