Wireless and confussion - please help...

Hi,

I have recently added a used ST-E2 and 550ex (paid $250 for both). I already own 400D and 580exII. Now, I am totally disappointed with the results of wireless ettl using both the said flash units.

After a lot of ratio and ec trials, i finally arrived at the below photograph. Post processed in DPP (increased sharpness, lowered contrast, and picture style potrait)



My issues:

1. I was expecting more of white over all color (since flash output was strong +1.5 EC)

2. Overall light is harsh (how can I get an even, smooth light distribution over the face without highlights?)

3. Is the flash combination correct? I mean can i use 550 with 580 since they are different models (in terms of output)
4. Should i use diffusers? I want the studio effect on my portraits.

Please advise. I am worried if I made a mistake by getting into multiple flash !! I was actually getting better results with one flash (always bounced light off from the ceiling). Thanks in advance.

--
Ajimon

http://ajimon.smugmug.com

Ajimon,

Your problems are not due to your wireless setup. Your issues might be solved by setting your lights to manual rather than auto, adding some diffusion of sorts - maybe using your previous method of bouncing off your wall and controlling where you put your light to suit what you want to achieve. This might be achieved by setting each of your lights at different output levels to suit your requirements.

Your differing speedlights shouldn't cause you a problem.

Start with one light and get a pleasing result. Improve it by however you desire by adding the second light and adjusting it. Adjust your exposure if required.

Theres a lot of 'you' in there - your equipment only does what you tell it to do.

--
Ian.

Samples of work: http://www.AccoladePhotography.co.uk
Weddings: http://www.AccoladeWeddings.com
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Theres only one sun. Why do I need more than one light to get a natural result?

Buy a couple of umbrellas and you'll be happier.

It's not the light source, it's the size of the light source relative to the subject. Keep the umbrellas or softbox close, just right out of the frame.

Hi,

The 580 (either 1 or 2) with 550 is a great combination. I agree with the other posters that you are disappointed more by lack of diffusion - bounce or shoot through - than by the guns themselves. Was the light to camera R intended as the main light? If so, diffuse both but diffuse the light camera L even more. You might want slightly warm gels too. Good luck but dont give up on your strobes yet. Cheers,
Donald

Thanks to everybody.

Lessons learned:

1. Use manual flash output. Start with one flash as main and then adjust the second to control the effect required.
2. Buy softbox and/or umbrellas, use them close to the subject
3. Use R light as the main

I will try using these tips and will post the results. Thanks once again. Without this forum, free lessons are impossible these days !!

--
Ajimon

http://ajimon.smugmug.com

Actually, the wireless ETTL is rather nice once you learn it. Learn placement of the lights and add umbrella(s) or diffusers and things will improve greatly. Check this link out-

http://super.nova.org/DPR/#Canon

Hi,

I agree with jrscls in that ETTL is well worth sticking with. Canon wireless will do ETTL and 'Canon wireless manual'. The former is auto plus ratios and FEC, the latter sets master and slaves manually, but both are setup from the master unit remotely - saves time & walking. You have probably seen the following;-
http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/
http://super.nova.org/DPR/Canon/Links.html/
http://doug.kerr.home.att.net/pumpkin/Flash_Ratios.pdf
http://www.usa.canon.com/content/Speedlite/index.html
http://www.usa.canon.com/dlc/controller?act=TipsAndTechsAct
http://cpn.canon-europe.com/content/index.do

one extra source of info is the instruction manual of the old 550Ex. Although this is superceded, the manual devotes 76 pages to type A cameras (as in 1999) and is clearer than the more recent instruction manuals. Hope that helps, Donald

Thanks guys, really appreciated.

I am looking at buying umbrellas for portrait. This could either be shoulder up or even waste up. I will also need to buy an umbrella stand and some means of holding 580ex to fire into the umbrella.

Any suggestion on gears/brands required?

--
Ajimon

http://ajimon.smugmug.com

Hi, re umbrella swivels, compare what you choose against the Manfrotto swivel with a stroboframe flash foot clamp on top. Irrespective of whether you 'through or bounce' you will want the bottom half of the flash unit pointing towards the master. Cheers