Here Samples of STE2, 550ex, & 420ex in action

Simon-Ph · Dec 19, 2003

Lately, many members have been inquiring about 550ex and 420ex or some similar combos. Here are 2 samples of why I use them. 1st of all, I don't shoot alot in a studio setting. I prefer outdoors portraits. But certain circumstances forces me to shoot indoors. That is why I feel the 550ex and 420ex are valuable to me. I can use the same flashes in the studio, outdoors fill flash, or slap them on flash brackets for events and weddings. E-TTL with FEL techniques allows me to get a good exposures without the need of a flash meter.

I will admit that these photos may not be up to the pros' standards. But that is because of my lack of ability. The flash however, does a good job and have plenty of power (lacks in the recycling speed). I do not have alot of experience, therefore some critiques will be very welcomed also.

Technicalities:

1st photo - STE2 on camera, 550ex w/medium softbox as main, 420ex w/45" umbrella as fill.

2nd photo - STE2 on camera, 550ex w/Lumiquest Softbox as fill flash.

--
Simon-Ph

Juli Valley · Dec 20, 2003

These look good to me. Some would suggest you put the key light on the side of her face away from the camera instead of the right side. I'm enjoying my setup like yours.

My big problems are with getting enough space in my rooms and dealing with a background.

Mickey64564 · Dec 20, 2003

The flowers were a nice touch in the first one. I usually find the typical head + shoulders + background stuff pretty boring, but the chair and flowers add some nice atmosphere and "reality" to the photo. Do you remember what lighting ratio you used for that shot?

I really like the way you handled the fill flash in the second one. Where was the flash, about waist height? I can't wait to play with my new ST-E2 and off-camera 420EX for fill (the ST-E2 is coming at Christmas)! Do you just use a negative FEC for fill (if so, how much) or do you use the "auto reduction of fill flash" custom function as well? Also, how do you find the ST-E2 works outdoors? I heard that in bright light it doesn't work very reliably.

Michael

Simon-Ph said:
Lately, many members have been inquiring about 550ex and 420ex or
some similar combos. Here are 2 samples of why I use them. 1st of
all, I don't shoot alot in a studio setting. I prefer outdoors
portraits. But certain circumstances forces me to shoot indoors.
That is why I feel the 550ex and 420ex are valuable to me. I can
use the same flashes in the studio, outdoors fill flash, or slap
them on flash brackets for events and weddings. E-TTL with FEL
techniques allows me to get a good exposures without the need of a
flash meter.

I will admit that these photos may not be up to the pros'
standards. But that is because of my lack of ability. The flash
however, does a good job and have plenty of power (lacks in the
recycling speed). I do not have alot of experience, therefore some
critiques will be very welcomed also.

Technicalities:

1st photo - STE2 on camera, 550ex w/medium softbox as main, 420ex
w/45" umbrella as fill.

2nd photo - STE2 on camera, 550ex w/Lumiquest Softbox as fill flash.

--
Simon-Ph

--
Equipment in profile
http://www.morpheusmultimedia.com/gallery

Simon-Ph · Dec 20, 2003

1st of all, thank you for the kind words.

Mickey64564 said:
Do you remember what lighting ratio you used for that shot?

The ETTL ratio was 8:1. I think it does not translate into 8:1 technically if you use a flash meter. I think the ETTL ratio system is different.

Mickey64564 said:
Where was the flash, about waist height?

Slave flash was about waist height. I usually have it much higher, but I was lazy on that shot. Didn't turn out too bad.

Mickey64564 said:
Do you just use a negative FEC for fill (if so, how
much) or do you use the "auto reduction of fill flash" custom
function as well? Also, how do you find the ST-E2 works outdoors?
I heard that in bright light it doesn't work very reliably.

I turn of the auto reduction custom function. I don't like it because I can't control how much fill I want. Depending on the image I use anywhere between -1 to -1.2/3. The STE2 is definitely less effective outdoors. But if I take care to point the receiver to the camera, it works well enough.

--
Simon-Ph

Petri Miettinen · Dec 21, 2003

Very nice pictures! I loved to shoot a picture like this sometimes.

I have same flashes and ST-E2, but I am still looking for suitable umbrellas and softboxes. Could you please post a photo where you show us your gear in work and how you have attached a softbox for example.

Thanks!

Mickey64564 · Dec 21, 2003

So when you held the flash at waist height, did you have to hold it infront of the camera with the flash sensor facing towards you (and the head rotated 180 degrees) or would it work if you basically strapped it to your belt and bounced the ST-E2 signal off your subject? I guess I'll know soon enough how it works outdoors, but I'm curious where I'll be able to position the flash(es) in outdoor situations.

Thanks for the tip on the "auto fill reduction". I guess I should play around with manual FEC and forget about the custom function. I'll try your settings next time I'm out.

Thanks,

Michael

Simon-Ph said:
Simon-Ph said:

Do you remember what lighting ratio you used for that shot?

Click to expand...

The ETTL ratio was 8:1. I think it does not translate into 8:1
technically if you use a flash meter. I think the ETTL ratio
system is different.

Simon-Ph said:

Where was the flash, about waist height?

Click to expand...

Slave flash was about waist height. I usually have it much higher,
but I was lazy on that shot. Didn't turn out too bad.

Simon-Ph said:

Do you just use a negative FEC for fill (if so, how
much) or do you use the "auto reduction of fill flash" custom
function as well? Also, how do you find the ST-E2 works outdoors?
I heard that in bright light it doesn't work very reliably.

Click to expand...

I turn of the auto reduction custom function. I don't like it
because I can't control how much fill I want. Depending on the
image I use anywhere between -1 to -1.2/3. The STE2 is definitely
less effective outdoors. But if I take care to point the receiver
to the camera, it works well enough.

--
Simon-Ph

--
Equipment in profile
http://www.morpheusmultimedia.com/gallery

Simon-Ph · Dec 21, 2003

I don't have inages of my gears right now. I will try to do one soon because so many people have been showing interest lately.

--
Simon-Ph

Bert Duhe · Dec 21, 2003

I love both of them. Very pretty subject also. I also have the 550ex and am currently trying to decide which way to go for some studio equipment. Thanks for sharing the photos, they look REALLY good.

Bert

Simon-Ph said:
Simon-Ph wrote:
Lately, many members have been inquiring about 550ex and 420ex or
some similar combos. Here are 2 samples of why I use them. 1st of
all, I don't shoot alot in a studio setting. I prefer outdoors
portraits. But certain circumstances forces me to shoot indoors.
That is why I feel the 550ex and 420ex are valuable to me. I can
use the same flashes in the studio, outdoors fill flash, or slap
them on flash brackets for events and weddings. E-TTL with FEL
techniques allows me to get a good exposures without the need of a
flash meter.

I will admit that these photos may not be up to the pros'
standards. But that is because of my lack of ability. The flash
however, does a good job and have plenty of power (lacks in the
recycling speed). I do not have alot of experience, therefore some
critiques will be very welcomed also.

Technicalities:

1st photo - STE2 on camera, 550ex w/medium softbox as main, 420ex
w/45" umbrella as fill.

2nd photo - STE2 on camera, 550ex w/Lumiquest Softbox as fill flash.

--
Simon-Ph

Juli Valley · Dec 21, 2003

What softbox model and brand and what kind of speedring?

Simon-Ph · Dec 21, 2003

My wireless mouse battery is about to run out. I will come back later. I know that both Photoflex and Chimera makes different version to fit shoe-mount flash. The softbox I use is a Q3 Medium Softbox. I guess you already know how to do the umbrella part. That's the easy and less expensive setup. The softbox is more $ and you have to know the pieces to fit them together. BH should have all these parts and the price of Photoflex SB is very reasonable.

Juli Valley said:
What softbox model and brand and what kind of speedring?

--
Simon-Ph

Juli Valley · Dec 21, 2003

I have three umbrellas, silver, white and white to shoot through. I have two big stands and a background light stand. I'll see about the softbox.

Is this the one? I have a speedring that supposed to work with it from Chimera on my wish list at B & H. There is no end. LOL. I'm still playing around with gels on the background light.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=135645&is=REG

DaveCS · Dec 21, 2003

I think it's this softbox Juli:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=42122&is=REG

12"x16"

I have one and it seems to do the trick for a "portable" softbox with either a 550ex or my vivitar 283's.

I'd use it when I wouldn't want to lug around my photogenic 500w/s strobe.

Cheers
DaveCS

Juli Valley said:
I have three umbrellas, silver, white and white to shoot through.
I have two big stands and a background light stand. I'll see
about the softbox.
Is this the one? I have a speedring that supposed to work with it
from Chimera on my wish list at B & H. There is no end. LOL.
I'm still playing around with gels on the background light.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=135645&is=REG

Simon-Ph · Dec 21, 2003

Yes, that's the one - the medium one which is a very good size. The one that DaveCS linked to is a small one and that one is good for a hair light or to mount onto a flash bracket.

--
Simon-Ph

Juli Valley · Dec 21, 2003

The one I said that is bigger or the one Dave mentioned?

Simon-Ph · Dec 21, 2003

The medium size SB you linked to is the right one. The one Dave linked to is small and problably good as a hair light or for ultra portable (good for outdoors fill). Since you don't have much room, forget the large.

--
Simon-Ph

Khanh M · Dec 21, 2003

550ex, & 420ex in action

marianco · Dec 21, 2003

I use the Morris Portable Soft Box. It is 15" x 19" and comes complete with a bracket for a flashhead, which can be mounted on a light stand.

It's also available at bhphoto.com.

Simon-Ph said:
The medium size SB you linked to is the right one. The one Dave
linked to is small and problably good as a hair light or for ultra
portable (good for outdoors fill). Since you don't have much room,
forget the large.

--
Simon-Ph

DaveCS · Dec 22, 2003

I would have thought that the 550EX or 420EX would be a bit "shallow" when put into a larger softbox.

I have the 36"x48" photoflex Q39 as well for my Photogenic strobe but I wouldn't imagine how my Vivitar 283 or even my 420EX would handle such a large softbox.

That being said, I do use the x-small strictly for my 283 or 420ex for hairlight or such rather than as a "main" light so maybe the next size up would be fairly decent for the flash.

My only concern would be the size. The extra small is easy to cart around and handle; and while the medium size is probably not much more difficult, you're going to need to watch out if it's on a small/thin light stand I would think.

If you're getting those type of results however; with the medium, I'd say it's probably worth the extra $$$ spent.

Cheers
DaveCS

Simon-Ph said:
Yes, that's the one - the medium one which is a very good size.
The one that DaveCS linked to is a small one and that one is good
for a hair light or to mount onto a flash bracket.

--
Simon-Ph

Juli Valley · Dec 22, 2003

I might check that out. Thanks. I really want to use the softbox on a stand with a flash, not on camera.

michael177376 · Dec 22, 2003

in strobe? Do you shoot,check history,and shoot again until you get a desired pic?

Would you mind sharing the technique in detail since I would like to get the same setup as yours?

thanks.

Simon-Ph said:
Lately, many members have been inquiring about 550ex and 420ex or
some similar combos. Here are 2 samples of why I use them. 1st of
all, I don't shoot alot in a studio setting. I prefer outdoors
portraits. But certain circumstances forces me to shoot indoors.
That is why I feel the 550ex and 420ex are valuable to me. I can
use the same flashes in the studio, outdoors fill flash, or slap
them on flash brackets for events and weddings. E-TTL with FEL
techniques allows me to get a good exposures without the need of a
flash meter.

I will admit that these photos may not be up to the pros'
standards. But that is because of my lack of ability. The flash
however, does a good job and have plenty of power (lacks in the
recycling speed). I do not have alot of experience, therefore some
critiques will be very welcomed also.

Technicalities:

1st photo - STE2 on camera, 550ex w/medium softbox as main, 420ex
w/45" umbrella as fill.

2nd photo - STE2 on camera, 550ex w/Lumiquest Softbox as fill flash.

--
Simon-Ph

Here Samples of STE2, 550ex, & 420ex in action

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