Resources/ Advice on Multiple Flash

[vinegar_tom]

Hi all,

I have owned a 580ex and a 420ex for a couple of months now and have tried using them both; with the 580 as master and the 420 as slave, but only in 'P'. The results are pleasing if you want a well illluminated scene, as you can bring the light in from different directions...but I want to be a bit more creative. The 420 can't have its output changed manually. I've tried looking in the manual, but other than some stuff about flash ratios (which I don't understand) I can't find anything on creatively using flashgun cominations.

Are there any internet or print resources that can help me set up two or more flashes? I want to know how to reduce and increase the power of each one. I know that I can do so much more than I am doing at the moment with this equipment.

Thanks,

vinegar_tom

[tim]

Ratios are exactly what you're looking for. For example, with the 580 on camera and the 420 on a light stand, if you set the A:B ratio at 1:2 the 420EX will contribute 2/3 the light needed to light the scene (2 / 1 + 3) and the 580 will contribute 1/3. The best way to learn this is to play - get them out and have a go, it'll become obvious pretty quickly :)