550EX Flash

[Denise]

Hi again folks,
Could anyone tell me if it's possible to take a decent child portrait by just using the D30, 550EX flash and Sto-Fen Omni Bounce. The lighting will be a normal domestic tungsten bulb.
If you do not think that this would be a good idea, please advise on other possibilities that will not upset my bank balance too much.
Also, just while I'm here, I would like to say a great big thank you to all you folks who take the time and trouble to reply to my questions. God knows what I will do when you all buy your new 1D's and I'm left here all on my own (sob, sob)

[Dan Addison]

It depends on how formal you want the portrait to be. If you want to mix ambient light with the 550EX, I would suggest that you tape an amber filter over it. That way you will match the warmth from the room lights. You can get samples that will fit the 550EX from Rosco.com look under products, filters and sign up for a color filter guide, they will mail a set to you.

Here is a sample shot I did with 2 550EXs

[Cecil Walker]

Another idea would be to use some type of large reflector to catch some of the 550 flash and bounce it onto the darker side of the subject. This won't give you the ambient affect as much but will be balanced the same as the flash...

Cecil

[mrbobco]

hi...

i've been using the lumiquest promax system with my 550 ex with excellent results...i have to admit that it does look a little scary attached to the 550 and the camera...but then my daughter already thinks i'm crazy : )

for $35 you can hardly go wrong...as long as you don't mind putting the velcro on your 550...hey it comes off just as easily...

the kit comes with several different colored inserts; white, silver and gold...

not as compact as the sto-fen diffuser but...

i'll be posting some picture links soon...

bob