580EX and wedding parties

[beaconlightboy]

is the 580EX powerful enough to shoot a wedding party of lets say 10? should i be looking at another flash?

[Ronald S. Jr.]

no, you should be looking at multiple flashes! :-D Depending on the "arrangement" of the people, it can be awfully tough to get a decent shot of that many people with a single flash. I would look at a second flash to use as a slave, possibly into an umbrella, and not far off at a 45 degree angle off to your left to eliminate unwanted shadows. A darn good size reflector is also your friend.

[markubig]

I just did a party where I took table pictures of 10+ people with my 580ex and it they turned out fine. If you're concerned, I see that you also have 2 550s and a 420. Why don't you use a wireless speedlite setup to ensure you have enough light coverage.

[beaconlightboy]

ok whew.. i have two 550's i use as slaves now. i thought i was doing something wrong. i just lined up the slaves to either side and that seems to do the trick.

with that said, if you want to do a two light setup on the bride, any tips on how to meter that second light without having someone hold the meter and me going over to trip the light?

[beaconlightboy]

I just did a party where I took table pictures of 10+ people with my 580ex and it they turned out fine. If you're concerned, I see that you also have 2 550s and a 420. Why don't you use a wireless speedlite setup to ensure you have enough light coverage.

i do, but i wanted to be sure i wasnt the only one doing that. while the 550EX's are great for slaves and nice ratio shots, its hard to meter ratio shots on location. to much running around.

[beaconlightboy]

i was thinking of getting an white lightning or alien bees (are they the same company) with the remote radio trigger so that i could adjust that second light from one spot. any thoughts on that idear?

[Dante King]

i do, but i wanted to be sure i wasnt the only one doing that. while the 550EX's are great for slaves and nice ratio shots, its hard to meter ratio shots on location. to much running around.

No need to meter. ITs all TTL. Just place the 550s in slave mode and use the 580 as master. Exposure is no problem this way. Its all handled thru your camera meter.