location lighting suggestions

[toldey]

so ive been getting a few requests to shoot and id like to do location shoots. currently, i have 2 vivitar 285 flashes, is this enough if i get two umbrellas? i would like to do standard portrait stuff but also would like to get some good solid photos with these kind of flashes. the only thing that im a bit concerned aobut is having to buy double a's like crazy but i will look into quantum batteries..any suggestions for cheap alternatives to location lighting?

[tim]

Canon speedlites with CP-E3 battery packs work well, and you don't have to mess about with manual flash. Only problem is they're pretty expensive, and you'll probably want 3 flashes. If you're happy with manual then perhaps get another vivitar, a couple of umbrellas, and some tripods/light stands to play with.

[coreypolis]

honestly, mixing ambient and fill takes some work, especially without ttl/ettl

sometimes the simplest solutios are the best. waiting for the light to be right is crucial no matter what you use, and sets the mood. personally I love the light at sunset to maybe an hour after. It changes quite a bit so be prepared to change exposures, but its suck beautiful light.

and reflectos are great. you can get the ncie photo ones with multiple colors that fold up nice and small, or you can just use some white foamcore or get really createive and crumple up aluminum foil, then re smooth it out and attach to coamcore.

The only advantages of flash is speed (don't have to have help with reflector) and the ability to control the brightness of the background. But it can be difficult to get consistent and good results, and often looks like fill flash

[toldey]

i know a decent amount on how to fill and compensate for light changes during sunset. i think i may go with umbrellas and use my 285s and get underdog battery packs for them for faster recycling times.