Simple 2 strobe studio lighting

[tracyh]

I have done some simple portraits using my 420EX flash off-camera, bounced into an umbrella (mounted on a stand to the left of my camera), using a reflector board for fill... to the right of the subject. That works pretty well. However, I've been thinking about getting the 550EX flash to act as a "master" and use my 420EX as a "slave". I'm puzzling over how I would set these appropriately to get the best lighting results. I was thinking that I would mount the 550EX as I currently have been using the 420EX... but now would mount the 420EX to the right of the subject (instead of the reflector board) and have it triggered by the 550 (and I assume that can be done wirelessly via the infrared sensors?). I also assume there's a way to compensate the 420 flash such that it's more of a fill?

I'm new to studio lighting, so I apologize if this is a "duh!" question. Has anyone used this type of setup? Should I be going for something different?

Thanks for any help....
Holly

[robertwgross]

One way to consider it is this:

Have the 550EX off-camera on the correct cable, say by two feet to the left of the camera. Then have the 420EX off by four feet to the right. The 550EX can be set as Master, and it will talk to the 420EX as Slave. You can set a ratio on the 550EX for side-to-side intensity.

Once you study the 550EX and 420EX manuals a bit, it will raise all sorts of possibilities in your head. Yes, the 550EX and 420EX talk via IR wirelessly over a given range.

---Bob Gross---

[tracyh]

Thanks Bob. Before I took the plunge on the 550, I wanted to make sure I was heading in the right direction. Thanks for your help.... Holly