Portrait Setup

[netadmin22]

I am attempting to create a basic portrait setup at home. I do understand the basics of multiple flash units and with my old manual 35mm manual flashes I had no problem.

However, I now have a dRebel with built in autoflash for which exposure compensation is not available. Normally, I would set up a standard flash at 45 degrees with a wireless trigger on it and use a camera mounted flash for fill and to trigger the main flash.

How do I set this up with my dRebel??

[Ken Fong]

To get the same quality portraits as before, I am guessing your built-in flash will have nothing to do with the setup. Can you use you older setup (transmitter with off camera flashes)?
I have a 10D and I rarely use the built-in flash; instead, I plan to use a transmitter (ST-E2), a 420EX (fill) and a 550EX (main), I just ordered a pair of lightstands and umbrella reflectors (which can double as softboxes)...hopefully this is portable enough to use at home and on the road...all that is missing would be the backdrop stuff.

[netadmin22]

I don't have a transmitter. I have previously used the builtin on camera flash as the fill light and underexposed accordingly. That was easy with a 35mm manual camera. The on camera flash would trigger the main light.

Now, with the dRebel I cannot use compensation with flash exposures so I don't know how do adjust the amount of fill.

Thanks

[netadmin22]

I don't have a transmitter. I have previously used the builtin on camera flash as the fill light and underexposed accordingly. That was easy with a 35mm manual camera. The on camera flash would trigger the main light.

Now, with the dRebel I cannot use compensation with flash exposures so I don't know how do adjust the amount of fill.

Thanks

[RichardtheSane]

Two things

1. The Rebel does not have flash exposure compensation

2. Chances are the ettl preflash would fire the slave before it's time

You will probably need to get an external flash like the 550Ex or the sigma DG500 that can do a single manual flash and that you can adjust the power accordingly.

Or you could get a 550ex and a 420ex and use wireless flash, but now the $$$ ic clocking up!

[netadmin22]

Does the 380EX work with the ST-E2?

[Ken Fong]

I think only the 420EX and 550EX can work as slaves to the ST-E2; otherwise you may be looking at a wired setup. Also, the 550EX has a built-in transmitter too, so it can postpone or cancel your need for an ST-E2. There is a way to set this up with the 550EX on your rebel, then use the 420EX (or another 550EX) as a slave.

The following is a good thread, but watch out for the sucking sound in your wallet:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=35227&highlight=ste2

[netadmin22]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I have learned a lot. Apparently, the best solution for a portable portrait setup is for me to purchase an ST-E2 and a 550EX. I can use one of my older flashes (Vivitar 283) as a slave which will give me two off camera flashes.

They are expensive but maybe I can sell something.

[Ken Fong]

If you are trying to save, you can postpone the ST-E2 and just get an off-camera cord for a wired approach...not sure how you connect more than one. The ST-E2 is a good investment if you plan on expanding your flash system in the future.

[PhotosGuy]

Don't use your 283 ON the 300D before you check these links:
http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/#vivitar

"You should be aware, however, that older models have a very high trigger voltage that can damage EOS cameras."
http://photonotes.org/articles/eos-flash/index2.html#trigger

Various accessories, such as the Wein Safe-Sync HS hotshoe unit, can be used to protect the camera from these high voltages if you want to use such a flash. Even safer are optical triggers, since there are no physical connections between the camera and flash unit at all.

* Safe-Sync™ - Reduces flash synchronization voltage to 6V, protecting camera shutter contacts from arching and pitting.
http://www.saundersphoto.com/html/body_wn_accss.htm

[Conk]

I've been looking into doing portraits but not human. Pet portraits. :D A friend gave me some suggestions and sent me these links on lighting equipment.
http://alienbees.com/digibee.htm
and also this link for a safesync. http://www.precision-camera.com/page/PCV/PROD/WEIND/990-560
Whatcha think?