How much can be done with just two flashes?

[breakdown]

Right now, I have one 430EX flash and the STE2 transmitter. I've taken some photos that I've been quite happy with given my skill level with just this set up. I can't help but think that adding a 580EX flash would really help what I'm capable of doing.

I don't want to buy anything for studio lighting since that isn't really the type of photography I do. I'm just wondering, could I get some nice effects and take some good portraits with no more than two speedlight flashes?

Some examples of some two light set ups would be great.

[Curtis N]

With two flash units you are limited only by your imagination.

The Canon EX flash system is an expensive way to flash, but you've already got one leg in that money pit and the 580EX II is priced a lot more reasonable than 6 months ago.

If you want ideas, spend some time on Strobist.
http://strobist.blogspot.com

[swimchic]

This is my current set-up using a 430EX. I just got the 580EX II, yesterday, so I haven't been able to play with it yet, but I plan on using it on loaction, to replace the window. This will give you a small idea of what you can do. I always bounce my flash in rooms, makes it look so much better!

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f272/swimchicjen/FlashSetUp.jpg
Here's a few examples with that set-up...
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f272/swimchicjen/Fall23.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f272/swimchicjen/Payton10.jpg

[Lotto]

580 bounce umbrella as main, 430 as hair light, eBay trigger.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2312/1803543328_49587416ef_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2003/1814188421_f2706cd45e.jpg

[Hangerhead]

swimchic and lotto - i loved both of your sample shots. the light is great.

[Mark-B]

Right now, I have one 430EX flash and the STE2 transmitter. I've taken some photos that I've been quite happy with given my skill level with just this set up. I can't help but think that adding a 580EX flash would really help what I'm capable of doing.

You could get some nice effects if you add a 580 to your setup. I use a 580 and a 430 with nice results. I don't have any type of transmitter right now, so my 580 stays on the camera to trigger the 430 off camera. I'll get even better results once I get the 580 off camera and closer to my subject.

Here's a picture I took last night with both flashes:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2010/1811834933_b8f4e897fc.jpg

You can see the lighting a lot better in the full size version (http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=1811834933&size=o).
The 580 was on camera. The 430 was off camera and bounced into a 45" silver satin umbrella. The flashes were in ETTL with a 1:4 ratio.

I also just posted several other samples of the 580 and 430 used together in the "Post your best flash photos! (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=4206540&postcount=18)" thread.

[breakdown]

Thanks guys. That is good to know.

Here is another question. I'd like to get umbrellas one day but that won't be until I get my own apartment. What can I do for now? Would those softbox or diffusers that mount to the flash units help at all? Could I use the built in diffuser and just move the flash back further? I'm not really sure.

[Curtis N]

Would those softbox or diffusers that mount to the flash units help at all?They are mostly made to bounce light off ceilings, and you can do that without buying specialized plastic parts.

Umbrellas are basically just reflectors or diffusion panels that are designed to mount on lightstands, fold easily for storage and make relatively efficient use of the light. There are alternative ways to make reflectors and diffusion screens but in the end they usually aren't much cheaper, take up more space and are more difficult to position.

The link in my sig "Techniques for better on-camra flash" should give you plenty of creative ideas for ways to use flash without additional equipment.

[swimchic]

The link in my sig "Techniques for better on-camra flash" should give you plenty of creative ideas for ways to use flash without additional equipment.
Definitely check that out...It has helped me immensely :D
And Curtis..thanks for that, again. I think I've read it a few times...everytime I find myself stuck or confused I read it, and find something else there I wasn't ready for before, but understand and learn from now.

[Claytonian]

580 bounce umbrella as main, 430 as hair light, eBay trigger.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2003/1814188421_f2706cd45e.jpg

I have a 420EX and will be buying a 580EX II very soon. What eBay trigger are you referring to and will it work for me? I'm assuming it will be for the 580EX II and then the 420EX would be triggered optically.

[Lotto]

I have a 420EX and will be buying a 580EX II very soon. What eBay trigger are you referring to and will it work for me? I'm assuming it will be for the 580EX II and then the 420EX would be triggered optically.

I use the 16-chanel version trigger. The receiver is connected to the master 580, 580 tripps the 430EX in manual master/slave mode. Unfortunately the 420EX has no manual power setting and can not be used in that way.

I also use them in ETTL mode often: 580 on-camera boucne off the ceilling as fill light, 430 with umbrella closer to the subject as main light. So you can get great results with th 580/420 in ETTL mode too.

[Claytonian]

I use the 16-chanel version trigger. The receiver is connected to the master 580, 580 tripps the 430EX in manual master/slave mode. Unfortunately the 420EX has no manual power setting and can not be used in that way.

I also use them in ETTL mode often: 580 on-camera boucne off the ceilling as fill light, 430 with umbrella closer to the subject as main light. So you can get great results with th 580/420 in ETTL mode too.

Thanks, Lotto. So you would say the trigger would not be very helpful to me and that I should just stick to leaving the 580 on camera and the 420 with one of my umbrellas? I have a Lumiquest bounce/diffuser kit that I can use on the 580 when I get it. Thanks again for your direction.

[juejaimon]

I am trying to get the same results :)

I currently have the 580 EX... not the II version...but was thinking of adding a second flash. Can my 580 EX control a second flash without any additional hardware (ie. EBAY) ? If so... what is the most economical flash i can add? :oops:

[scorpio_e]

This might be something to try.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Digital-Slave-FLASH-Canon-EOS-Rebel-Xti-400D-350D-300D_W0QQitemZ200168798838QQihZ010QQcategoryZ10793 1QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotoho sting