Need help with cool, bright, continuous, cheap lights

[bbbig]

For the last 6 months or so, I have tried multiple lighting schemes, to photograph our toddler indoors at home. Basically the ambient light itself isn't bright enough for hand-held (preferred) photography, even using f1.8.

I have tried using 430EX (bounced off ceiling), and although results are ok, it's not terribly convenient when switching back/forth between portrait & landscape orientation (need to constantly swivel the flash head). BTW I can't stand the direct-flash look w/harsh shadows.

I also tried a flash bracket - Stroboframe Camera flip - which worked ok, but it gets a little heavy and bulky for my wife.

I also tried getting some light stands + umbrellas, picked up a Vivitar 285HV; it's only usable for a steady portrait subject, as I need to manually meter the subject at a particular spot. Here I'm using the ebay trigger, so no ETTL-II. Also, it's a bit of hassle to worry about our kid knocking over the light stands...

So now, I'm thinking about just getting one or two VERY bright lights, aimed at the ceiling, thinking that would give me a constant, diffuse light. I would turn those on, whenever I'm taking photos, then turn them off otherwise.

This is where I'm having a problem - I can't seem to find light sources that are pretty cool and cheap. I also looked at some of 150W CFL bulbs, but I'm hearing those aren't either cheap or well made.

Another idea I have is to get a 580EX II, so I can do ETTL-II flashing via IR. The concern here is the line-of-sight that I need to maintain between 580EX and 430EX... may not work that well if I'm moving around w/580EX mounted. Are there 3rd party remote trigger solutions that support ETTL-II???

I suppose I may be asking for an impossible solution here - I really don't want to spend much $. However, if it's a real solution, I wouldn't mind spending $500+.

I would appreciate some input!! Thanks.

PS - FYI, our livingroom is about 400 sq.ft

[PacAce]

If you are going to be shooting indoors, line-of-sight issues with the 580EX and slaves shouldn't be a concern. There are plenty of wall surface and objects for the IR signal to bounce off of to reach the slaves no matter where they are located as long as they are out in the open (not hidden).

[bbbig]

Oh really? I didn't realize the IR would be able to bounce off to reach the other units. Have you tried this yourself?

[PacAce]

Oh really? I didn't realize the IR would be able to bounce off to reach the other units. Have you tried this yourself?

Yes, I have. I have even had slaves totally inside a brolly box without a problem.

[EOS mE]

Yes, I have. I have even had slaves totally inside a brolly box without a problem.

Leo, how about if you put the slave behind the subject to light up the hair? Will it still fire?

[kevie]

instead of light stands you could also try super clamps or "HD"(home depot) clamps to attach your flashes to these clamps point at the ceiling.

David over at Strobist posted a recent blog on his lighting setup for Christmas Day lighting a room with two flashes. I believe he used pocket wizards but IR should work.

There is a company making a device called the "Radio Popper" which is supposed to work similar to a Pocket Wizard but also allows E-ttl. But as of right now they dont have it available and who knows when it will actually be out for sale.

[PacAce]

Leo, how about if you put the slave behind the subject to light up the hair? Will it still fire?
Yes, it should as long as the IR sensor lens is pointed towards a wall, the ceiling or in the direction of the master flash.

[EOS mE]

Yes, it should as long as the IR sensor lens is pointed towards a wall, the ceiling or in the direction of the master flash.

Thanks Leo.. just tested it out and it works fine! i place the 430EX on the stand that came with the flash and mounted that onto my tripod and placed it behind the subject with a LSII. fired like a charm.

so if i got 2 PWII (1 for camera and 1 for 580EXII on the lightstand) i will still be able to trigger the 430EX with IR from the 580 master right? Would I still be able to use the ETTL function then?

[PacAce]

Thanks Leo.. just tested it out and it works fine! i place the 430EX on the stand that came with the flash and mounted that onto my tripod and placed it behind the subject with a LSII. fired like a charm.

so if i got 2 PWII (1 for camera and 1 for 580EXII on the lightstand) i will still be able to trigger the 430EX with IR from the 580 master right? Would I still be able to use the ETTL function then?
Yes, you will be able to trigger the 430EX flash with the 580EX although you will lose ETTL, will need to use a hotshoe adapter cable to connect the 580EX II to the PW unit and your max sync speed will drop to about 1/125.

[EOS mE]

thanks Leo.

[PhotosGuy]

So now, I'm thinking about just getting one or two VERY bright lights, aimed at the ceiling, thinking that would give me a constant, diffuse light. It would work, but unless you're careful, it could be a blah, low contrast light. I'd prefer to bounce one & kick some in from the side: Simple "every-day-emergency" location lighting (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=66358)