Help!! Fill flash for groups

[Tabby]

I am not satisfied with my flash work when I shoot formals on the altar at weddings. I encounter a lot of strong direct overhead lighting on altars when doing formals which causes the raccoon eye effect. I do not have much problem using fill when when I have a couple but seem to have uneven issues when dealing with a sizeable group.

I am shooting with a single shoe mounted 580EX II. I am looking into getting a Westcott Micro Apollo Softbox or a Lumiquest Softbox to fill in these raccoon eyes as putting the flash in fill position without a softner seems to cause uneven results on a large group. I even tried the Lightsphere and do not like the results. Anyone have any comments or advice on this situation?? THANKS!

[craiglee]

get another flash. place flash on left and right and feather the shot.

[Wilt]

Wescott Micro Apollo works great for providing fill for a group. Have used one with my medium format SLR for wedding coverage since the early 90's with Metz 45 flash. Unfortunately I cannot comment about whether or not a softbox over the 580EXII would be problematic in any way, or not.

[CatchingUp]

get another flash. place flash on left and right and feather the shot.

What kind of an angle would you suggest for such a set up? I have the same issues at times.

[craiglee]

http://strobist.blogspot.com/2007/05/on-assignment-two-speedlight-group-shot.html