Lighting Question

[ChaseRains]

I was firing a 430 ex II and a 580 ex II on stand to right and left of me wirelessly. The result was this shot. I've only shot with this setup outside and have a no troubles. I gave up and switched to an l bracket and fired that way. Results weren't what I liked but it worked. What could I have done to keep these shadows from appearing? I have a wedding in a low lighting church this weekend and I have a feeling I will need both these lights. Looking for suggestions to fix this problem. Thank you in advance

http://i901.photobucket.com/albums/ac213/chasehenry/clay-1.jpg

[bobbyz]

I think there are three problems:

1. very small ight source (hot shoe flash)
2. Cross lighting pattern
3. Not enough background/ambient light

Can't see the exif, so don't know the settings used but I would shoot at higher ISOs to get more of the ambient in the shot. That way you need less flash power.

Instead of 2 lights on left and right, go with single light high up from camera position. It will be flat light but the shadow will fall behind the subject.

Use umbrella/softbox on the flash closer to the subject.

[gonzogolf]

Yeah, if you need the power of both flashes put them right above the camera up high so they are throwing a single shadow downward behind the subject. Either a higher iso, or drag the shutter a little to get some ambient in would help. Softboxes or an umbrella would be good as mentioned above also. And never ever shoot a bride in front of chairs with an architectural monstrosity looming over her like that sample shot.

[Familiaphoto]

I would suggest breaking up the light a bit. You could always go for a standard two light setup with one off to the side and one above the camera. Both using softboxes or umbrellas to soften and enlarge the light of course. Also, as pointed out above, pull in some more ambient for the background, it would definitely help.

[ChaseRains]

gonzogolf I'm sure that the bride would not appreciate you bad mouthing her wedding at her church and her design of her wedding.

[gonzogolf]

Sorry, but its your job as a photographer to make her look good. Having that thing looming over her and the chairs in the background didnt do that. I'm sure during the ceremony with candles lit that alter piece looked fine. My criticism was where she was placed in the photo so that everything distracted from her rather than flatter her.

[ChaseRains]

Her bridal pictures were flattering her and very good. During the time this was taken we were waiting on the groom she was only placed there as test shots for lighting to do pictures with family and brides and bridesmaids. Thats why it was not my responsibility as a photographer to make her look good. She will never see this picture.

[gonzogolf]

Then its pretty unlikely she is going to see my comment then.

[ChaseRains]

Gonzo doesn't matter millions of people can see this message board. And what you say. I wouldn't judge your clients decorations in a pictures. Stay professional.

[tim]

You need a diffuser light source (umbrella), and you need it shooting at about 30-45 degrees from camera left in this image. Exposure with wedding dresses can be hard, those sucks seem to have their own light source at times. You have to minimise angles that give you blown highlights. The other thing is the background is too dark, so use a higher ISO/wider aperture and less flash power, or light the background.