How to use 2 550EX's

[SuzanneCarey]

Hello everyone! Please forgive my ignorance. But I just purchased a 2nd 550EX for backup purposes and wondered if I could use it during the formals at the wedding. I am not versed in lighting at all. I know how to use the single flash to fits my needs but getting out of that zone... I am clueless. If there are resources you can point me too, that would be great too.

I understand the Master/Slave situation. I guess my specfic question is, where to put the 2nd flash. If I have one mounted on my camera, where is the best place to put the other one?

Thanks!

Suzanne

[cmM]

There's a whole section in the manual that came with your 550EX on how to use them in a wireless setup.
Basically, you put the one on your camera as a master, and set the other one as slave, set your ratios/outputs and shoot away.

[SuzanneCarey]

Gotcha, thanks! Any suggestions on the best place to position the 2nd flash? Let's say a formal with the bride and her attendants? I know these are probably silly questions, but its something you don't want to "play around" with in a real life situation. :)

[robertwgross]

The only time that I'll use two flash units is when there is a fairly large group to shoot.

I use my main flash to the left of the camera, and my second main flash to the right of the camera, with the STE2 on the hotshoe to control it all.

---Bob Gross---

[mbze430]

And that is call a Butterfly lighting. Or full front lighting. Basically you get a very flat lighting on your subject.

You can get creative with 2 lights, however in a wedding I don't know how much time you have to really get creative with your 2 flashes.

[SuzanneCarey]

Good point about having enough time! I think I will play around with them on my family and then see about using them in "real life" situations. Thanks so much for the comments.

[DavidEB]

many ways to skin a cat. Here are ways I use my 2-flash setup:

1) reduce output on the on-camera flash (ratio 1:2 or 1:4), point it straight at subject, put second flash on tripod about 90 degree to line of sight and bounce off ceiling.
2) reduce output on on-camera flash (ratio 1:2 or 1:4) point at subject, point second flash at subject from about 45 degree angle
3) equal ratios or maybe 2:1, bounce on-camera flash off ceiling, put second flash behind subject pointing at subject's back, or reduce slave to 1:4 and point at wall behind subject. Try adding a small white card to the main flash to direct a little light straight-on

If you get into diffusers there are even more options. World's cheapest diffuser: large tupperware bowl, line lid and sides with aluminum foil, cut holes for flash and tripod screw.


get a willing subject (like maybe a toy doll) and fool around a little.

David

[Longwatcher]

Since you have two 550EX's I would if possible bounce the on-camera off a ceiling and use the second at 45-60 degrees off with diffuser panel down. If not possible to bounce off ceiling then use on camera with diffuser panel in reflector position (flash and diffuser panel pointing straight up).

I have used this in the past for some portrait shots. Seems to work pretty good for the most part.

[SuzanneCarey]

Thanks guys! These are some great ideas! I really appreciate your time! I can't wait to get the other one in my hands to play around with it. I have been using my other one without ever having read the manual so I can't wait to get the manual in my hands to see how to use it better! :)

Thanks again!

Suzanne