Head shot with infinity background: Would this work?

Okay, so my friend needs a professional looking head shot done with a white backdrop.

In my head, I'm thinking about using 2 flashes. One to expose my subject and the other to over expose my background.

My plan is to use maybe a white bed sheet and hit it with flash (430EXII) from behind and to use a 580EXII to expose my subject.

My only issue is, I don't have a wireless flash trigger and if the 430EX is behind the sheet, it will be out of the line of sight from my 580EX.

So, I'm thinking about using a Sync Cord to use with my 480EX and wanted to figure out which one I was going to need and around how much they cost. I read that with a Sync Cord, I won't be able to use TTL but I don't think that will be an issue when exposing a white background.

Other suggestions are welcomed.

Thanks

Instead, use a white board or paper and hit it with the flash from in front, but behind or above the subject. If you shoot a bed sheet from the back you risk highlighting its non-white areas since its not a uniform thickness. The only way around it is with a large light with a VERY bright output, but then you have an awkward back light. Shoot it from the front, overexpose the flash on the back ground until you get it how you want, then bring in the subject and 2nd flash.

JonK wrote in post #12064977
Instead, use a white board or paper and hit it with the flash from in front, but behind or above the subject. If you shoot a bed sheet from the back you risk highlighting its non-white areas since its not a uniform thickness. The only way around it is with a large light with a VERY bright output, but then you have an awkward back light. Shoot it from the front, overexpose the flash on the back ground until you get it how you want, then bring in the subject and 2nd flash.

Good tip. My only concern is how am I going to get a piece of white paper big enough to use as a back drop.

JonK is right on the money I think.

I personally would just use the 580 off-camera left (or right), far enough back for its signal to reach the 430. This is made easier by it being just a head shot, which means the 430 could actually be slightly to the side of the subject. Then I would use a reflector or flash on the opposite side for fill.

Important thing is to have a white fairly non-reflective background and at least 2 flashes. After that it is pretty easy.

Just go down to your local photography store and purchase a roll of paper there. Shouldn't cost very much.

If your not doing the shoot this weekend why not consider the below since your describing 1 subject shots and this will be wide enough:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …ess_Background_​Paper.html

Regards,

Do you have a softbox ? I shoot against my 24x24 softbox tilted up at a 45 degrees for just headshots.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

drdiesel1 wrote in post #12067851
Do you have a softbox ? I shoot against my 24x24 softbox tilted up at a 45 degrees for just headshots.

a white reflector also works...

~mike

monkeymike wrote in post #12068349
a white reflector also works...

~mike

and on that note.... here's everyone's favorite budget reflector:

http://www.amazon.com …TF8&qid=1300805​124&sr=8-1

i have one... they are indispensable.... at $13, its a no-brainer.

Put the sheet in front of a window that has sunlight streaming through it. Meter the sheet. Add enough flash to the subject's face so it will be two stops under the background reading. For example the sheet meter reading is f/11 @ 1/125. Meter the flash so it is f/8.0 @ 1/60.

Benji

pxchoi wrote in post #12064964
My only issue is, I don't have a wireless flash trigger and if the 430EX is behind the sheet, it will be out of the line of sight from my 580EX.

So, I'm thinking about using a Sync Cord to use with my 480EX and wanted to figure out which one I was going to need and around how much they cost. I read that with a Sync Cord, I won't be able to use TTL but I don't think that will be an issue when exposing a white background.

The 7D does have a wireless flash trigger using the on-camera pop-up flash. I have the 60D with essentially the same system. Indoors in a moderate sized room I have often triggered my 430EX when it is entirely out of the line of sight. Reason is that the control signal reflects off surfaces. So you should be able to trigger both of your flashes off camera using your 7D with no problem. Give it a try.