Portrait lighting Help

A couple of weeks ago I got an AlienBee 1600 light for studio work. I also have a speedlite 580EXII to go along with my 5D2.

Well today was the fist time I got to test things, learn them and get familiar with how to setting them up.
I setup the AB1600 at about 30 -40deg. from the subject and a speedlite 580EXII on a boom as a hairlight. I tried using a reflextor on the opposite side but since I didn't have a person holding it it was a challenge to say the least.

Overall I was not too happy with the results. I felt that the subjects face on the side without the main light still had too much shadows.


So what I’m thinking of doing is using the speedlite for the hair light as a second light to help reduce the shadows on the face and bypass the hair light. How does that solution sound to you guys.??
Is it better to have 2 lights to the front of the subject (at45 deg) as opposed to 1main light (at 30 deg) to the fornt and a hair light.


Thanks
R.

I think it depends on what look you are going for and how much shadow you want on the shadow side. Is there a way of getting a reflector stand or something to hold it closer and pointing in the right direction? What about using a silver reflector instead of what I'm assuming was a white one?

You can always pick up a cheap Yongnuo flash (~$50) to use for the hair light and move the 580 to the fill position.

I'd suggest not buying anything right now. Start with the flash close to the camera. Take a bunch and see the results. Gradually move it away. Then see those results. If you were to buy anything, I'd say a reflector stand. You can get awesome portraits with one light and a reflector. And by going this route, you'll actually be better off than buying more flashes. And believe it or not, don't put the reflector on the opposite side of the flash. Try it right under the subject. That will allow shadows, but not as bad as you're seeing now.

Microphone stands make really good reflector holders, if you dont have someone to hold it, I have a 42" 5 in 1 reflector it helps a lot

Thanks for the feedback.
Actually, the reflector is the route I'm going for now. I have another stand to use with it so I think that will help. I'll do some more testing to see how that works.

R.