Portrait light/shadow settings ? ? ? ? ?

Hi all,
I want to do a self portrait, the type which has half the face lit and the other half in shadow. Can anyone give me any pointers on how to set up for this please.
I have a 7d and 430ii. I also have a tripod for the flash to be off camera if required
I'm new to the concept of flash, I'm watching any tutorials I can find but would still appreciate any input from here too. thanks,
Ian

no light modifiers?

http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=gmmZECtP3oM

split light is what you are looking for

models arent readily available to me since i am just started out + the weather here is terrible so all i do is practice all different kinds of lighting on myself and my mannequins until its nice and beautiful outside again

=S

If you have two lights of equal power, it is easy to set up Main:Fill ratio. Measure the distance from Main-to-Subject and think of that as an f/stop. Now measure distance from Fill-to-Subject, and position that -1EV farther. For example, if Main is at 4', then position Fill at 5.6' and there will be a nice 2:1 relatively low contrast difference in source intensity. If you want contrastier 4:1 ratio, Main at 4' and Fill at 8' provides that contrast (so would Main at 2.8' and Fill at 5.6').

By adding modifiers, you make it more complex...I'd suggest buying a flash meter!

Hi Ian. For a self portrait I think you would need a remote trigger for your 7D. I use Canon's IR remote. Then you can use the 7D's optical trigger to set off the 430EX. The 7D would need to be on a tripod pointed at your nose (or at least where your nose will be). You should actually focus on the eye rather than the nose but since you will be in front of the camera instead of behind it, that might be difficult. Then set the flash on another tripod or light stand with the flash head pointed into you ear. Have the red sensor on front of the flash pointing to your 7D. Now use the pop up flash (disabled) to trigger the 430EX. I would suggest using an aperture of about f5.6 or f8 so tight focus won't be and issue and a shutter of 1/250 so ambient will have minimal affect. Let ETTL select a good flash duration. Use the remote to take a shot like this and see what you like about it and what you don't. Then adjust accordingly. It'll be fun to play with this set up.

@ PWard, I have the Interfit Strobies Portrait kit, I haven't used it yet as I have been very busy at work..........

@ Questionmarc, thats the effect I mean, so its called split lighting, thanks for the tip. I watched the youtube video and have done some research myself now you've told me what the technique is called..........

@ Wilt, I have only one light source. It's starting to sink in what I am reading/watching, but I have little trial and error practice. Thats something I aim to rectify in the next few weeks. Thanks.

@ GeeMack, that is technique the youtube videos are explaining to me. I lost my remote shutter cable the other day whilst I was out doing landscapes I will be getting another one in the next few days though, thanks

Thanks for your time and effort in replying everyone, I'm still up for anymore info anyone can throw my way..........

Then use your one light and a white reflector card close...should give moderate contrast lighting

Pretty simple to do - use one light, place it so its lighting just the side of your subject (so the other side of the face will be in shadow. To make it more dramatic light it from the side and high using a grid on your modifier and/or use a black card on the shadow side of the face to subtract even more light.

Here's a "selfie" using that technique http://www.flickr.com/​photos/mondorock/34596​80178/

questionmarc wrote in post #13960543
http://www.youtube.com​/watch?v=gmmZECtP3oM

split light is what you are looking for

This video is very helpful. Thanks for posting it. Anyone interested in portraiture should watch this.