2 light setup?

I've never really had to get into the whole issue of an indoor light setup before, as 99% of my photography has always been outdoors. In which case I'm using lots of natural light, a reflector, and the occasional OCF for fill light...
I decided to do my daughters birthday pictures this year, and planned on shooting them indoors tomorrow. As I was doing some test shots tonight, I kept getting lots of shadows. I thought I had a basic understanding of a 2 light setup, but can't seem to find something that works. I've spent maybe an hour moving the flashes around, trying different positions...
I'm frustrated with all the harsh shadows I'm getting, so I've come to the inrawebs for help.

I was just wondering what might be the best setup to avoid this?
I have two Yongnuo YN-560 ii, two light stands, a 30" umbrella, a small soft box for my flash (maybe 7 inches?), and a 43" reflector.

Thanks!

Get the light closer, or maybe just bounce the flash off the wall. Maybe post a shot along with a picture of the set up and we can give a bit more help. Really though, you should be able to get good shots with one key light and a reflector so long as the light is properly placed.

Like many things in life, there is(are?) more that one way to light(verb) something!

I personally use two lights a lot, and recently picked up two additional strobe heads, tried using three which turned into me running around trying to fix things to just going back to two lights and doing things the usual way!


I would recommend you use the biggest softbox or reflector you have. The bigger, the better.

Perhaps try placing one up to(pick your favorite of left or right) and aim it down a bit and then use the other light(at some reduced ratio..) to fill in?


I'm not entirely qualified to guide you with using speedlites because they are black magic to me.

Cut the power on the flashes so that they provide fill but don't over power the ambient.

If you're shooting from one spot, you might want to keep them very close together right by the camera. If you are going to be all over the place, put them in opposite corners aimed at the point where two walls and the ceiling come together.

If the shadows are that harsh you may be working the flash too hard and not letting in enough ambient. Would like to see a problem shot.