Wedding off camera flash setup

Hello all,
I would welcome some much needed advice. I've been using my 580 ex flash on camera for all of my weddings, but would like to add some off- camera flash to my reception setup. I know I will need another flash, but as I've been looking for wireless triggers I've been extremely confused about what to get. Also, should I use a softbox or would I also bounce my flash that's off camera? Thank you for your advice!

I use a Canon 6D.

Look up Yongnou flashes. Manual flash is mostly recommended for off camera flash, unless you want to go with auto (ettl)

Manual:
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Auto:
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The Phottix solution, assuming you wish to keep an on-camera Speedlite, would be:

X1 Mitros + 'Plus' for Canon in the 6D's hot-shoe. That has Odin radio functionality built-in.

then X1 Odin Rx unit to go under your 580Ex - as your remote unit (with or without ?shoot-through umbrella).

Thank you for the suggestions. If I were to buy a Canon 600ex-rt speedlight is it correct that I would not need any remote units for that? I could keep my 580 on camera and put the 600 on a stand without purchasing anything else? I have been reading about it today but I could be misunderstanding.

Hi, That's not quite correct.
On its own the 580 (either vintage) doesn't do radio at all and it doesn't speak 'RT' code.

Yn are/have reverse engineering/ed Canon's 'RT' radio system. They already have an ST-E3 RT clone and a 660Ex RT clone.
They are also soon to release an add-on 'RT' speaking Rx device which should allow legacy devices, like your 580Ex, to work fully with Yn's other RT speaking clones.

Assuming it all works as advertised . . . then Yn's RT tech offers you a third option.

My Odins have been completely reliable since November 2011.

kalahmarie wrote in post #17445651
Hello all,
I would welcome some much needed advice. I've been using my 580 ex flash on camera for all of my weddings, but would like to add some off- camera flash to my reception setup. I know I will need another flash, but as I've been looking for wireless triggers I've been extremely confused about what to get. Also, should I use a softbox or would I also bounce my flash that's off camera? Thank you for your advice!

I use a Canon 6D.

Every reception is a bit different in how you light it. Depends on the room, the distances, the color of the walls/ceiling, how high the ceilings are, the color of the ambient lighting, etc etc. It also depends on the style you are going for in your image. You could bounce your off camera flashes off the walls and ceilings, but that will illuminate a much larger portion of the room. If you want more dramatic lighting on just your subjects and let the people in the background (sitting at tables) fall off into more darkness, you need more direct lighting on a specific area (dance floor). I've found that using modifiers in receptions are not very practical for me. Big, harder to place without being very noticeable, and you lose a lot of light with them. Especially if you have distances you need to cover.

I've been happy with the Yongnuo triggers. (622cs specifically). But, you may be able to save some money going the manual only route. During receptions, I use them in manual only anyways.

580EX can trigger 600ex RT with the optical mode. But of course both flashes need to be in line of sight!

You have options.
If you want to stay with the Canon 580EXII ETTL technology then get one or more speedlites that support ETTL.
Then get Yn-622c radio trigger system to support them.

For receptions I use speedlites and large shoot through umbrellas with black backing to keep the light off the walls.

If you eventually want to go to 600EX-RT then start purchasing them and use them in ETTL mode until you can get rid of the 580EXII technology.

Yongnou now sells their version of the 600EX-RT which means a less expensive option.

Natually, there is also manual flash off camera on the stands with ETTL flash on camera. There are triggering options that provide pass through for ETTL on the camera. Phoenix Strato is one option.

Good source for information is Flashhavoc.com (Maybe only 1 H)