pocket wizards, shallow debth of field??

what is the work around regarding getting a shallow debth of field using the pocket wizard with my 580EX at a 45degree from the model ?? I had my model in front of a bright window and I wanted to blur the background. My meter was telling me 1/2000 for m shutter speed to expose properly for bight backlight. I wanted to use the 580EX for some nice fill.. I guess I was wondering whats the best way to get this to work considering the pocket wizard only syncs up to 1/250 or 1/1000 (multimax) would a good work around be just going with the fastest speed at 1/1000 in the multimax and setting the camera shutter the same. I geuss I'm confused.. Maybe I should quit worrying about a shallow depth of field with working with stobes off camera.. Any suggestions would be cool..

It's your aperture value not the shutter speed that creates the blurred background. Diffuse the light as best you can to get a lower aperture within the sync speeds. You can always shoot at a different time of day.

The 580EX has FP flash (high speed sync), right?

I didn't think that would work with the PWs

If you are going to trigger the flash with the PW, you will need to set the sync speed to the max sync speed of the camera (250 for the 20D and 200 for the DReb). You won't have a choice in this because you loose HSS capability when the flash is not connected directly to the hot shoe or via the off-shoe cord 2.

If you need to use such a high shutter speed and you can't set the flash on the camera or use the off-shoe cord 2 cord, then my recommendation is to forego the flash and use a reflector instead.

Ok, so that rules out the pocket wizard. Next question: Can the Canon EX flashes do high speed sync in a wireless master/slave arrangement?

If so, then johneric might be able to make it work with another flash unit.

Yes, HSS does work in a wireless remote configuration. And I was thinking of that as an alternative. However, based on his sig, it doesn't look like johneric has a set that can work that way.

I appreciate all the suggestions.. I had just never tried to use the wizards in that type of situation so it was a bit crazy.. I think if I position myself properly with a long lens I can still get a semi shallow debth of field in bright situations... Experiment experiment!! I do like the idea of using the 580EX on camera as a master.. at least that way I can use high sync.. wait, is that true? if I'm using the canon wireless system will I be able to use high speed sync even with the master flash turned off from flashing? But, how reliable will the 430ex be outside if it's in a umbrella?

Blessings

In this situation, get a reflector for fill instead using a flash. Then you don't have to worry about sync speed.

Yes, HSS will work with the master and slave.

I do use reflectors in most cases but I have a special technique I like to use where I underexpose the sky on purpose.. This way I need a strobe that will out power the natural light ... This is the kind of situation I'm talking about.. I shot this about 6pm and the strobe was brighter then the available light..

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I think I see what you after. I agree on the high-speed sync issue being one solution, you may also want to consider a diffused "hot" light as another solution.

Or you can put a ND filter in front of the lens...

good ideas on both fronts.. I hate putting ND filters on L glass but it's something I will consider.... The hot light is a good idea for sure! I need to invest in that in the near future. What do you guys thing would be good wattage to go with as a rule to over power the suns illumination?

You might start out with the halogen lights, 500 watts worth, available fairly cheaply at home depot & other hardware stores and see how that works. Don't leave 'em on the model too long, they don't call 'em hot lights for nothing.