What Flash

ChrisBlaze wrote in post #2417890
can you post a pic of a portrait you did with that setup?

Similar setup, 580EX, 2x 430EX.

So if i get a 430ex or a 580ex, a light stand, one umbrella, foam core, I will be okay....

svtfordlady wrote in post #2425714
So if i get a 430ex or a 580ex, a light stand, one umbrella, foam core, I will be okay....

In my opinion, you need at least 2 strobes so you can light the subject with one, and the background/highlight with the other. Hit up the used market if you can, or check out Strobist.com's Lighting 101 for advice on an inexpensive setup.

If you don't need wireless functionality, you can always go with a hotshoe PC adapter. This lets you plug in a PC cord to your hotshoe so you can run multiple PC-compatible strobes (Nikon SB-23s or 24s). It's a little more time to set up and piece together, but more inexpensive to buy and (I dare say) more reliable to operate, since the units don't need line of sight to talk to each other.

Sorry it's me again......With more questions....If i get the 550Ex do i have to have the ST-E2 TRANSMITTER? What is it?

You need something that will transmit from the camera (Master) to the remote flash (slave). A 550 or 580 can be set as masters. So will an ST-E2, but it just transmits the IR signal to the remote, no flash. A 420, 430, 550, or 580 can be set up as a slave. I hope that clears it up. If not, there is a good video here: http://www.usa.canon.c​om/content/Speedlite/i​ndex.html.