Lastolite HiLite ??

cigna63 wrote in post #9894382
Thanks JasonW......that's exactly the look I want....it's good to know that I can do it with speedlights and move to studio strobes in the future.
In this photo are you also using the LastoLite train under the subjects? If it is ...how do you like it, is it worth buying along with the HiLite?

Hi Cigna63,

Yes that is shot using the Lastolite Vinyl train. I think pretty much regardless of what lighting configuration you use there will always be a resonably clear difference between the train and the background in the shot. This can be photoshopped out which is what I have done in the shot I attached.

I reckon that the tile board will work just as well and will give a mirror reflection rather than just the shadow. I would raise it up a bit however (or lower the Hi Lite if possible) just to give a better blend line between the two. You could also use pretty much any white surface and get a similar result as I have shown. The only advantage with the Hi Lite train is that it velcros to the Hi Lite so it doesn't move. This shouldn't be a problem with the tile board. I am keen to trial the tile board myself but the best price I can find in Australia is about $180 for 1.2 x 2.4m which is a bit high igven that I will probably need two of them.

Flash newb...

I have an St2E wireless trigger.
2 x 430EXII flash guns

I was thinking of getting the 7 x 8 monster sized HiLite + train to fit extended family members kids etc

So far, from scanning threads I gather:

1) ETTL = set to off!
2) For my modest set up some photoshoping of the vinyl train is in my future!
3) shutter speed under 200

I only need the slightest excuse to get an additional 580EX!!

Questions:

1) will Aperture 3 (for Mac) be ok for the train editing work? (and can any of Aperture's batch processing feature be put to use across similar shots?)
2) Is it possible to put ETTL to (good) use on the subject facing lighting and go manual on the background blow out task? (I was thinking spot metering?)
3) I have a white ceiling perhaps a 3rd flash might be good behind me perhaps off to the side (to avoid my shadow) bouncing off it?
4) Am I dreaming if I think my small-ish umbrella will light 4 people well enough?

Thanks Canon comrades!

I used a Hi Light with two 430ex speedlights either sides and a 580EX shooting into a brolly, its a compact setup an not the best recycle time but does the job fine for now.
Used the lasloite photoshop to brighten up any dull spots.
Need a bit more work on using the flash to best effect , but for first time out I was very happy.

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fridayphunnies wrote in post #10272087
I used a Hi Light with two 430ex speedlights either sides and a 580EX shooting into a brolly, its a compact setup an not the best recycle time but does the job fine for now.
Used the lasloite photoshop to brighten up any dull spots.
Need a bit more work on using the flash to best effect , but for first time out I was very happy.

Looks like you've got the hang of rendering the background pure white without wrapping all over your subjects. Now you just need to set a custom white balance or shoot a reference target for usein post to correct the color.

Thanks Robert , Think I will invest in XpoBalance thingy.