Portrait using hotshoe flashes

[gahspidy]

I've been using two 580EXll speedlites and a Vivitar 285HV hotshoe flash for the portability factor. I have them on lightstands as well as having some modifiers. In this case, I had a 580EXll firing into a 16x24 softbox on subject right. Positioned above and forward of the subject. Another 580EXll with a lumiquest snoot to light the dogs face and subjects arm area. The Vivtar is on a lightstand about 6ft high on subjects left and rear shooting towards top of her head with a flag/reflector guiding the light sideways towards the background as well. the bg was a greenish color linen from a fabric store. $4 bucks a linear yard and 5 ft wide.
All the flashes are tripped with the Cybersync radio tx/rx.
I'm looking to eventually get a White lightning head for greater power and versatility but will get the portable power pack to go along with it so it can still be taken easily to a location where there is no power outlets.

[Asylum Steve]

And your question is???

Just kidding. Love the shot. The fact that you created it with consumer flash units makes me want to hate you, though...

[gahspidy]

And your question is???

Just kidding. Love the shot. The fact that you created it with consumer flash units makes me want to hate you, though...

Too bad these consumer flashes cost nearly as much as a entry level studio strobes.
I do have a question for you though. . .
I'm looking to get a white lightning head or possibly the new Einstein head supposedly coming out soon from Paul C.Buff.
I would like the power for using larger modifiers for better light and for competeing with natural light when the situation arises. I would also like to use the speedlites for fill and accent lighting. Will there be a big difference in color temps between a studio strobe and a hotshoe flash? I would imagine there will be some difference, but I'm thinking it would be so slight as to not pose any serious issues.

[Skyman]

I am not very good with studio lighting, I understand most of the theory but putting it into practice with predictable results is a hit and miss thing for me. However I used to know one guy who owned a studio specialising in product photography (coke and mcdonalds were clients) who used exlcusively canon strobes. At the time it was 550ex's. I think he made extensive use of canon's wireless ettl cababilities.

[Asylum Steve]

Will there be a big difference in color temps between a studio strobe and a hotshoe flash? I would imagine there will be some difference, but I'm thinking it would be so slight as to not pose any serious issues.

Nah, they're all daylight-balanced. I just use "Average" on my camera WB setting, and rarely change it: indoors, outdoors, natural and/or artificial light. It's easy enough to tweak RAW settings in photoshop...

[gahspidy]

Nah, they're all daylight-balanced. I just use "Average" on my camera WB setting, and rarely change it: indoors, outdoors, natural and/or artificial light. It's easy enough to tweak RAW settings in photoshop...

Thnaks for that Steve. Its refreshing to hear that someone of your experience does not go crazy with initial WB settings.
I first was using a white card, exposing it in the light i intended to use and getting my WB set with that. after some time, i just basically set the cameras WB to the "flash" setting and the results were very much the same.
If there is an issue with CB later in processing, it is so easy to just correct one RAW file from the shoot and have it batch corrected to the rest in LR.

[gahspidy]

I am not very good with studio lighting, I understand most of the theory but putting it into practice with predictable results is a hit and miss thing for me. However I used to know one guy who owned a studio specialising in product photography (coke and mcdonalds were clients) who used exlcusively canon strobes. At the time it was 550ex's. I think he made extensive use of canon's wireless ettl cababilities.

Yep, I can believe it. the newer 580EXll are supposedly much better even and really impress me. The recycle times are super fast and the battery life is amazing.
I had the main light , which was the 580EXll in the softbox set at about 1/4 power shooting at iso 160, 6.3 - 9.0 aperture
Took about 150 shots from the session on 4 AA rechargeables. I also have Canons external battery pack and if needed can use it to even further speed up recycle times and double batttery life.
I am thinking these flashes with a portable studio strobe head would make an awesome portable combo.

[daq7]

I cannot see the pictures for some reason.

[gahspidy]

I cannot see the pictures for some reason.

Its there Daq. Still can't see it?