Help with 550EX, ST-E2 and Ratios

[cliff_henry]

I am shooting one 550EX on a bracket and one off camera on a stand

and using a ST-E2 on my 1V.

 

I thought I had a basic understanding of lighting ratios, but after

reviewing last week's wedding proofs, I'm not sure. At the reception,

I use a 550 (slave B) on a stand to give some background light. I set

the ratio on the ST-E2 to 3:1, that's on the left side <A. I wanted

my key light to be the slave A, on camera flash, and the background

slave B to be 2 stops less light. Yes, I am aware of differences in

flash-to-subject distance. My proofs appear to be just the opposite

of what I wanted, i.e., the background, slave B, seems to put out

more light that the slave A flash. Do I have my ratios mixed up and

should the setting be 1:3 on the B> side?

 

Can anyone help me get my left brain/right brain fixed?

 

Thanks,

 

Cliff

[blueworldstudios]

I've found that the ratios aren't that accurate. With a diffused near camera main (A), I

usually need to run a 7:1 or 8:1 ratio or else the B slave is too hot.

 

This is especially true if you are using the B slave as a kicker.

 

Without digital, I wouldn't be that comfortable using the ratio at all.<div></div>

[EricM]

very cool photo EJ!