on-camera flash with slave flashes

[kevinbriggs]

We�ve all been told a thousand times that getting the flash off-camera is best;

it prevents the flat and shadowy images most people get with shooting with a

single on-camera flash.

 

But what about when shooting with an on-camera flash AND a second or even third

slave flash? Is the on-camera flash STILL a negative?

 

(I�m thinking of portrait and formal group shots as I ask this question, not the

informal.)

 

In other words, I�m shooting an upcoming wedding for a friend of the family. For

the first time I will have not only my Canon 580ex (my on-camera flash, to now

serve as master) I will also have a Canon 430ex (slave). (It�s being sent to me

now; just haven�t received it yet.) I�m thinking about adding an additional

430ex (slave); I would have a 430ex on each side of me (on light stands or

tripods) while using the 580ex as the on-camera flash.

 

Is the 580ex (master, on-camera) STILL going to be problematic because it�s

on-camera in such a scenario? Or will the addition of one or two side flashes

prevent the negative results normally associated with just a single on-camera flash?

 

Thanks!!

 

K.

[Gary Naka]

You start to get into portrait lighting. The "standard" approach would be to use one slave, and have it be the MAIN light, then use your on camera fash as FILL light.

 

If you are shooting a BIG group, different story. I think then, the goal is simply to get enough even light to light up everyone.