Do I need two Speedlites or just a reflector?

[User.82148]

As per my previous posts, I am new to flash photography but I now have a stand for my Speedlite and an umbrella and a softbox. I'm still experimenting and learning but if I want to avoid deap shadows do I just need a reflector or is a second Speedlite required?

If a reflector, any recommendations for a kit?

The question is can you get away with just one off camera flash for indoor portrait photography or do I need to spend little bit more for decent results?

 

[cargo]

Not seen previous posts but yes you can do great photos with the addition of a reflector.

Gaz

 

[Phil V]

If you have a softbox, you avoid deep shadows by using it properly.

 

[User.82148]

If you have a softbox, you avoid deep shadows by using it properly.

I thought this may be the case. Is there a "best" angle between softbox and subject, assuming the camera is pointed straight at the subject?

 

[RJ Bradbury]

@Archie747 I recommend learning to get the best from what you have before you buy anything else. Sure a reflector won't break the bank but it will be worth a lot more to learn to light and obtain more open shadows with the modifiers that you have.

The larger the larger and closer a light source is the softer the light.

I don't know what size modifiers you have try placing your light close and you subject ton the back edge of the soft box. Great light.

 

[sk66]

I assume by "deep" you mean dark/dense. The primary factor is the lighting ratio/power, you could simply reduce the flash output and record more ambient and the shadows will be less dense. Or you can add fill w/ a reflector/additional lights.

If you move your softbox closer it will be softer (less defined) and some shadows will be less dense because it does a better job of providing fill (seeing) around a particular feature (i.e. nose), but other shadows farther back will become denser due to increased falloff.

 

[HoppyUK]

IMHO a reflector is an essential accessory. Getting the key light how you want it, and the depth/darkness of the shadows are two separate things.

A reflector (fold-up white/silver for preference, cheap as chips) is quite different to an additional fill-in light (that would usually be on-axis) and easy to use when you want the shadows lifted 'invisibly' because the light is inherently soft (large surface area of the reflector vs small/hard fill-in light) and it's unusual for the reflector to create shadows of its own.

A 'black reflector' is also handy, for making shadows extra dark.

 

[Phil V]

I thought this may be the case. Is there a "best" angle between softbox and subject, assuming the camera is pointed straight at the subject?

You need to do some research on different lighting patterns. There's loads of resources on the web, I'd start with Lencartas site, but you can check Strobist 101 too

It's too long and complicated for a forum post.

Other than the 2 start points.

Higher than the subject looks most natural (like the sun)
The larger and closer a softbox, the softer the shadows

 

[juggler]

As per my previous posts, I am new to flash photography but I now have a stand for my Speedlite and an umbrella and a softbox. I'm still experimenting and learning but if I want to avoid deap shadows do I just need a reflector or is a second Speedlite required?

If a reflector, any recommendations for a kit?

The question is can you get away with just one off camera flash for indoor portrait photography or do I need to spend little bit more for decent results?

You can go a long way with a single light and a cheapo 5-in-1 popup reflector; think of additional lights as being useful for adding polish to a portrait.

Other than that.. why not wander over to the relevant critique forum, post your stuff, say what you want to change?