I have a D300 and 2 speedlights (an SB-600 and an SB-800). The SB-800 is a recent adition, as is a softbox. I had been using the single SB-600 and an umbrella, fired by the camera's flash in command mode.
Is it best to use the 2 units at 45 degrees, or would you use 1 to light the background? Before you answer 'it depends on the effect you're trying to create', could you explain the different effects these setups will create?
Does anyone have a step by step guide to a set up for basic portraits using 2 units? Diagrams are always helpful too?
Thanks for your pointers
If I'm following you, you are planning to put one flash and brolly on one side of a portrait, and the softbox on the other?
Well yes, it does depend on what you want to do and there are probably 101 ways to light a portrait. Loads of good reading to be had on all that
But this is what I'd do.
Simple is best, and this is good, easy, foolproof lighting. Get your biggest light and move it close to the subject. Right next to the camera, and just above, almost touching the lens. The bigger and closer it is, the softer the light, but also the fall-off is quicker, starting to get darker immediately behind the sitter.
Fill in the shadow side with a reflector, either a custom jobbie or a sheet of white card with silver foil stuck to one side. The advantage of a reflector rather than an extra light is a) it's not necessary, and b) with a white reflector it's almost impossible to cast conflicting shadows, which is the danger with two lights. You can also get conflicting shadows with a silver reflector so use that side with care - move it backwards/fowards to vary the brightness and the softness.
That is a good basic set up and it's very hard to go wrong like that. When you've got that sorted you can start moving the light away from the camera and further back - shadows will get darker and harder, and your exposure will reduce quite quickly too.
Then try the other light on the background - pull it back and turn it up to get a full white blow, or with a darker background move it close and turn it down for a pool of brightness.
IMHO, the best portrait lighting almost always comes from one main light and reflectors to lighten shadows but retain shape. Additional lights are for controlling the background, or for effect perhaps from the side or behind.
