Can I use speedlights to overexpose a white background?

Goatsmilkuk · #1 12-02-11

I have 2 Bowens gemini heads and a white vinyl backdrop, I want to overexpose the backdrop compared to the subjects. I already have a Canon EX420 flash and wonder if I purchased another flash say a EX430 or similar could I use these on tripods to aim at the backdrop to overexpose it by 1 or 2 stops?

Also what type of trigger would I need to fire them as slaves to the Bowens?

I have a radio trigger for the bowens but the EX420 is an infra red trigger as far as I know as I have never fired it off camera.

Will triggers as below be ok to trigger speedlights to over expose the backdrop?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SYK-3-SYK3-Fla...#ht_2498wt_905

Thanks for any advice

Stu

Patrick · #2 12-02-11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goatsmilkuk

I have 2 Bowens gemini heads and a white vinyl backdrop, I want to overexpose the backdrop compared to the subjects. I already have a Canon EX420 flash and wonder if I purchased another flash say a EX430 or similar could I use these on tripods to aim at the backdrop to overexpose it by 1 or 2 stops?

Also what type of trigger would I need to fire them as slaves to the Bowens?

I have a radio trigger for the bowens but the EX420 is an infra red trigger as far as I know as I have never fired it off camera.

Will triggers as below be ok to trigger speedlights to over expose the backdrop?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SYK-3-SYK3-Fla...#ht_2498wt_905

Thanks for any advice

Stu

I don't know much about triggers but I use an Infra red trigger (Interfit about £30) the Bowens may fire with one of those. The light on the backdrop needs to be more exposed than the light on the subject for high key, the Bowens I should think are very much more powerful and spread the light more. So I would have thought another Bowens head would be the better option then you wouldn't have trigger problems either.
There could be some good deals on eBay.

Patrick

Goatsmilkuk · #3 12-02-11

Thanks for the reply Patrick.

I have ordered a trigger for my 420 so it will see the heads, I plan to give it a go with a Stofen diffuser to start with and see how I get on. I would like to go for another 2 heads but it starts to take up a lot of room to be mobile. I think at some point in the future I will go for a Lastolite Hilite as that looks to be ideal for portability plus can be used with 2 heads, I could also use a speedlight to light up the subject then and use a Bowen head for the key light.

Stu

Graham_of_Rainham · #4 12-02-11

I have 6 of those SYK-3 units with 6 guns that I use to light backgrounds (and anything else) They work perfectly and I can get 16:1 light ratios quite easily (for silhouettes and such) HiKey don't need all that light just the right exposure to get it the way you want.

Have Fun. Do please show us the results.

ash · #5 13-02-11

You don't even need a white backdrop if your flash's are powerful enough for the backlight.

ash · #6 13-02-11

Try this link,

High key photography anywhwere (flash photography tips) - YouTube

think he is using the nikon creative lighting system (cls) you have full wireless control over your flashguns from the camera

Ash.

Goatsmilkuk · #7 13-02-11

Thanks Ash, it can be done then.

Stu

peter · #8 19-02-11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goatsmilkuk

Thanks Ash, it can be done then.

Stu

yes it can be done and here is one I posted at the end of last year that went down well at the time. Two jessops speed lights fired onto a white background and a canon 580 fired into a soft box.

Goatsmilkuk · #9 20-02-11

Thanks for the that Peter, worked well I see