Anvil Loc: Loveland, CO

The other day, I wanted to experiment with silhouettes, where the back light is created by directing speedlights at a rear wall. The technique is simple enough, but I did run into a small snag.

I currently do not have wireless radio transmission capability between my speedlights. I have to rely on optical transmission, which means line of sight between the two speedlights. This limits my freedom of placement. The master is on a 10-meter TTL cord, connected to the camera. Because the slave must see the master, I had to point the lights at an angle to the wall. Ideally, I'd like to position each light horizontally, with the light heads directed straight out. A reflector card on each would direct the light to a large spot on the wall.

As you can see, with this shot, I ended up with uneven lighting on the wall. I started investigating radio wireless systems. I want something affordable, but also able to use TTL metering. I came across the Yongnuo YN-622C system. (I have Canon.) A camera controller plus two transceivers is about $140, on Amazon. It is supposed to handle full TTL functions. Terrific price, if it works.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

Yongnuo also makes an exact replica of the 600 EX RT and the ST-E3-RT, you get both (combo) for under $300. They suppose to work just like the Canon and rumors say, you can even mix them and they still perform fine. Just a thought. I do shoot with Canon's 600 RT's and I'm very happy with them, for my 580's, I use PW's TT5's. In your example shot, did you set your flashes to the widest setting (like 24mm for example)?

tainkc Loc: Kansas City

It looks good. Also, check into the Phottix products. They also have flash units that do not need a receiver. They are 4gz. wireless. I bought their Strato ll set. It was right at $100.00 including tax. I am very happy with them, but I do not think my particular ones do TTL. They do have those that will do TTL.

twowindsbear

With your optical slave devices, if you point the slave's sensor toward the wall, and the wired remote flash toward the same wall, the slave sensor is not sensitive enough to trigger from the reflection? Perhaps placing a small diffusing device on the slave's sensor would help?

Anvil Loc: Loveland, CO

I did set my flashes to the widest setting.

I had a little bit of trouble getting the slave to see the master, with certain placements. In some test firings, the slave actually fired late. I couldn't figure that one out.

Rather than spending too much time trying to solve this, particular line of sight problem, I just compromised on the wall coverage. I have experienced enough of these line of sight problems, before, that I resolved I was going to have to go radio, sooner or later. The Yongnuo looked good, so I went with that.

ediesaul

I don't mind the uneven light. I think it adds to the photo, not detracts. I like that you got the man's glasses so clearly.

Anvil Loc: Loveland, CO

Thanks. It's actually a self-silhouette.

tainkc Loc: Kansas City

Wouldn't that be a selfoutte?

Anvil Loc: Loveland, CO

Either that, or a silhouie.

Boone Loc: Groundhog Town USA

You will not be unhappy with Yongnuo. Bullet proof! Thanks, Boone. :thumbup:

amyinsparta Loc: White county, TN

I agree with Edie. I think the unevenness adds to the photo. I like it!