I agree with "Rabbit". I've used that same combination often with satisfactory results. At 55mm, you have the equivalent of 88mm in the 35mm format.For a chest high portrait, that'll let you stand close enough for good rapport and at the same time avoid distortion.
Look in the manual for the 580EXII, page 54, and under the heading of Guide NO. at ISO 100, you will see tables of flash output in GN's. If you're not aware, you get the aperture for acceptable exposure by dividing the GN by the distance you wish to cover. Note that the GN increases proportionately with ISO.
Shane T, I agree with all the complements; great exposure, focus, depth of field and color rendition. How about telling us what you used and the settings, including WB and any PP. Geo.
Be aware that with continuous portrait lighting, if it's bright enough for reasonable ISO's, apertures and shutter speeds, the subject will normally tend to squint, which will certainly not look natural and relaxed. Also, with DSLR's you have a chance to observe each image as its taken. So, I prefer strobes in soft boxes primarily and umbrellas secondly.
I should've added that in the method I use I have NEVER lost an image, and I never have any difficulty finding any single picture among the thousands in my appropriately titled files, which are set up alphabetically by subject and chronolically within each file. My cards are all SanDisk SD's either 2 or 4 GB.
I agree with "screen48", "George H" and "MAC" that you should never use a memory card as a backup. There are many ways to dowload into you computer or external HD to perform that function much more safely without having to buy more cards, and of course, always format the card in the camera in which it is to be used. .
Yes, if that battery has been bought after market, it might be "undecoded". This means that the battery does not contain the circuitry that will register in the camera's battery monitoring system. Nevertheless it'll work but its remaining capacity will not be displayed.
I format every time after the images have been transferred. It's especially important to format if that card was used in a different camera.
I also have the 60D with grip. In case you are not aware, the grip utilizes only one battery at a time, so that is all you will see when you click on battery check. Actually, the grip functions as a spare battery holder, so that when the first battery is exhausted, it switches to the second. The advice to switch batteries is good.
Amazingly opportune picture done very well!
Surprised no one asked about what camera, lens and settings you used.
You need a little more exposure to bring out details, otherwise great shots, and B&W was the right thing.
Needs more exposure to bring out details. Good perspective. B&W definitely the right thing.
Too much shoulder, takes away from the center of interest, needs cropping. Good expression, but needs sharpening.
I've shot family groups and portraits at the beach and have gotten good results. First remember to pose them back lighted so that they look natural without squinting from harsh sun light in their faces. Also position the camera so as to avoid flair, using a proper hood. Use fill in diffused off camera ETTL flash and set and hold spot meterimg aimed at the face. With all that and ISO set at 100, you can shoot automatic set on Program. Works all the time for me.