My 2 source Lighting Setup and Liz's Iconic Holllywood {30 Photoshoot challenge #14}

Two sources showering my model with light.

I've got a confession. I acquired a second speedlight. I couldn't help it. I saw a smoking deal on craigslist. It was only 30 dollars for a used but well functioning SB-28. I knew that deals like this only come once in a blue moon, so I jumped on it, regardless of how much this is a direct violation of my self imposed 30 speedlight Challenge. I just don't know what to make of that anymore. I normally have more self control than that (or I'd like to think so), but I think I'll decide this is what the world wanted for me.

And besides, 30 photoshoots is a LOT. I'm so ashamed. To prevent awful revisionist history I'll keep on going with my challenge to practice studio lighting techniques.

Okay, my confessions aside, I've got it really worked out. Now that I've come clean about the sb-28, I can really talk about it.

Click here to read more and view more photos from this shoot.

The opposing light source really adds dimension to Liz's Coat

So the sb-900 is a lot smarter than the Sb-28. Its that funny quirk that causes my super smart high tech sb-900 to be a dumb optical slave to the sb-28. It works out in the end because in some situations where I want the light to be behind the model or a lot further from my camera in general, the optically triggered light (the further light) is also the most powerful.

I have a $30 yongnuo RF-603 hotshoe flash trigger set. I hook one on top of the camera and the other on the Sb-28 and set it to manual mode. The Sb-900 is set up to remote (AKA optical trigger) and within line of sight of the sb-28.

I'd say that the only thing wrong with this setup is that the failure mode can be anonymous. Sure, I know when the optical trigger wouldn't work because only one flash would go off. But, if neighter of the lights went off, I don't know which set of batteries failed on me. It could be in either of the optical triggers or the sb-28. This lead me to changing up to 8 batteries everytime it got spotty. The lights get spotty about twice a 300 photo photoshoot.That leads to some long nights if a multimeter, if you know what I mean. I envision this situation preventing me from being able to use rechargable batteries.

We were trying to do a vintage hollywood inspired photoshoot. This one is elizabeth taylor inspired.

My new favorite setup with my new second source is a directly in line on either side of the model perpendicular to the camera. My light modifiers of choice have been a set of umbrellas. A picture is worth a thousand words, so I tried to sketch my setup in the photo below.

My two source lighting setup.

When Liz is kneeling at the bed, the lights are angled slightly down in the same position.Shooting through the umbrella perpendicular to the wall is also what leads to the interesting seams of light on the wall.

I also like how the lighting made a strip of shadow from right in the center of the models face. It can be so moody. The only problem with this can make the model look a bit old *GASP*.

This photo is beautiful but every wrinkle flies out of her face like solar flares from the sun.

If the model took a step forward, the lighting scenerio got even more dramatic.

Drama with a half step forward.

Now, let me walk you through our best photos.


The lights are angled slightly down, and notice the color changes on the wall due to the umbrella seams.

Photo Inspiration

This is ACTUALLY Liz's Cat

Thats all for this shoot!

The 30 Photoshoot speedlight challenge is a Self Challenge where I attempt to learn as much as I can about lighting. Read more about the 30 photoshoot challenge and follow my journey by clicking on the links below.