2 OCF giving me trouble

[Smolt]

RIght now I am using the following set up.

1 430EXII trigger w/ shoot thru umbrella
1 Nikon SB 26, w/ shoot thru umbrella

Triggered using "ebay triggers"

I am running into a few problems I could use some help with.

1. Kids move - maybe my setup isn't right, or maybe it just isn't enough light to deal with moving kids... but if they move to far out of my "zone" where I put them, the lighting is messed up.... I had the cutest pictures of a little boy rolling away from me but they are jacked.

2. My 430ex keeps automatically shutting off... so I dont' realize till after I have taken another shot... and have to get up and wake its butt back up.

3. White backdrops are kicking my butt. I need a 3rd light.

Which brings me to the question.

Should i just reserve my above mentioned set up for a portable set up for use outdoors and get something new for my indoor studio?

Do you think a big ole' softbox would suit my needs? More? less?

I guess I should specify my needs... I shoot mainly babies, newborns, and kids. I take the adults, big kids, families outside. Space is limited and my backdrops are pretty small. Newborns are usually in baskets and what not. Alot of times i will just stick a mobile kid up there and just let them do their thing for a little bit (moving around and playing...)

Any suggestions would be much appreciated - I have googled my fingers numb and looking for some opinions from you folks ( where do you think I figured out how to do my awesome setup that I already have?? ) (Ok not super awesome, but I am proud to have figured it out and now I am a snazzy "strobist" )

Thanks guys.. sorry for typing a book here.r...

[i speak in math]

Originally Posted by Smolt

RIght now I am using the following set up.

1 430EXII trigger w/ shoot thru umbrella
1 Nikon SB 26, w/ shoot thru umbrella

Triggered using "ebay triggers"

I am running into a few problems I could use some help with.

1. Kids move - maybe my setup isn't right, or maybe it just isn't enough light to deal with moving kids... but if they move to far out of my "zone" where I put them, the lighting is messed up.... I had the cutest pictures of a little boy rolling away from me but they are jacked.

2. My 430ex keeps automatically shutting off... so I dont' realize till after I have taken another shot... and have to get up and wake its butt back up.

3. White backdrops are kicking my butt. I need a 3rd light.

Which brings me to the question.

Should i just reserve my above mentioned set up for a portable set up for use outdoors and get something new for my indoor studio?

Do you think a big ole' softbox would suit my needs? More? less?

I guess I should specify my needs... I shoot mainly babies, newborns, and kids. I take the adults, big kids, families outside. Space is limited and my backdrops are pretty small. Newborns are usually in baskets and what not. Alot of times i will just stick a mobile kid up there and just let them do their thing for a little bit (moving around and playing...)

Any suggestions would be much appreciated - I have googled my fingers numb and looking for some opinions from you folks ( where do you think I figured out how to do my awesome setup that I already have?? ) (Ok not super awesome, but I am proud to have figured it out and now I am a snazzy "strobist" )

Thanks guys.. sorry for typing a book here.r...

I have the same problem with the 430. Its a PITA. But I don't see any need to get new gear. You should plenty of light with that setup. The shoot through umbrellas blast light everywhere, so you shouldn't have much problem "aiming" them. I'm usually around f/5.6 for sharpness/dof and the 430 is usually around 1/4 - 1/8 power I think. I like to have it up close. If you need more light output, open up the aperture or raise the ISO. I'm looking at picking up a Yongnuo YN-560. High power output, fast recycle time and a audible chirp when ready for the next shot. Sounds nice for $85.

[Smolt]

Hmm.. That sounds nice. I wonder if the "chirp" is optional. When I shoot newborns they are usually sleeping

Stupid question here ... If using a flash as a backdrop light do I just aim it at it bare with on low power? Snoot?

[i speak in math]

Originally Posted by Smolt

Hmm.. That sounds nice. I wonder if the "chirp" is optional. When I shoot newborns they are usually sleeping

Stupid question here ... If using a flash as a backdrop light do I just aim it at it bare with on low power? Snoot?

The chirp is optional, there is a button/switch or something for it on the back.

For the BG light, that all depends on the look you want. You can go wide and bright and blow the BG to white. Or zoom in to 105 and go lower power with a gel and get different effects. A snoot will limit the BG light to a small circle wherever you want it.