Jim, very tempting indeed! Raleigh is typically pretty warm compared to where I was born and raised, Syracuse NY! I would have to arrange a vacation and take the family to Disney. We do sometimes come in May due to Business convention we have there every year. You never know. At a minimum I would love a chance to meet you.

James, you would be shocked at the minimal space a bee takes with an umbrella. I have used a single light setup in some unreal tight places. I had a shoot where I too shot from a Living room into a kitchen and used a single bee setup, and with the umbrella no shadows. Anyway, with that awesome machine you now have, I think you should reconsider. I have no regrets on my bees at all! I rarely use my 580 EXII.

James, for those shots where you don't have room you could just change the position of the fill. BUT, if you have a little more room why not carry a hot shoe / umbrella bracket and a Softlighter? Very portable, quick to set up, great light. I think your speedlights would have enough power, although I prefer my Bees.

Softlighter: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/42418-REG/Photek_SL_4000_Umbrella_Softlighter_II.html

Bracket: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/298709-REG/Impact_3117_Umbrella_Bracket.html

I guess I'm assuming you already carry stands with you for the flashes.

Hey Preston,

Great idea. Thanks for the links. I am going to go take a look at B&H later this week.

James

Hey Guys,

I picked up the umbrella system for my flashes that was described above. I did NOT use it for a pet shoot, but for a wedding. All I can say is that they blow the Fong domes out of the water for doing large groups. Perfect, even light. While the Fong Domes still have their place for shooting in dark, poorly lit areas, I think that the umbrellas made a huge difference in my getting the shots perfectly lit without any work. The difference was that significant.

Thanks!
James

I have the bracket and have just used an umbrella before. The great thing is for something like horses jumping in an arena, I can put the flash on a lightstand, keep the red eye away an sync it as high as I want. Helps A TON.

I like the soflighter umbrella and may have to buy one

I'm glad you got good results. I have to admit I had to practice putting it together on my Bee a few times before I got the hang of it, but as far as portability, speed, and quality of light it is really a great combination.

Did you get the large or the small Softlighter?