Lighting for a photo-op of two people with portable flash and built in flash?

[Bum Crack Sniffer]

Should I have my portable flash to the side of the two subjects I am taking a picture of (45 degree angle) with umbrella?

I would use the portable flash on the side and the built in flash straight on? Which one should be more powerful? I imagine I should stop down the built in flash?

And is this adequate for lighting, because it is all that I have? Do I absolutely need a fill light or a back light?

Or should I just use the portable flash on the camera and bounce it off the ceiling with a diffuser?

 

[Candid Chris]

Yo Bum Crack, diffuse where possible, reflect where necessary, straight on flash is nice when kept to a minimum.

 

[Lover not a Fighter]

> I would use the portable flash on the side and the built in
> flash straight on? Which one should be more powerful? I
> imagine I should stop down the built in flash?

Your built in flash might be powerful enough. But you can always experiment - it is digital - yes?
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> And is this adequate for lighting, because it is all that I have?
> Do I absolutely need a fill light or a back light?

Yes you do. You can also have the umbrella high and just above if you ONLY have ONE flash + umbrella.
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> Or should I just use the portable flash on the camera and
> bounce it off the ceiling with a diffuser?

That is a good backup - if the other method don't work.


Good luck...