450d and smartflash 200

Shooting in manual, with WB set to flash. Start off at arounf f11 1/180 lowest iso take a shot and check your histogram. Remember that the flash to subject distance can effect the exposure just as much as your aperture. As a rule of thumb, shutter speed for controlling your ambient light and aperture for controlling the light from your flash. This should help you for a start.
 
roughly how far should i have the flash away from the subject? i dont want any shadows etc

Also should i have the model light on aswel?
 
Using that set up, I would start on 1/2 power with them around 5-6 feet from the subject and the subject around 2-3 feet from the back ground ( all depnds on how much space you have) and play around from there.....this is the fun part. You should really have a look at some books or even u tube to get a grasp of flash basics. This will really help you along and give you a greater sense of achievement when you pull off some great shots.

Check out lencartas own learning page.

http://www.lencarta.com/2008122852/tutorials/index.php
 
Building on the good advice from Will, have you checked the video tutorials on the Lencarta website? You need to learn the basics. There's tons of lighting info around.

For starters, I would use just one head, with the white umbrella. Leave the other one in the bag for now. Position it just above and to one side of the camera, close to it. That will give you soft light. Use the reflector to fill-in even more if you need it. That's all you need for the main subject - less is usually more with lighting, especially when you're starting out. For solo portraits, only use the second light for the background until you get proficient.

Leave the modelling light on (permanently) and move the flash around to see how things change. Eg closer light means softer light, as the umbrella becomes relatively bigger compared to the subject.

I would use 1/125sec shutter speed (just to be absolutely safe on x-sync) and say f/8, lowest ISO and flash on half power. Check the LCD and histogram for exposure, and enable the highlight over exposure warning in the menu (known as blinkies).

Adjust the exposure with the power setting, and/or the f/number. Leave the ISO at base for best quality, unless you run out of other exposure options (which you won't with these settings).

That will get you going with a simple, attractive and versatile set up for basic portraits. There is lots to learn, but getting on and doing it is a pretty good way. Ask plenty of questions on here and post a couple of pics ;)

I'll just say one more thing. Fancy equipment and advanced techniques all have there place, but that's not what what makes a great portait. Your subject makes a great portrait and so long as the lighting is there or thereabouts, you're first priority is to give them 100% of your attention. Get the best out of them first and worry about the technical stuff second.
 
Ive been watching them when i get the chance lol ill have another look at them today thanks for the advice i still dont have a test subject to practice them on but would like to know how to use them before i try and get portraits of my mates kids
 
Feel free to ring me if you can't find the answers you want in the Lencarta Learning Centre, or you could try my own tutorials and videos
 
took some pics not loaded them to pc yet will do it later best subject i could get was a baby chinchilla and believe me it wasnt easy getting pics of that kept moving about grrr even being tempted with a treat it didnt help
 
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