Advice on flash method for outdoor fashion pics

mikeyw

mikeyw

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Hi,

I'm shooting a few outdoor images for a local clothes shop next week. I plan to use my D7100 with an 85 1.8mm lens using 2 off camera flashes on stands (one for main flash and one for a little back fill) may include a reflector low down to lift shadow if needed.

The model will be male so i was going to try bouncing off an umbrella placed fairly close to him for the main flash, would this method work better over the softer light from using a shoot through ?

Will probably try a few shots with my 70-300 but i expect most of it to use the 85mm for it's bokeh.

Any advice here greatly appreciated.

Cheers,
Mike.
 
Sounds fun and I wouldn't have much idea to be honest apart from some trial and error -having said that, one tip I heard was to take photographs with each light independently so you can see the effect it is having on the final image.
 
I would not generally choose a shoot thru outdoors... and umbrellas of any sort are fairly risky as they are great wind catchers. Males/fashion can stand harder lighting... there's no reason why you can't use bare flash, just keep the ratio down (smaller modifiers used from longer distances aren't any better). If you do use modifiers, use weights or stakes (or a VAL).
 
sk66 said:
I would not generally choose a shoot thru outdoors... and umbrellas of any sort are fairly risky as they are great wind catchers. Males/fashion can stand harder lighting... there's no reason why you can't use bare flash, just keep the ratio down (smaller modifiers used from longer distances aren't any better). If you do use modifiers, use weights or stakes (or a VAL).
Click to expand...
:agree:
For a male model in particular, the flash (positioned correctly) will produce much more striking results than a shoot through umbrella. As Steven says, you don't need an umbrella for this and apart from the problems you'll almost certainly get from the wind, you won't have anywhere near enough power either, or at least you won't have anywhere near enough power to take control of the lighting, all that you'll be able to do on a bright day is to add a bit to it. Generally, with outdoor fashion, we use powerful portable lighting. And given the amount that we charge for fashion shoots, we can afford the equipment:)
EdwardL said:
take photographs with each light independently so you can see the effect it is having on the final image.
Click to expand...
That's right, set one light at a time, only add the second light if and when it's needed.
 
Thanks guys some great advice. I'll leave the umbrella in the car and see how we get on !
 
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