first attempt at OC flash

[chazza]

Have set up a mini studio in the lounge to experiment with off camera flash and relflectors etc which I have been collecting for a while.

managed to collar the Mrs into posing for a few shots.

This one was with flash/softbox at 45 degrees to the right, a silver reflector to the left and a flash behind her at ground level pointing upwards to light up the background.

this is my first attempt, so be gentle .................. WDYT?

Date Time Original 2011:01:18 19:35:42
Exposure Time 1/200
F Number 6.3
Exposure Program Manual
ISO Speed Ratings 100
Metering Mode Pattern
Flash Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Focal Length 105
Make Canon
Model Canon EOS-1D Mark III

 

[JonathanRyan]

It's quite nice really

Certainly for a first attempt it's pretty cool. Skin tones look a little orangey but kind of plausible.

How far back was the softbox? Shadow from the hair is kind of hard.

And she'd thank you for a little gentle fill under the chin

 

[ryanyboy]

Looks pretty good. I'd be inclined to clone out the second catch light from the reflector. The shadows don't look too harsh to me - if that's what you wanted. What colour was the background?

 

[chazza]

Thanks for comments .............
Maybe softbox was a little too close? about 6ft away.
Skin tone maybe due to too much St Tropez tan !!!!
Agree about cloning out reflector catch light
Background colour was white, but couldn't seem to get it correct colour even with flash pointing upwards behind her ....any ideas? Maybe need to put that one on full power?

 

[JonathanRyan]

Maybe softbox was a little too close? about 6ft away.

Quite the reverse. If it's a smallish softbox then you'll want it a bit closer. If it's a biggish softbox then you want it really close. The distance is hardening the shadows. Pic at the bottom of this post was shot with an SB800 in a small softbox just out of frame.

Agree about cloning out reflector catch light

I wouldn't but that's just personal taste.

Background colour was white, but couldn't seem to get it correct colour even with flash pointing upwards behind her ....any ideas? Maybe need to put that one on full power?

More power If it's showing darker than its real colour you need more light.

 

[DannyJames]

Are there any good resources online with overhead plans of lighting configuration and positioning?

 

[DannyJames]

ignore that question... a simple google search produces quite a few. : )

 

[chazza]

Nice capture Jonathan, what were your camera settings on this shot just out of interest and was it hand held or on a tripod?

 

[JonathanRyan]

Nice capture Jonathan, what were your camera settings on this shot just out of interest and was it hand held or on a tripod?

The "flash did not fire" is a red herring. It was radio triggered.

Handheld. Just like this one which was 1/10s....


Anita by Jonathan Ryan, on Flickr