Flash in the Dark

[Pegasus_Thrust]

I've seen a photos I like, mainly B&G shots taken in the dark that seem to be illuminated by flashes (I presume) from different angles e.g. the front and the back.

Could someone confirm whether this is the case and if so how do they achieve that look of "dark everywhere else but the couple"?

 

[^Joe]

You are correct - this is normally off camera flash, ie, the flash is not on the camera, but on a stand, with a softbox/umbrella.

The Camera exposes for the flash, with the ambient light being underexposed - giving that dark look.

strobist offer some good guides

 

[Pegasus_Thrust]

So there is only the one flash?..... I get that the one at the back provides like a background splash of light but how does the camera side of the couple get lit?

 

[Phil V]

So there is only the one flash?..... I get that the one at the back provides like a background splash of light but how does the camera side of the couple get lit?

By the flash on the camera that triggered the flash off the camera.

 

[Jimmy Pop]

The second flash is triggered by the main (on the camera).
Millisecond gap

 

[Pegasus_Thrust]

Thanks, so we're talking basically 2 speedlights then. One at the front, one at the back.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Phil V]

Thanks, so we're talking basically 2 speedlights then. One at the front, one at the back.

Thanks for the help.

If you use the ETTL (ITTL etc) remote flash, you can dial the ratio's to get different looks very quickly (all ratios and settings are a start point).

Backlit with a hint of flash 1:2

Backlit (almost silhouette) 1:3 -1 FEC

Move slightly and you have a nice rimlight 1:2 +1 FEC

Pick up my other camera and just have front light (bounced off ceiling), could be done with ratio's but I like to have the different FL too.

All achieved with 2 cameras and 3 flashes.

 

[paul_g]

I've seen a photos I like, mainly B&G shots taken in the dark that seem to be illuminated by flashes (I presume) from different angles e.g. the front and the back.

Could someone confirm whether this is the case and if so how do they achieve that look of "dark everywhere else but the couple"?

It would be good to link to an example because a lot of photographers who shoot wedding couples like that aren't using speedlights

 

[Pegasus_Thrust]

Cheers Phil, very informative.

I don't have any specific example to which to point to, it's just many images I have seen doing research. They mainly seem to be outside shots at sunset/night if that helps at all- usually set in a pretty surroundings and the light is just enough to show those surroundings in a moonlight type light but the couple are bright and really standout.

 

[paul_g]

Cheers Phil, very informative.

I don't have any specific example to which to point to, it's just many images I have seen doing research. They mainly seem to be outside shots at sunset/night if that helps at all- usually set in a pretty surroundings and the light is just enough to show those surroundings in a moonlight type light but the couple are bright and really standout.

Thats what I wondered. There is a very good chance they were shot in daylight with elincrom rangers or equivalent which are powerful enough to overpower daylight.

 

[Phil V]

Thats what I wondered. There is a very good chance they were shot in daylight with elincrom rangers or equivalent which are powerful enough to overpower daylight.

Some will be this, some will be shot at twilight or in the dark with speedlights or portable studio flash.

The only way you'd know is by reading the exif or asking the photographer.

I know Simon Revill (an expert at these) sometimes shoots them in daylight and sometimes in the dark - you might find clues in the shots - but it's just a shed load of skill and the right gear (easy if you can afford the gear and have time to practice - impossible if you have neither).

 

[Pegasus_Thrust]

Cheers Phil, time to start saving and practicing!