Shooting on the Beach

jeniveeev

jeniveeev

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I have had really great fun beach sessions with the kids but just recently I have found my subjects have under exposed faces to compensate for keeping some detail in the background. When it comes to processing I try to bring up the exposure in Photoshop I am finding lots of grain (in their face area). I am a 100% natural light shooter but I am now thinking about using my speedlight to find a better balance as I dislike the blown out sky. Just wondering what you knowledgable people here would do? Usually I dont have much shade on the beach as I like the kids to be out closer to the water than the promenade. I want to keep it as natural as possible and plan to shoot with the flashgun on board as OCF isnt possible with the kids. Any tips, tricks or advice most welcome?

Thank you in advance :)
 
Thanks Christine, I did think about taking my reflector but if the wind is up it can be a bit tricky, also I find it hard to run around with the camera and reflector. BUT, i think the results would be nicer.
 
have the flash set in ttl mode and the camera in manual and with FP ( High speed sync) meter for the ambiant light and then have a little pklay with the flash, I normally dial in -1 to -2 on the flash. Gives a little boost to the faces without being really obvious.
 
Davec223 said:
have the flash set in ttl mode and the camera in manual and with FP ( High speed sync) meter for the ambiant light and then have a little pklay with the flash, I normally dial in -1 to -2 on the flash. Gives a little boost to the faces without being really obvious.
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Thanks Dave - If I am using my 85mm to keep my distance would I not need more flash power or is it a case of trial and error? Also, if I expose for the ambient light and use the flash and check my histogram for clipping channels should this keep me right? thanks for your feedback
 
shoot tight, shallow depth of field and expose for the shadows on the face, let the highlights blow out

or use a reflector to fill those shadows

or learn to light

we can help with the lighting part if you want it
 
david1701 said:
shoot tight, shallow depth of field and expose for the shadows on the face, let the highlights blow out -
ahh ok, but what if I get blown out hair from the blondies? or white clothing!

or use a reflector to fill those shadows -
if i can i will, I am going to take both the flash and reflector with me. If i can rope in an assistant my reflector will be 1st choice.

or learn to light - ? sorry not sure what you mean by this?

we can help with the lighting part if you want it
- yes please?
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and a mild cto gel might be nice to warm the colour of flash up to match sunlight if it's autumny/evening light.
 
Flash In The Pan said:
A TTL cord would help :thumbs:
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thats a thought! I need one for 9am tomorrow! :|

itsdavedotnet said:
and a mild cto gel might be nice to warm the colour of flash up to match sunlight if it's autumny/evening light.
Click to expand...

I dont have gels! :(
I think I need to experiment with them beforehand. I will keep this in mind for future shoots! thank you
 
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