Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
Forums · UKNP

Fill flash...is this too much?

Discussion

8 replies
Posted by Paul Williams on March 4, 2008 at 4:31 PM
Fill flash...is this too much?
I've been trying to master the art of fill flash using a BBeamer recently. It's proving to be a bit of a hit and miss affair. I've seen some really good stuff done with FF but the so called 'magic -0.7' just doesn't seem to do it sometimes. I think this may be a combination of not getting the flash off the hot shoe and my inexperience using shutter priority.......anyway, what do you think of this attempt? On the whole I think it's ok but there are a couple of areas where I think the flash is obvious....or am I being too critical?

D300, 200-400VR+1.4TC (550mm), 1/320@f9, ISO400, SB800 -0.7
Posted by Tom_W on March 4, 2008 at 4:38 PM
I think you are being too critical. The branch and the claw are a tad obvious, as is the lower point source in the eye ( given the warmth of the picture), but hey 99% of people would not notice nor care.
Posted by Paul King on March 4, 2008 at 5:27 PM
Hi Paul

Nice to have met you at the conference, I agree with Tom, the bird itself might benefit from a tad more brightness, but of me a nice capture.. well done. Going through the same hoops here. :wavey: :toast:
Posted by Michael Sayles on March 4, 2008 at 5:47 PM
"99% of people would not notice nor care"

I think Tom's comment says it all really.

I like it.
Posted by Jeroen Stel on March 5, 2008 at 5:16 AM
Great use of flash and i think using a bit of levels and curves in PS would get you there.
Well done!

Greetings,

Jeroen Stel
Posted by Paul Inglis on March 5, 2008 at 5:48 AM
Hi Paul,

Cracking shot! I find using a flash is down to trial and error. After spending months pouring through the manual trying various setting's I finally settled on a few setings that work for me and my style of shooting.

I agree with Tom though 99% of people wouldn't care or even notice! :biggrin:

:toast: :toast: :toast:
Posted by Matt Cole on March 5, 2008 at 6:00 AM
I've also been experimenting a lot with fill-flash lately, together with a Better Beamer. I'd say the level of lighting is about right here. The main tell-tale sign is the low catchlight in the eye, but not much you can do about this particularly when the bird is above you. A nice shot.

Matt
Posted by Andy Shepherd on March 5, 2008 at 7:34 AM
Hi Paul,

Far better than any Coal tit shot I have so it looks good to me :toast:

Regards

Andy... :smile:
Posted by Paul Williams on March 5, 2008 at 7:17 PM
Thanks for the comments, very encouraging. There's definitely a bit of an art to fill flash, but I suppose as with everything else you get there eventually with practice.