I'm trying to learn how to use my flash recently. Since I started shooting those kids on their Mt Bikes I've become interested in doing flash photography better. I've discovered "The Strobist" web site and have learned a lot and am really enjoying it.
Anyway, tonight, while having dinner, I decided to experiment on Ellen, my favorite subject. Our neighbors house is not too far to the east of us so we have a west facing wall shinning nice light into our house in the late afternoon. That light was shining on Ellen on the right and I was pointing my flash sort of 45 degrees toward her but with a one side deflector on her side of it.
I was banging off shots so I'm not sure exactly what I did but I'm getting to the point where I can at least get close to repeating past results.
I thought it was a nice shot.
Posted by Cliff Dodge on June 12, 2008 at 11:10 PM
Nice lighting on the face. Watch your background with the brown lines on the left which lead the eye that way. The fuzz on the robe is fixable.
Thanks, Cliff, I wasn't in serious photograph mode, just banging 'em off and seeing what turns up. Still though, I'll keep your comments in mind. Thanks!
The catch eye helps a lot to make this work for me. I would crop closer to remove some of the BG distractions - especially the light area above RIght. A lot of attention is put there subconsciously.
Posted by Ned Fenimore on June 13, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Great shot Mark... I love doing portraits such as this - and having a beautiful daughter like yours makes it all that more fun. Great site you mentioned too....
Posted by John Williams on June 14, 2008 at 12:14 AM
_Very_ nice Mark. While I agree on the background, I love the lighting/rumpled hair/baggy shirt. I think if you selectively darken the background this is a real winner.
Posted by Darren White on June 15, 2008 at 8:52 PM
for a flash shot, its too dark for me.......I would like to think I have mastered the bounce flash part of it because I have white cellings and it makes the perfect reflector......I think this could have been better lit...
I look forward to seeing more of your flash shots......one simple beauty of bounce flash is that there are no shadows....and I love that!
I like the dreamy expression and the lighting. Great portrait!
I don't see any problem with the image being too dark. The eye is lit well enough and it makes the mood.
The problem is the background - could you set up background fabric behind her?
I envy you your model. My daughter is 24 and is not interested in modelling anymore, so my studio passion is slowly dying out because of the lack of subjects. How to find good models? Wait for the grandkids...?
Discussion
9 repliesAnyway, tonight, while having dinner, I decided to experiment on Ellen, my favorite subject. Our neighbors house is not too far to the east of us so we have a west facing wall shinning nice light into our house in the late afternoon. That light was shining on Ellen on the right and I was pointing my flash sort of 45 degrees toward her but with a one side deflector on her side of it.
I was banging off shots so I'm not sure exactly what I did but I'm getting to the point where I can at least get close to repeating past results.
I thought it was a nice shot.
But you know some people consider banging 'em off and seeing what turns up, serious photography.
I look forward to seeing more of your flash shots......one simple beauty of bounce flash is that there are no shadows....and I love that!
I don't see any problem with the image being too dark. The eye is lit well enough and it makes the mood.
The problem is the background - could you set up background fabric behind her?
I envy you your model. My daughter is 24 and is not interested in modelling anymore, so my studio passion is slowly dying out because of the lack of subjects. How to find good models? Wait for the grandkids...?