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The usual one light setup with the 580EX fired off camera. I'm starting to ponder getting another 430 or 580 so I can get a bit of rim lighting working as well to lift the dark haired models from dark backgrounds.

You have achieved a lot with just one light - well done.

Now try with one light and a reflector (big sheet of styrofoam or carboard). You won't believe the difference.

I like the 2nd one compositionally and the pose, the facial expression, but it's a pity that the skin tones on her chest have been almost washed out.

The first one is also nice, but I'm not so keen on her facial expression.

Alex

Hi PiroStitch,

I think I like the 1st one more. The expression of the model seems to make the photo more welcoming.

Got some questions for you ... hope you don't mind.


Was the flash on camera (hotshoe fired)?
or did you have it off camera? - if so how did you fire the flash?

What settings did you use on the camera / flash?

Was the flash bounced, or direct?

Lots of question, cause I have just got a SB-800, and starting to play and learn the different bits and pieces

The first one isnt working for me that much as I'm not sure on her facial expression and the whole idea of the fan... but I really took to the second image as soon as I saw it... love the composition... and while I know nothing about artificial lighting I think that the lighting is good in this shot also..

Hi Piro,
Do you use the flash on ETTL or manual. I'm guessing manual because Canon don't make cords longer than 60cm for ETTL.
Have you considered something like the Vivitar 285hv as a second flash. US$85 - Hook it up with a PC cord or radio trigger and you're away. I got one the other day and am learning the ropes with it but found it alot cheaper than buying another Canon EX.

Thanks for the comments everyone.

Matt. K wrote:Now try with one light and a reflector (big sheet of styrofoam or carboard). You won't believe the difference.

Yup agreed Matt - I'm willing to go for it but forgot to bring the reflector that night :S Was actually wondering if I should have brought it with me when I left the house - doesn't matter next time!

rflower wrote:Was the flash on camera (hotshoe fired)?
or did you have it off camera? - if so how did you fire the flash?

What settings did you use on the camera / flash?

Was the flash bounced, or direct?

Lots of question, cause I have just got a SB-800, and starting to play and learn the different bits and pieces

I had the flash off camera and connected to the hot shoe via the flash cord. The Nikon equivalent is either the SC28 or SC29 - SC 29 is better as it has the additional IR emitter for the end that goes onto the camera. Canon need to come out with one like this as it's a pain in the butt when you have to try and aim the flash in low light.

Settings were TTL, 1/200, f5 or f5.6 at ISO 1600. I don't need to use 1600 but I was lazy and also forgot to bring it down

Flash was direct and not bounced - softened through a Lumiquest Softbox II.

slavo wrote:Do you use the flash on ETTL or manual.

Have you considered something like the Vivitar 285hv as a second flash. US$85 - Hook it up with a PC cord or radio trigger and you're away. I got one the other day and am learning the ropes with it but found it alot cheaper than buying another Canon EX.

I used the Canon cord and overtime it's stretched to a length I like now. I have a spare SB800 and SB27. I sometimes use the SB800 in dumb slave mode as a second light but with other people's flashes going off, it doesn't quite work. I'm looking at Pocket Wizards and raising the funds for it. I bought the Poverty Wizards from eBay but they're really inconsistent. Not good when you have to shoot quickly.