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Took some portraits for some friends on the weekend. It was my first attempt at anything like this and I'm pretty pleased with the results.

Also my first time shooting with a hotshoe flash (430ex) which was great for fill lighting. Such a big difference compared to the pop up flash!

I'd really like some critique and on these shots as its something I'd really like to get better at. Any pointers or tips are much appreciated!

Hi Daniel,

I'm seeing lots of blown highlights. I'm not sure if it's from the flash or your PP, so first question is, what PP have you applied?

My suspicion is that with (what I'm seeing as) the blown highlights, you've used the 430 on full power, or near enough, but you're describing these shots as having used it as "fill" flash. The purpose of fill flash is to provide a little bit extra - some kick, some extra light, if you will - but it's not to be your primary light source ....

With something like the 430 on full, it assumes the role of being the primary light source rather than a fill ...

And, absent any modifiers (which will be typical usage when mounted on your hotshoe) this will also render some pretty harsh lighting.


Second question relates to your specific camera settings for these: you had auto wb set, didn't you? The wb in the last image is way out. Look at the gentleman's shirt: the whites are blue. Look at the lady's skin hue: it too is blue. As is his.


Which brings me to the third concept I'll explore with you: this was a difficult ask: she's white and pale, he's dark and, well, black! Your camera's metering system is toast in a situation like this: do you meter against him, or do you meter against her? Bearing in mind that your meter works off reflected light, you can see that each of these subjects will reflect, into your metering system, different values from each of these people.

Which is correct? Neither, and both.

I raise this issue so that you can think about it a little, before we get down to some answers. Perhaps others may choose to add their thoughts? That can hopefully add much value to the knowledge base that you're about to acquire.

Good response Gary.

Which brings me to the third concept I'll explore with you: this was a difficult ask: she's white and pale, he's dark and, well, black! Your camera's metering system is toast in a situation like this: do you meter against him, or do you meter against her? Bearing in mind that your meter works off reflected light, you can see that each of these subjects will reflect, into your metering system, different values from each of these people.

The exact same issue faced by every wedding photogragher. Bright white gown and black tux. I tend to expose for the white gown. Nothing worse than a blown wedding gown. Taking a shot like this in sunligt is even worse.

The 430 was set to full, no diffuser, pointed at the subjects. I learned a lot about the direction of the light source in this shoot, there were a lot of hit and misses let me tell you! I shot with a polarizer on the first 2, which underexposed the shots somewhat. I have played around with PP and increased the brightness & contrast to compensate somewhat for this underexposing. I was going for a high contrast look, so that may be the reason for the blown highlights? The third was natural light, no flash.

Well I am no good on the technicalities but I love the pose in the second.

#3 is the standout for me here. I just don't like the lighting in the other two. They are too flat and blown.
Like Marvin, I like the pose in #2, but it needs the flash dialed back.
#3 as Gary said is is too blue. Try correcting that. I would add a slight amount of light from the viewer's LHS to lighten up the dark side of the face. Perhaps a white card, or a small flash.

Also, I would move your flash off camera (#1,2). Can you use your pop up to trigger your big unit? if so, hold the big flash in your hand, arm outstrectched, and fire away, but dial down the power somewhat. If you can' remote trigger, use a cord to achieve the same result.

Great captures.

I agree with gary that this is a tough one for exposure... Hmm.. Almost something you may bracket and combine

Completely agree with off camera flash if possible. 430EX will work with the cheapo Cactus triggers (most of the time) if you are keen. Unfortunately canon hasn't given us the gift of triggering the off camera flash with the built in one...