Gellin' flash at the beach?

Mitchell

This was my first effort using a CTO gel at the beach for some sunset portraits. I've often noticed that the light from the flash is just too blue and looks artificial in this setting without a gel. Now that I've tried it, I'm not sure how to set the WB and what would be considered too warm.

Any suggestions appreciated!

Polka dot bikini.




Couple of swells!

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Sam

I think your going in the right direction, but these seem too warm to me.

Sam

heatherfeather

I agree with Sam... I wonder about going CTS (straw) instead? It is not as warm as the orange.

jeffreaux2

heatherfeather wrote: »

I agree with Sam... I wonder about going CTS (straw) instead? It is not as warm as the orange.

+1 for an attempt with straw.

Which CTO did you use....1/4, 1/2, 3/4?

This is a BIG mismatch from fore to back ground.

Set WB for the envioronment......without a subject if you like......then experiment with gels to get the right mix......remembering that the flash is daylight balanced....and close to correct without a gel....soooo....a little dab will do ya.

Mitchell

Thanks for the suggestions. These any better or do they need to be even cooler? I chose the WB off the white dot on her bikini.

Polka dot bikini.




Couple of swells!
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chrisdg

I think the second set is definitely better in terms of WB.

What strength of CTO gel did you use?? a 1/4 cut of CTO might've been about right in this situation (possibly 1/2).

Also, next time, I would recommend exposing for the sky (dialing the exposure down for more color and a bit of drama), then adding the off-camera flash into the mix until a nice balance is achieved. These skies are overexposed.