A bit of fun

nickeverett

So I finally put together a basic off camera flash kit. I used canon 580EX, 430EX, stands, umbrellas, snoots, cactus V4 triggers.

I persuaded a fellow photography enthusiast to come do some test shots. This is my first attempt at outdoor portrait lighting. Please let me know how you would improve them (apart from the sullen expressions) and what you think works and doesn't work. I am keen to try similar techniques on more willing subjects.

35mm Nikon Prime w/ canon mount convert, 1/200, f/2.8, ISO 100


35mm Nikon Prime w/ canon mount convert, 1/200, f/2.8, ISO 100


Shot @ 70mm, 1/20, f/2.8, ISO 1600 - If i was to do this shot again, I'd bring a tripod. Longer exposure, lower ISO, less grain more background detail.


A bit of fun:
70mm, 1/160, f/2.8 ISO 400,


Me:

reyvee61

I think this is a good first time out with the strobes session.
I like the mix of light on the first and second portraits....

Hackbone

I think you have one heck of a running start. Good job. Just follow the basic rule.....shutter controls the background light and the flash controls the subject. Remember to check you camera to see if it has a high speed sync.

b08rsa

Your third shot is real nice.

zoomer

I like those last two. Fun shots. If you shoot a bare flash at them from beneath/behind it will outline their shape so they don't disappear against the background, if you care .
Increase your ISO next time to let in more ambient.
Hard to give any advice when I don't know what you were going for.
Shoot earlier and raise iso if you want more ambient, if you like the spot light effect I think you did well.

Generally all else being equal as you increase the flash power the background darkens as you decrease flash power the background lightens....unless your settings are manual of course. Manipulation of f-stop and or ISO increases/changes the balance of your strobe in relationshop to the background. Just play with the mix till you get what you like.
Sounds like you know what you are doing pretty much already.