lighting question - DPChallenge Forums

07/14/2006 07:35:46 AM · #1

Can someone quide me to what I need to do to eliminate shadows similiar to this. What kind of lighting do I need?

This is taken with my built-in flash. The couple is far enough from the background and I am about 15 ft from them. I frequently suffer from such shadows.

Please advise on general technique I should have done (further away, etc?) And I know nothing about buying flashes...what would someone suggest? (then of course I would ask how to use it :-P)

Thank You....

Tygerr

Nikon D7000

07/14/2006 07:49:51 AM · #2

Unfortunately, in conditions like that the built-in flash always produces a harsh, direct-light, so it invariably produces those shadows.
Moving the subjects further away from the wall will lessen the prominence of the shadows behind them, but the lighting will still be harsh and flat.
And moving yourself further away would mean the light from your flash would be weaker, making exposure more difficult.

The simplest way to fix it is to buy an external flash that you can aim to bounce light off the ceiling.
For the D50, I recommend the Nikon SB-600 flash. It is a terrific flash.
(the SB-800 produces more light, but is more expensive, uses more battery power and recycles slower at full output. However, the SB-800 will give the D50 the wireless commander functionality to control other flashes, so it is a useful investment now if you plan to buy more flashes later).

With something like that you could angle the flash head up, and get the light to bounce down off the ceiling, eliminating the harsh shadows behind.
There are various attachments that do even more to diffuse the light (like the ones from Sto-fen, Lumiquest or Lightsphere). But experiment with the flash first before you decide which product is right for you.

Message edited by author 2006-07-14 07:51:07.

07/14/2006 08:05:57 AM · #3

thank you for your reply tygerr....I had no idea what kind of flash I needed to look at. your answer is what I was 'thinking' was my problem.....I tried to compensate with distance, but frequently get that terrible shadow.

I will begin shopping for a SB-600 (birthday is coming up soon :-)

Thanks again

Tygerr

Nikon D7000

07/14/2006 09:27:01 AM · #4

My pleasure.

The reason I ended up buying the D70s rather than the D50 was because the D70 has the remote commander option built into the camera.

That allows me to fire 1 or many (when my budget finally allows) external SB-600s or SB-800s remotely. This opens up some interesting flash lighting options (backlighting, side lights, multiple light sources).

Now the D50 doesn't have that remote commander built in, but by putting on a SB-800 you can add that functionality to the camera. (Of course you'd have to buy an additional SB-600/SB-800 in order to get the off-camera/multiple flash capability, but that can be part of your future plans).

So basically what I am saying is, if you have a bit of extra cash for it, rather buy an SB-800 now, and later if you want you can get another 800 or a 600 and control them wirelessly.
If you had a D70, I would have recommended that you just go straight for the cheaper SB-600.

07/14/2006 09:48:28 AM · #5

very good point...and thank you for your time. I'll review my budget and as you suggest in the longterm the SB-800 may be wisest....but as I sit here and type I don't know what kind of $$ we are talking.

You have given me a very definitive direction to go. I knew I had to go 'somewhere' but didn't have clue to what I was going tooo!! :-D

Tygerr

Nikon D7000

07/14/2006 10:03:35 AM · #6

Jeez... you lost 3 lbs between your last two posts! :-)

Maybe I need your advice on how to lose some weight. That's impressive.

07/14/2006 10:54:07 AM · #7

hehehehe well not quite that quick (good 'ole update button)
BUT it WAS 3lbs since last Thursday!

:-)

Message edited by author 2006-07-30 11:28:34.

Nikon AF Nikkor 50mm f/1.8D

07/30/2006 11:29:32 AM · #8

Tygerr...thanks for the advice.....my wallet could only afford a SB-600...so that is what I got. still playing with it but like it already...

jpeters

Nikon D200

07/30/2006 12:39:33 PM · #9

Bouncing light off the ceiling does work wonders, as long as the ceiling is white, isn't too tall, and as long as you have a ceiling (i.e. you can't bounce a flash outdoors). I would really recommend theLightsphere in addition to your new flash. It's $50 new, but maybe you could find it cheaper on Ebay.

Makka

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

07/30/2006 12:52:12 PM · #10

Originally posted by jpeters:

I second the LIghtsphere. We have two of them here for two different flashes. It makes a huge difference.

Jaded_Housewife

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

07/30/2006 01:29:00 PM · #11

I just skimmed the posts so I may have missed it but I think in this case it would help also if you could have moved the subjects further away from the background. just a thought.