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08/28/2006 12:53:44 AM · #1 |
Having somewhat recently entered the wonderful world of digital photography, I'm constantly finding things I don't know enough about! Learned lots about cameras and lenses from here, and now I'm trying to learn about flashes.
Searched Google in order to familiarize myself with flashes as best I could, but I still find myself confused...likely because I've never used one (aside from the in camera flash).
I have a KM Maxxum 5D and have been asked by a friend to do some senior portraits of her son this fall. It will likely be an outside shoot (as most of my "portraits" tend to be) and so I want something that will help fill in in that situation in case the lighting isn't as perfect as I'd like it to be. I think that any flash I buy would likely be used most in portrait type shots, rather than architecture, food, or landscapes and such.
I understand how they number the flashes in regards to how "strong" they are and have seen the formula for figuring out how far they reach.....but it still sounds like Greek to me!
It would be really nice to pick up a flash for these senior portraits...and unfortunately I don't have tons to spend (under $100). But there are so many choices that I don't really know where to start.
So far, I have a kit lens-- 17-80mm and a zoom/macro-- 70mm-210mm. I will likely be picking up a 50mm f1.7 as well for this session (and future use!) unless I can find an f1.4 for a decent price (unlikely).
If someone has the time, would you help educate me? Or point me to a good resource? Thanks so much in advance! |
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08/28/2006 01:01:51 AM · #2 |
| Always a good resource. A couple portrait related tips there. |
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08/28/2006 01:08:22 AM · #3 |
Yes, definitely a good resource! Have read all of the lighting tutorials (not that I couldn't stand to read them again, haha!).
But there still aren't any "how to choose the flash that's right for you!" kinds of tutorials :-( |
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08/28/2006 06:55:38 AM · #4 |
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08/28/2006 06:57:05 AM · #5 |
| I use the flash for my portraits although Im nto meant to.. I cant help it >.< |
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08/28/2006 08:31:51 AM · #6 |
Since you'll be outdoors, I'd rather spend the money on a decent reflector set, rather than a cheap flash. Reflectors really soften up the light and provide nice fill, and a flash will be kind of harsh with no diffuser on it (more $$). You can get a nice 42" 5 in 1 kit that has different types of reflectors for a bit less than $100. The only thing is you need somebody to hold it (the boys Mom perhaps?), a reflector stand, or be real creative in rigging it to something. Check out some reflectors here. and you can also find really cheap deals on Ebay on brand new reflectors.
Edit: Tiepo :-/
Message edited by author 2006-08-28 09:12:28. |
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08/28/2006 10:08:01 AM · #7 |
You're trying to record a 3D world and show it on a 2D piece of paper - shadows and highlights help create this illusion. On-camera flash is direct and will flatten the shadows, kind of doing the opposite of what you want.
If it's overcast or you're in deep shade you can use flash, as fill, to give some sparkle and pop, but you got to keep it low (power wise). If it's bright out you may have to use small apertures to keep the shutter speed belox the x-sync range, and this may not be what you want (lots of DOF). A 50 1.4 at less than F2, outdoors, will have a pretty hefty shutter speed so using a flash is (generally) not gonna work.
Reflectors work well - position the subject under a tree/bridge/arch to block overhead light and get some direction to the light to create shadows, and then use the reflector to fill in (silver, gold or white - silver is more reflective but can be blinding on a sunny day, gold warms a good bit and white is softest). Aim the refelcted light above their head and move the reflector to bring the light down to the face, 'feathering' the light that falls on them.
You're 70-210 is the best lens, and really all you need unless you have some special super shallow DOF in mind that you need the 1.4 lens for. Read up on posing - that makes the biggest difference between pro and amateur photographers. |
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08/28/2006 03:55:20 PM · #8 |
Thanks Telehubbie and Prof_Fate!! In my haste, I had completely overlooked the reflectors option. I'm also glad to hear that perhaps I don't really truly need a higher powered flash for outdoor portraits...goody! And thank you so much to the links for reflectors. I think I'll give that a go and see how it comes out. They'd be good to have for so many things.
Yeah, I use my 70-210 quite a bit....used it for an engagement photo shoot I did a couple months ago and it worked out really well. I'm just so paranoid about light being low in the fall time...and so many people recommend the 50mm for portraits. But perhaps I can hold off on that as well! |
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08/28/2006 04:00:29 PM · #9 |
Hey ladyhawk, if you want to use flash for outdoor shots, you might want to consider a pocket soft box or a Lightsphere. You really need to diffuse fill-flash to make it look good. I like reflecors too.
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08/28/2006 04:10:22 PM · #10 |
| Anothe trick if you do have a reflector, but no lightsphere, bounce the flash off of the reflector instead of dead on. It's doable without an assistant if you have tripod. I actually prefer this method over an on flash diffuser, but it IS a bit cumbersome if your by yourself. If they have a friend that can tag along, recruit them if they're willing. Unless you really want to drag a reflector stand all over the park with you. People are better at moving themselves ;-). (Unless they are my children, who might as well be mules.) |
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08/28/2006 04:27:24 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by fotomann_forever:
Hey ladyhawk, if you want to use flash for outdoor shots, you might want to consider a pocket soft box or a Lightsphere. You really need to diffuse fill-flash to make it look good. I like reflecors too. |
Do you have a preference as to flash w/diffuser or just using natural light and reflectors?
I *probably* would be able to rope the mom into helping me hold some reflectors and such, so it would be possible to bounce or just reflect light.
I just really want to make sure I do a good job :-) I've always felt that I struggle with portraits, and these people are my friends so I want them to come out fabulous! |
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08/28/2006 04:30:12 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by ladyhawk22:
Do you have a preference as to flash w/diffuser or just using natural light and reflectors?
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I prefer flash w/ diffuser, because it's more convenient. Reflectors can provide a more natural light, though.
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