Portrait with remote flash for the very first time

[photonovice]

Hi,

As a newbie I tried this remote flash thing with my Nikon D80.
I used an SB-800 on a tripod opposite to the Sun directed to my model.
I wanted to achieve an eye-capturing
Let me know your thoughts on my picture.

Photonovice
http://www.photonovice.net/

[clockdoc]

Glad to see you are experimenting with external flash off camera. I'm not sure what you meant by "eye capturing" but here are a few observations. Your flash has become the key light because of its power setting. In effect you almost have two "suns." I think you were trying to get some sort of flash fill instead of the flash becoming the main light. Note the difference in the fill flash on the two sunflowers. The one in shadow from the subject's head and the one that got the full flash. Even it is a little over illuminated by the powerful flash. Nice rim lighting coming over her shoulder from the sun that adds depth to the subject.
Can you tell me if you used a diffuser on the flash? It does not appear so based on the sharp facial shadows. One last thought is that the model is looking away a little too much and you have lost her pupils. Having her look a little more towards the camera would have helped yet retain that "away" look I think you were trying for. Keep shooting as I think you will be pleased with the control of light. I look forward to seeing more of your off-camera flash work.

[photonovice]

Clockdoc,

Thank you very much.
I think I used the diffuser dome coming with the speedlight as for most of the pictures taken that day, but I'm not sure.
Appreciate your comments.

Regards,
Photonovice