Is this real?

[thatBilly]

Hi folks, I'll be buying a DSLR soon and hope to become active in these forums as I learn to use it effectively.

But for now, I've got a question...

In this news article: Hidden flat has landed us with a £300,000 repairs bill.

The photo of the four people standing, is the shadow they cast real or PP? It looks a bit over the top to me, if it is real then how was it done? Just an offset flash?

Thanks!

[i speak in math]

real shadow, using an off camera flash with large modifier camera left.

[thatBilly]

Thank you. I do like the effect but I think it's a wee bit overdone.

A large modifier, does that mean a diffuser of some sort like an umbrella?

[i speak in math]

Originally Posted by dehaani

Thank you. I do like the effect but I think it's a wee bit overdone.

A large modifier, does that mean a diffuser of some sort like an umbrella?

Yea, a big modifier creates a big soft light source, something like a softbox or umbrella -- though after looking at it again, that shadows are too sharp to be from a large source, so its likely direct flash.

[Biomech]

And the sun is at around the 2 o'clock position from looking at it I'd say.

[thatBilly]

It's quite a dramatic shot. It's the kind of thing that interests me in photography.

BTW, I know this area fairly well and it's always very busy with traffic. Given the time of day' i.e. still sunny, they must have had a few people present to hold the flashes etc.