First Shots with off camera flash

[evader]

Finally got my SB600 working off camera with my D60

These are the first shots I've taken using the flash off camera (original and converted to B/W). Flash is mounted on light stand on camera right.
I don't have an umbrella for the flash yet...is that something I should pick up sooner rather than later for these types of photos?

Would appreciate any tips or advice on set up with using single flash off camera.
Thanks





EXIF Data:
Camera: Nikon D60
Lens: Nikkor 35mm f:1.8
Shutter: 1/60
Aperture: f/9.0
Focal Length: 35 mm
ISO Speed: 200

my son all geared up for the big game tonight (he was asleep before it started)




EXIF Data:
Camera: Nikon D60
Lens: Nikkor 35mm f:1.8
Shutter: 1/60
Aperture: f/10.0
Focal Length: 35 mm
ISO Speed: 200

[Benji]

IMHO the light is too hard. Hard lighting is ok for cars and buildings but for people and flowers most photographers use softer lighing because most people prefer softer lighting. Aim your speedlight into an umbrella, place a silver reflector opposite it and see if you don't like the resulting images better.

Benji

[evader]

Thanks for the feedback Benji...I really appreciate it.

I thought the light is a bit too hard as well...unfortunately I don't have an umbrella so I didn't really have any other options.
I think an umbrella will be my next purchase for sure.

Thanks again

[stevoarnold]

Originally Posted by Benji

IMHO the light is too hard. Hard lighting is ok for cars and buildings but for people and flowers most photographers use softer lighing because most people prefer softer lighting. Aim your speedlight into an umbrella, place a silver reflector opposite it and see if you don't like the resulting images better.

Benji

I think its very much dependent on the style of shot you want to achieve, I dont think you can really say that hard light is not good for shooting people...

I think in the context your shot was taken, the colour version of your son is well lit and gives a good result (maybe you could have made it a bit brighter though on a second look...)

[Benji]

Originally Posted by stevoarnold

I think its very much dependent on the style of shot you want to achieve, I dont think you can really say that hard light is not good for shooting people...

I think in the context your shot was taken, the colour version of your son is well lit and gives a good result (maybe you could have made it a bit brighter though on a second look...)

Steve,

You are right. When I photograph weight lifters in thongs ("If" would be more accurate) or people who are 100+ years old, I would use a hard light source, but for everyone else give me soft light.

Benji

[lputman]

If you have a white sheet, shoot through that, it should help soften the light.

[stevoarnold]

if you wanna see what can be done with hard light, check out this guys blog (he shoots for various US sports mags)

Dustin Snipes Blog

have a look at his basketball portraits post

like i said, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to what kind of light to use for what subject...

[stefantell]

I really like the hard light portrait of the soon-to-be-asleep son. Maybe just a small reflector (a piece of paper) to separate him from the background? Otherwise a really good portrait.