Wireless Flash - Making The Most Of It

[EmmGee]

Hi all.

I have a Sony A200 with a HVL-F42 flashgun and want to take some nice shots of my kids (6 years and 6 months old respectively). I don't have spare £££ to spend on new kit so was looking for ways to maximise the use of my flash with minimal additional outlay.

In particular, I'm struggling to reduce shadows and get a good even light on most of my shots so advice on those would be particularly welcome.

Thanks in advance.

[RexK_Cozumel]

not familiar with Sony brand or that flash gun but if you can bounce the flash off a ceiling or wall that will give you a much more even lighting.

[OsmosisStudios]

Bouncing is gonna be the way to go, if its posible.

[EmmGee]

Yeah, bouncing is possible - the head tilts and pans. I've tried bouncing a few times but with variable results - guess I'll just have to keep plugging away.

After my initial post, I looked at a few softboxes which I think might be my next purchase - anyone got any recommendations for something on a budget?

[candleman]

a cardboard box and soemwhite cotton material makes a good softbox. you may need some wireless triggers (i dont think sony has built in wireless)

or just stick a desk lamp inside the box
theres some ULTRA budget ideas

[Hekate]

Originally Posted by EmmGee

Hi all.

I have a Sony A200 with a HVL-F42 flashgun and want to take some nice shots of my kids (6 years and 6 months old respectively). I don't have spare £££ to spend on new kit so was looking for ways to maximise the use of my flash with minimal additional outlay.

In particular, I'm struggling to reduce shadows and get a good even light on most of my shots so advice on those would be particularly welcome.

Thanks in advance.

I have that same flash and camera. What I like to do is either use it as a fill on its lowest setting by holding it off to the side, or I put it on it's stand and mount it to a tripod. It also produces nice soft lighting when bounced.

[sarahgirl777]

I have the A300 and the same flash, I have two but I just bought a cheap bounce umbrella set and it works pretty well. However a cheap DIY set up I saw recently was to shoot it through a white shower curtain placed at a 45 deg angel to the subject. Kind of like a softbox effect.

[bhursey]

Build an Wax paper Omni Bounce diffuser Cost Pennies

http://brianhursey.com/index.php/200...unce-diffuser/

[Palladius]

I might have to give that diffuser a go! Does anyone know the UK equivalent of wax paper? Is it like greaseproof paper or baking parchment? The stuff this guy's got seems a bit more translucent, but then he does end up with four layers of it... Might just try it out and see if it works...

[bhursey]

Originally Posted by Palladius

I might have to give that diffuser a go! Does anyone know the UK equivalent of wax paper? Is it like greaseproof paper or baking parchment? The stuff this guy's got seems a bit more translucent, but then he does end up with four layers of it... Might just try it out and see if it works...

Try baking parchment. I just 10 min ago made another one because I need it for tomorrow. My dog got a hold of my old one :/ Only thing is makes sure you have something to put it in otherwise it will get crushed. I use a Tupperware container.