Question about off camera flash

[kirbinster]

I took this shot with the popup set at -0.7 commanding my SB600 which was to the lower left set at +1.0. I am curious why the exif data shows that flash was on but return not detected. What does that mean? What should have I done to eliminate the shadow from her hand across her neck?


Camera: Nikon D300
Exposure: 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture: f/4.5
Focal Length: 70 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: On, Return not detected

[natek313]

I'm not sure why the EXIF data tells you the return was not detected. I've noticed that when I take my Canon Speedlite off-camera (I use a CyberSync transmitter and receiver), the EXIF data tells me the flash was off and did not fire. Maybe someone could fill us in on that.

However, the shadow across her neck was cast by her finger and the piece of cucumber (I think that's what it is) that she is eating. If you don't want it across her neck, you'll either have to move her hand down lower, or, if you don't want any shadows, you'll have to move the hand completely out of the frame.

Hope this helps.

[candleman]

i dont know what return not detected means..

lets just say that you want that exact pose.. you're creating a cucumber commercial or soemthing.

1. move the light
the light was obviously on your lap or on a table in front of you. pointed up at her.

the hand is casting the shadow.... thanks to the position of the lioght and the "softness/hardness" of the light (no diffuser on it? maybe just the clip-on plastic one?)
i would move it up and right.. basically 45 degrees between you and her..

i would suggest left if she had no glasses on.. but thats a recipe for reflection when facing light like that with glasses.

2. soften the light. if you diffuse it more it will wrap around her more and reduce the harshness of the shadows. so put some tissuepaper over the front, or fire through something like a piece of material to soften it

otherwise.. do as natek said and move the hand down a little

[kirbinster]

Thanks. I had the SB600 sitting on the table to my left pointed up at her with the white plastic diffuser on it. I had the popup set to give some light to minimize shadow. This was not a posed shot, rather it was just a candid shot so I had to live with the cucumber.

Would a lower setting on the SB600 and a higher setting on the pop-up have helped, or would that just give me a flatter looking shot? I am really a novice at flash.

[natek313]

Originally Posted by kirbinster

Would a lower setting on the SB600 and a higher setting on the pop-up have helped, or would that just give me a flatter looking shot? I am really a novice at flash.

Helped with what? The shadow problem? No, it wouldn't have.

I think you're going to have the greatest success either moving the light, repositioning her, or a combination of both.

And, yes, if you bump up the power on the pop-up, it will give you more flat, non-flattering light.