On camera flashgun portrait?

[Leviethain]

Hi, (i just registered on the forums, granted i have browsed for a while)

To be brief:

I am looking to set up a way to take decent portraits using what i have, and what i have is

A Metz-48 for canon hot shoe flash - ON THE HOT SHOE, no off camera stuff yet im afraid

Great flash puts out good power at a decent price, however im looking for ways to control the light so i can get acceptable lighting on portraits, with one person, and multiples if possible.

i understand to bounce off the ceiling, or DIY reflector or whatever the case may be to get a larger softer light, maby put up the bounce card to get a little catch light in the eyes, and perhaps another DIY reflector positioned under the subject to provide a little fill from underneath.

However im looking for specific suggestion, experiences, educated guesses. DIY ideas(im very handy), O and any portraits or sample pictures you may have taken in this, or similar fashion.

-Most appreciated

[BobC]

If you have not done so check out this site. Alot of on camera flash
http://www.planetneil.com/tangents/f...hy-techniques/

[FormElement]

Attached is a diagram showing a two reflector bounce arrangement that should get you a decent lit portrait. The lines show the direction of the light. You will need to zoom your flash to probably 85mm to get most of the light to effectively hit your first reflector. That can be just a big piece of cardboard with aluminum foil glued to it.

I pretty much skipped straight from ceiling bounce to dual off camera strobes. Ultimately I think I am just going to swing for two 580's to have a full four light portable studio set.

[Leviethain]

thanks ill definitely be sure to give that arrangement a shot

[Chip]

Very helpful diagram, FormElement. Thanks.