1st Real Attempt with Off Camera Flash and Umbrella

[vjhoward]

Here is my first real attempt at using off camera flash with an umbrella (bounced). I was practicing in my home office taking shots of my guitar, books, an Elmo doll, etc. Then my little girl wondered by getting ready for bed (note the tattered nightgown she loves to wear). I asked her is she wanted her picture taken and she agreed. This was one of 5 shots I took. The only PP I did was to remove a small blemish on her nose.

Please let me know your thoughts - good, bad, indifferent - about composition, lighting, flash coverage, shadows, catchlights. I am trying to learn more about how to use off camera flash and capture "the moment" and "the look" in portraits. What are other ways I could have set the lighting? Post processing recommendations also welcome. I currently use Nikon Capture NX2 for PP.

I positioned the Wescott 45" Satin umbrella about 3-4 feet from subject, up and to the right (of subject) about 1.5 feet. Backdrop is a burgandy wingback chair. The wingbacks cause some natural vignetting via the flash shadows.

EXIF
Camera: D300S
Lens: Nikon 18-200mm VR
Focal Length: 60mm
Aperature: F/5.6
Shutter Speed: 1/160
ISO: 200
Flash: Nikon SB600 in iTTL via Commander mode.
Umbrella: Westcott 45" Satin White (bounced, not shot through)

I have attached the photo and included a link to the photo on Flickr.

Sweet Smile on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Many thanks in advance!
Victor

[SusanH1970]

Looks good to me! Lighting, exposure and color are very good. You could brighten it just the tiniest bit in post, but I like bright photos of kids.

My only nitpick is the centered composition and awkward crop. Did you happen to take any in portrait orientation?

[wannabephotographer]

This is very well done. I like the lighting as is but would have cropped a little bit different. Good job!