Need help with portrait lighting

[kimbakaye]

I am planning on doing some portrait shots of my sons Webelos patrol for their shadow boxes we are making. I was trying to do some quick test shots of him to see what the lighting would look like. I am very new to photography and don't have any equipment other than my camera and a tripod. My camera only has on on board flash. The lighting looks harsh or something to me and the catch lights in his eyes are horrible. Can someone give me some ideas on how to achieve better lighting for a portrait? Any suggestions would be helpful and appreciated.



Camera: Canon PowerShot S3 IS
Exposure: 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture: f/3.2
Focal Length: 12.1 mm
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Auto, Fired, Red-eye reduction

[sk66]

If using the onboard flash try underexposing slightly...it will tune down the flash some for a less harsh look.

[kimbakaye]

Ok, newbie brain here. How would I "under" expose the shot? Should I increase my shutter speed?

[AdrenoJunkie]

You can also try taping an index card in front of your flash to help diffuse it some.

[SusanH1970]

Try natual window or outdoor (open shade) light. Much easier than to use that flash, especially on-board flash. I never, ever use the pop up flash and rarely use my speedlight on-camera, if I do, I make sure in advance I have a white ceiling/wall to bounce it off.

Get yourself a reflector and use natural light. I think you'll be pleased with the difference.

[natek313]

Originally Posted by SusanH1970

Try natual window or outdoor (open shade) light. Much easier than to use that flash, especially on-board flash. I never, ever use the pop up flash and rarely use my speedlight on-camera, if I do, I make sure in advance I have a white ceiling/wall to bounce it off.

Get yourself a reflector and use natural light. I think you'll be pleased with the difference.

A big, whopping ditto.

[kimbakaye]

Thank you for all your help. I will try to retest outside and see if I can make that work. I appreciate all the feed back.

[tasmo2]

Originally Posted by natek313

A big, whopping ditto.

+1 for window light! or would that actually be +2? Either way.. I agree!

[natek313]

Originally Posted by tasmo2

+1 for window light! or would that actually be +2? Either way.. I agree!

I think that would be +2.

[tasmo2]

Originally Posted by natek313

I think that would be +2.

LOL yeah thanks! Ill blame my deliriousness on the lateness! LOL!