Awful light, but decent save?

[AndrewPDX]

Hi guys,

So we drove all the way out to the coast for a little relaxation and to hopefully get a few good pics. Unfortunately, the day was completely overcast. Just a flat, grey sky. Still, we were all the way out there, so might as well try some pictures and see what we can salvage. Here's my best attempt from the day. General critiques are welcome, but my question to you is: with my camera settings and a little manipulation of the raw file, was I able to make a decent image despite the poor light conditions? If not, how would you have improved the shoot on a day like that? Thanks!



D5000
70-200 f/2.8 @
135mm f/4.0
1/1000 s
ISO 200
+1 EV
No Flash

[MrJones]

I actually like it, good job!

[zona5101]

I think you ended up with a very nice image considering the flat lighting.
Adding an off camera flash would have given you a little more directional lighting. Or reflector may have helped to push some additional light to one side and giving you some dimension.

[AndrewPDX]

Thanks, guys. Glad it wasn't a total waste.

Zona- an off camera flash is something I don't have at the moment, but have been thinking about for awhile. It's definitely something I need to learn more about. Any good technique tutorial posts on the site you recommend? And specific products you like? I'm looking at the Nikon SB-600 as a possible entry point. Thanks!

[SusanH1970]

The lighting isn't actually all that flat; I do see some subtle shadowing. It's far from awful - I jump for joy when I have an overcast day for outdoor shoots! It's like a gigantic softbox. Bright, harsh sunlight, on the other hand, is what I would consider awful lighting. On those days, I move my subjects into open shade.

Nicely done photo.

[CheaperKings]

Originally Posted by AndrewPDX

Thanks, guys. Glad it wasn't a total waste.

Zona- an off camera flash is something I don't have at the moment, but have been thinking about for awhile. It's definitely something I need to learn more about. Any good technique tutorial posts on the site you recommend? And specific products you like? I'm looking at the Nikon SB-600 as a possible entry point. Thanks!

There's a man named Zack Arias that has a DVD set out called Onelight. Google it. I think that DVD set will help you out a lot.

As far as the SB-600, it's not a bad speedlight for a beginner. I had one. Words of Caution; do NOT let it fall off the stand and hit asphalt - it won't hold up. I know.

[zona5101]

besides the zach stuff CheaperKings recommends...check out strobist.com...a website all about off camera flash.

And to be clear, as Susan says, this is a nice image to be sure. Placing it in the critique section means you were looking to do more, my only offering would be additional off camera lighting. It can stand on its own - as is. well done.

[LeeR]

I think you're mistaken about this being bad lighting. Overcast is one of the best times to take portraits. Try this same image with the sun shining brightly and you will see what I mean. Even if you don't have a remote flash, try using your on-camera flash in conjunction with the available light. If your camera will allow, set the flash to -1 EV so it works like fill. This will often add a bit of punch to your images in flat lighting conditions. The histogram for this image looks pretty evenly dispersred which means the lighting was not as flat as you thought. However, adding a contrast curve will help the image look a bit better.

[WooD]

Originally Posted by LeeR

I think you're mistaken about this being bad lighting. Overcast is one of the best times to take portraits. Try this same image with the sun shining brightly and you will see what I mean. Even if you don't have a remote flash, try using your on-camera flash in conjunction with the available light. If your camera will allow, set the flash to -1 EV so it works like fill. This will often add a bit of punch to your images in flat lighting conditions. The histogram for this image looks pretty evenly dispersred which means the lighting was not as flat as you thought. However, adding a contrast curve will help the image look a bit better.

Totally agree. I shoot a lot at the beach. Overcast skys work way better than full sun. My favorite time is just before sunset, to get the perfect golden light. I'll still use a little SB600 just to add some kick to the eyes thou.

I think your image looks most good.

[prince]

Not awful at all.. don't be too hard on yourself. If you try boosting some contrast & vibrance it might actually look very Wow!!

I have SB-600 and it is very useful for my mobile portrait sessions.. but don't forget to get wireless receiver/trigger for it

Keep it up!!