Portrait side lighting with reflector, "ur doin it rite"?

[lenslizard]

Okay, so this is a self portrait using the camera's pop-up flash with a home made bouncer to direct it toward the wall beside me. In theory, it's supposed to look like side lighting. I added in a reflector on my right side to fully cover my face with the light. This photo is straight from the camera. Please tell me what you think I might have been able to to better :P

Exif data

Camera: Nikon d3000
Lens: Nikkor 18-55mm kit lens
Focal length: 32mm
ISO:100
f/4.5
shutter speed: 1/40sec
Flash: Fired +1.0 Flash compensation.
Exposure compensation: +3.0

[Photologyst]

The photo (and you) are very cute.

I find the background distracting, especially the green.

Perhaps a bokeh blur and change of color?

[SusanH1970]

Not bad at all! Try dialing the flash down a bit next time - there are a couple of hot spots on your forehead and cheek that are close to being blown out. Agreed with the previous poster that the bg is distracting.

[lenslizard]

Thanks for the crit :P I'll try cutting the flash back a little and see how that does. Next time I'll do the shots outside my room haha. It's tiny, so not much work space.

[zona5101]

darn fine work with only a built in flash...

[lenslizard]

Got to work with what you have and all I have is a camera, a lens, and the know-how to make things that bend them to do what I want I guess. Thanks

[carlyfan]

Very nice! Can I ask how you made the contraption to bounce the flash? I also have only the built in pop-up and would like to try this. Thanks.

Lisa

[sk66]

Nice job. Doesn't look like it's completely "sideways", but good. Overall I'd say you were just a bit too close to the wall.

[lenslizard]

Originally Posted by carlyfan

Very nice! Can I ask how you made the contraption to bounce the flash? I also have only the built in pop-up and would like to try this. Thanks.

Lisa

Thank you :P if you would like to see a picture of it, my email is churstphotos@gmail.com. Email me and let me know yours, and I'll send you some shots of the contraption as well as how you might assemble it.