First image using off camera flash

[Ben Watts ATL]

Bought a Nikon SB700 and tried it out on my sister. I have it positioned to her right, on the left side of the pic reflecting through an umbrella and my father was holding a reflector on the right side off frame. It's apart of a 2 flash system I am using and I am just looking for some critique of the pics. Invested in off camera flashes because I feel like makes pictures really pop and look polished.
I have a a few more that I took this weekend if anyone else is interested in seeing anymore
Take with a D3100, F/4, ISO 400, edited in Photoshop CS5. Lemme know if you have any other questions.

Thanks!

[zona5101]

Hi and Welcome
I think you did a real nice job. Couple things...don't be afraid to bring that umbrella in real close...you can dial down the power and/or select a smaller aperture but the closeness helps to make the light wrap more so the shadow edge/shadow side is less pronounced and *bonus* - bigger catchlights.
But your background is killing me Smalls. You have a nice image but the door not so much.

If you don't have a background (or want another one) the make collapsible ones that are made with a spring hoop like a reflector. Big enough for 3/4 length shots and foldable for storage.

Backgrounds (Backdrops)

[BigFuzzy]

Originally Posted by Ben Watts ATL

reflecting through an umbrella

First, just a small correction, I think you mean shooting through the umbrella right, not reflecting through.

Since you got only one comment I thought I'd add one even though I pretty much agree with Bruce 100%. Overall, it's a very nice start with OFC.
The light feels a bit harsh which feels like it's because the umbrella is further away than needs be. Get it in there really close to soften those shadow..unless that's what you were going for of course. I'd like to see a bit more light in her eyes, especially her left eye.

yeah, you definitely gotta do something about that background.. drew my attention right away which is never good. Don't know if you have the space to move her further from the door/wall, that would allow your f/4 to blur out the bg a bit more.

Careful with your composition.. it's a bit dead-center which to me, considering her 3/4th angle doesn't really add to the image. To me, and of course this is a taste thing so take it with a grain of salt, a dead center image needs to have a flatter straight on subject as well to play more with the symmetry.. this, to me, just doesn't do much.. now if you shot this in Portrait it might have felt better. Get creative with your subject placement..even if it's subtle. Think of placing subjects eyes at the rule of thirds areas.

Lastly, the darkening you did of the background is very obvious due to the lighter "halo" that is around your sister.. careful with that as you don't want this type of PP work to be obvious (again, my opinion, not a rule).

Despite all that, it's a good effort, and yes I agree fully OCF does really improve images, keep it up and post more!