sunset strobist portrait

[SGToliver]

Here is one of my most recent portraits taken with a single bare SB-600 on a light stand. I used a 24ft iTTL cord but did the shot manually anyway. The only thing I wish I had was someone to hold a reflector up to lighten the shadows under his chin a bit. However, how do you think I did with the flash? Anything you would suggest to do differently? A different angle for the flash perhaps? I have others from the series I could show.



Exif data
Camera Nikon D3100
Exposure 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture f/5.0
Focal Length 24 mm
ISO Speed 100
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Flash On, Return detected
X-Resolution 240 dpi
Y-Resolution 240 dpi
Software Ver.1.00
Date and Time (Modified) 2011:09:10 21:00:34
Exposure Program Manual
Date and Time (Original) 2011:09:10 19:16:26.00+02:00
Date and Time (Digitized) 2011:09:10 19:16:26
Max Aperture Value 4.0
Subject Distance 1.41 m
Metering Mode Spot
Light Source Unknown

[BigFuzzy]

I think you did well with the flash you used.. the issue I have is that it would have been great to have a second light to help separate him from the background as pretty much the bottom half of the image is black.

A side or back light adding some rim lighting to him (on his right, our left) would have really made this pop.

Having said all that, it's still a nice portrait which I'm sure he'll love. I'm just picky plus it could have really killed had you had a bit more light on that side (as you noted).

Keep it up!

EDIT: PS I hate you. I live just next door to you (Holland) and I've not seen a night sky like that in ages! pfft!

[SGToliver]

If I had a second light I would have used it....unfortunately it is not in my budget yet. I have a military ball coming up that will help finance some kit upgrades. Right now the weather here is crazy. warm one day, cold the next, rainy one minute and sunny the next. I was just lucky to catch the sky like that. I had been eyeing the spot for some time because it offered a good view of the sunset within the city. Once I saw how the sky was I hopped in the car with my buddy and drove off. If you are ever in Brussels or Belgium in general, let me know.