First attempt with strobe lighting!

[Brookeabee123]

So this is my first attempt at strobe lighting! I have one speedlight as of now! I went for a bare flash effect and moved it further away so I could capture an edgier look. I don't really have a lot to ask except how do you like it? Is there anything I could improve on?



Camera Nikon D3100
Exposure (1/200)
Aperture f/14.0
ISO Speed 100
Off camera flash set at 1/32 in manual mode

Thanks guys!

[sk66]

I think you did very well, particularly balancing the levels... Overall I think it's a bit underexposed but that could be a MAC/Safari thing because you don't have the color space information imbedded... (might as well be Adobe)

[Brookeabee123]

Well I purposely underexposed the sky so that there would be more contrast if that's what you mean. On my computer he looks exposed, but again I am new to using on off camera flash so what I think is a good exposure might not be! Haha!

[Rentham]

The sky looks great. The subject is under exposed. You're not getting f/14 at 32nd power at that distance. Up the power or move it in closer.

[Brookeabee123]

Upon closer inspection I agree! I think I'll start on a 16th of power when I'm outside in mid-day sun next time! How did I do as far as creating an edgier mood? Are the shadows to harsh? I was a little worried about that shadow that his eyelashes created, but maybe I'm just expecting to much.

[ccting]

well, nice portrait. I feel like the cloud at the background is moving, and i feel a bit cybersickness while looking at it for long time.. are you moving in the pic??!

[sk66]

Originally Posted by Brookeabee123

Upon closer inspection I agree! I think I'll start on a 16th of power when I'm outside in mid-day sun next time! How did I do as far as creating an edgier mood? Are the shadows to harsh? I was a little worried about that shadow that his eyelashes created, but maybe I'm just expecting to much.

IMO, the shadows are too harsh because it's overall a touch underexposed... or, I suppose it could be considered "flat" if you were going for the harsh/edgy look..

Here's how I would treat it as an "edgy portrait"...If you wanted "harsh/edgy" that's a pretty narrow area and a big change.

[Brookeabee123]

No I was standing perfectly still, but the clouds were changing and moving pretty rapidly. I went back and edited it so it was exposed a little better! What can I do to achieve the look I was going for? Just better expose with my flash?

[sallie]

Nice edit!

Originally Posted by sk66

IMO, the shadows are too harsh because it's overall a touch underexposed... or, I suppose it could be considered "flat" if you were going for the harsh/edgy look..

Here's how I would treat it as an "edgy portrait"...If you wanted "harsh/edgy" that's a pretty narrow area and a big change.

[danbaileyphoto]

Your ambient/flash balance is pretty good. I'd want to see a bit more light either directed or bounced into the subject's right eye, it's a little dark. Much of that comes from making small adjustments to flash positioning. It can be a real dance, trying to get the angle you want on the subject, and still lighting up all the areas of the face that need to be lit.

It just takes practice, and lots of it!! Train yourself to notice all the small details and subtle differences in light over different areas of the photo.

For a first attempt, I'd say you did well. Keep it up!