Lighting question

[sarahgirl777]

Originally Posted by b3nj1

I'm also working my way through strobist's 101, 102 and lighting assignments.

In addition to strobist, this site has some recent posts outdoor portrait sessions using flashes and reflectors:
http://prophotolife.com/2008/08/18/v...r-portraits-1/

A general theme for lighting seems to be to get the flash OFF of your camera, so you have to deal with remote triggering. There is no lack of options from the pricey but well-loved Pocket Wizard Plus II to inexpensive PC sync cables. After researching a bit, I think the AlienBees' wireless triggers (CyberSync) are a good compromise and value:
http://alienbees.com/cybersync.html
They can also be used to as a remote shutter trigger. Of course, make sure they'll work with your camera & flash.

I haven't put my money where my mouth is yet, because I'm trying to pace myself after a camera equipment spending spree this summer... So I can't attest to them personally, but they seem pretty well received in the reviews I've found. A search through DPS forum yields a few posts recommending AlienBees' CyberSync (and their flashes also), but I didn't see any usage reports/reviews.

I subjected my wife to photo shoot a couple weeks ago. I only had the sun (at her back) and my flash (mounted on my camera), but wish I had some more advanced options for light. I don't like the head-on catch lights in her eyes or the flatness on the right side (sun was back and to the right).


- Benjamin

Thanks for that example. I only purchased my camera a few weeks ago and don't even have a flash besides the one that comes on the camera (and that's pretty much useless) But after reading the links provided I'm thinking that is where I need to start. A hot shoe or pc sync flash off camera. I too have blown the budget purchasing my camera this month, so I'm just in the research stage as far as what my next best purchase will be.

[aprillove20]

By the way, do you use multiple flashes even when your outdoors?