Halloween Family Portrait

[rick020200]

My family carves pumpkins every year, then we take a family portrait with our creations. This year I tried lighting the shot off-camera, and my family was incredibly patient as I set it all up. ("Poor dad, he's gone strobist on us again...").
My idea here was to add a bit of visual weight to the pumpkins by having a flash dedicated to them. The rest of the room is lit with another flash bare and high, camera left.


Unfortunately, I think the pumpkins ended up with hot over exposed spots. And I'd already worn out their patience. And I probably should have had my main light with an umbrella to soften it a bit.

My final bit of fun was to use a wireless trigger to light a pumpkin from inside. My son was curious, so we made this shot.

I like this one a lot except that you can see the flash in the pumpkin. Oh well. Patience has never been strong with me.

Thanks for looking. If you have thoughts or suggestions, I welcome them.

[butch3r]

These are great shots mate, I know nothing about strobist but the results here are so great! And you have a very happy family too! All the best!
Welcome to DPS!
butch3r

[dionzero]

nice shot!!!! Doing something with your family must be really fun!!!

[rick020200]

Originally Posted by butch3r

These are great shots mate, I know nothing about strobist but the results here are so great! And you have a very happy family too! All the best!
Welcome to DPS!
butch3r

Thanks! "Strobist" is short-hand for using portable flashes off-camera, inspired primarily by one man's efforts. Check it out.

Originally Posted by dionzero

nice shot!!!! Doing something with your family must be really fun!!!

Thanks. The kids really enjoy carving the pumpkins, which makes it all worth while.

[dmpete]

Wow, I really like #2, thanks for sharing the idea. I'll have to give this a try.