First portrait with off camera flash - any tips/thoughts?

dickelfan

Senior Member
DSC_5055.jpg
 

FastGlass

Senior Member
Good start but needs allot. Needs fill, and the shadows are to hard. Having a modifier on the flash to enlarge the light source will help a ton. Not only will it soften the shadows it will allow the light to wrap around her more. Also remember the further way the light source the smaller it gets making the shadows less and less soft. Don't be afraid to stick the light source right next to her but out of the frame. If having only one flash, maybe use a reflector as your second to fill in for the shadows. Also keep an eye on the pose. The pose here is to cropped. Cutting off part of her head, arm, and shoulder is a no no unless it adds to look. When cutting off body parts, it's best to do it just above a joint like a knee, elbow, hip. Never cut them off just above a hand or foot. makes it look like there standing in something or have their hands where they don't belong. I know it's hard to remember all these little tricks when your there in the grove of things but you get used to it and eventually comes natural.
 
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