do I need a reflector?

[momtographer]

I wanted to try out sun flare, and I did pretty darn good if I do say so myself but she looks terrible (not the way shes posed I didn't worry about that since she wouldn't let go of the hanger anyway) shes way to dark and there no fixing it, do I need a reflector or is it something I'm doing wrong?

[High Roads Photo]

Yes, a reflector would help considerably, Use a soft gold one on the baby. You can also use you camera flash to provide a fill flash.
Set your camera to manual to expose the sky correctly, and use the flash to fill in. On the K 10D you can adjust the flash output in the camera under the function menu.
On a side note, Photo shop out the bruises on the baby, that is unless you are wanting to highlight them

[momtographer]

thanks, I usually photoshop out the red marks, they aren't bruises! golly you make me feel like a bad mommy shes got her pops skin she gets red marks on her super easily. But thanks for the tips a bunch I'm going to try the fill flash today!

[High Roads Photo]

Sorry, I guess I should have said "birthmarks" instead.
If you don't have a reflector, you can get a car sunscreeen in gold or silver from Walmart, Target, or an autoparts store. As well, you can get gold and silver lamay material from Joanns fabric stores to make reflectors. Using spray adhesive and foam core board.
If you are into DIY I can send you a link to a website on how to make your own photo equipment such as reflectors, softboxes, Light boxes, and more.
Rick

[momtographer]

Originally Posted by High Roads Photo

Sorry, I guess I should have said "birthmarks" instead.
If you don't have a reflector, you can get a car sunscreeen in gold or silver from Walmart, Target, or an autoparts store. As well, you can get gold and silver lamay material from Joanns fabric stores to make reflectors. Using spray adhesive and foam core board.
If you are into DIY I can send you a link to a website on how to make your own photo equipment such as reflectors, softboxes, Light boxes, and more.
Rick

SURE I'd love that

I tried fill flash



didn't work so hot, I'd love to make a reflector to see how it would work

[High Roads Photo]

Momtographer, That looks good light wise. Did you go into the flash menu and reduce the flash output? If you didn't, try reducing it a 1/3 or 1/2 stop of flash power and see what you get. Now this also depends on the babies willingness to sit still too.
Her are a couple of DIY sites, you can also google Photograpy DIY and see what comes up.

DIYPhotography.net | Photography and Studio Lighting
Photojojo - The best photo tips, DIY projects, and gear in the whole wide world

If you would like to see some of my work, I have a myspace page. I don't have a website up yet, but soon!
MySpace.com - High Roads Photography - 46 - Male - Elk Grove, California - www.myspace.com/highroadsphoto
I've been to Katy, but its been a while. In my former life I drove truck cross contry for a living. I still drive part time locally in California, while I build my photo business.
Rick

[momtographer]

I used my sunpak 383 bounce flash, would the on camera flash have worked better?

[High Roads Photo]

I think the 383 worked well, you have some nice shadow definitions on the (camera right) side of the face. Did you point the flash directly at your baby, or up at an angle? It really is well balanced!

[rzarbo]

Hi momtographer,

I'm afraid I cannot be of any help with your question about reflectors but I hope you don't mind my asking you a question.

What is the font you used in your first photo for your "momtographer" signature. I have been looking and looking for something like that and have not had any luck so far. It is whimsical and simple and I just love it. LOL

Robin