First home studio shots

*Ash* · 07-20-2008, 03:12 PM

OK, I decided to try out my home setup on my own family (me included) and would like to know where I can improve. More of this series to come...

I wanted the rembrandt effect and used a 540FGZ flash off a reflective umbrella above and to the left of the camera with the pop up flash as the front-on fill flash and wireless trigger.

Shot with K10D and FA 50/1.4 at f/4.5

C&C welcome. I noticed that one of the girls is OOF in one of the shots - I think I'm going to have to stop down a little more next time. But comments on ways to improve are most welcome.

*Ash* · 07-21-2008, 03:35 PM

Another addition...

Cheers.

hamidlmt · 07-21-2008, 04:25 PM

I think these are quite nice!

The only thing I would add is a little rim (back) lighting... dark clothing, skin and hair tend to blend into a dark background.

*Ash* · 07-21-2008, 08:55 PM

Thanks Hamid.
Will try that next time.

*Peter Zack* · 07-21-2008, 08:57 PM

I was going to say the same thing and possibly turn the compensation down a little from the camera flash to have a little more shadow detail or move the 540 further to the left side. Excellent shots though. Great looking clan and cute girls!

Meredith · 07-22-2008, 02:08 AM

I love them especially the last one. You have beautiful girls.

*Ash* · 07-23-2008, 12:09 AM

Thanks Peter & Meredith.
OK - silly question now.
How can I set different FECs for slave and on-camera flashes?
Is it a matter of setting the on-camera flash FEC at say -0.7, then boosting the on-flash setting at +1.0 to balance it out?

I in fact did have this combination set and got the results above. Any other way to do it? Or do I just need another strobe?

*Peter Zack* · 07-23-2008, 04:53 AM

the short answer is yes! I do it all the time. I have 2 AF360's and an AF540 plus the camera flash and I've set the FEC at different levels for all of them in some setups.

The other thing you can do is reflect the off camera flash on a wall or white board. I often use a stand and umbrella. Much cheaper than getting another flash.

*Ash* · 07-23-2008, 02:21 PM

Oh yes.
I did just that with the 540 flash, and will try using a second strobe shot through an opaque umbrella as the hair light next time and see how that works out.

Much appreciated for your feedback.