First shots with a flash head

[tubthumper]

This week I picked up a Bowens Esprit 500 and a softbox as well as some other bits n bobs (Flash meter and some portaflash stuff etc) - so I managed to persuade my 17 year old teenage daughter to sit in a chair for me - if you've got kids of this age you know how difficult this might be. So, all in the space of 25 minutes I rigged up the black velvet back drop in the living room. Attached the lamp to the stand, assembled the softbox, set the power, fired off around 25 shots and packed everything away again.
This was my first ever indoor attempt and here are three from the set - next time I think I'll try with some fill light/reflector for the darker side. Any other comments etc appreciated. Cheers.


HM5U0705.jpg by oldestswinger, on Flickr


HM5U0719.jpg by oldestswinger, on Flickr


HM5U0711.jpg by oldestswinger, on Flickr

[EOS_Jim]

Re: First shots with a flash head

Nice shots. Placement of light looks good and you have avoided any glare in the glasses.

I'd say the main light looks a tad bright as the cheecks look a little bright but should easily be recoverable.

Nice job with one light.

[DeeGee]

Re: First shots with a flash head

Do like the first shot, theres just something about it.

[tubthumper]

Re: First shots with a flash head

Thanks both - I see what you mean Jim and I agree that a bit more time spent on PP and they'd be great - these were with minimal processing in Lightroom. The flash meter suggested f/5.6 was where I should be so maybe next time see if the same thing happens and if so either bin the meter or learn to dial in some exposure compensation for it.

[EOS_Jim]

Re: First shots with a flash head

How did you use the light meter? White bulb out and pointed at the main light?

Your camera may meter differently from the meter so worth practicing to confirm. Use of a grey card will help get the right compensation if required

[tubthumper]

Re: First shots with a flash head

Cheers Jim - white bulb out and pointing back towards the direction of the camera

[EOS_Jim]

Re: First shots with a flash head

That could be the issue.... I point the meter at the light source. As you turn the meter away from the light source the exposure will start to fall. THere are some that say point to camera and others that say point at light source. I tend to point towards the main light.

[Trevoreast]

Re: First shots with a flash head

Really good first attempt, I like number 3 just a touch too bright on the rhs as has been mentioned

THere are some that say point to camera and others that say point at light source

I’d point to towards the camera mostly, just towards lights to measure the strength of multiple lights.

I should be so maybe next time see if the same thing happens and if so either bin the meter

The meter is never wrong, I have gotten unexpected exposures by not metering from the right position on the subject, or settings, with me it was usually not having the same ISO in the meter as on the camera. On my meter the ISO is not displayed unless I press a button. I found false readings are possible when the battery is low.

Trev