Off Camera Flash/Directional Lighting (ATTN: RadSav)

[Bean Counter]

Continued from PM on a discussion about trophy shots. And no, this isn't my wedding, but I did photograph it 

Off camera lighting for portraits, weddings, and even trophy shots allows for more definition, contrast, and pizzaz in a subject. For these shots I'm using two radio triggered flashes on 9.5' stands placed about 8' high. They're controlled by an on camera transmitter and as you can imagine, allow for much better detail in a white wedding dress & veil, as well as facial features. On camera flash tends to blow out details--leaving subjects faces and clothing very flat looking. Naturally OCF requires an additional complication to set up by having either a flash stand or easier yet an additional hunting buddy to hold the camera 45 degrees off axis and 45 degrees up

C&C Welcome

[Becky]

Smossy and I have been taking a photography class and last week's lesson really talked a lot about this - off camera flash and all. Nice to see some more examples of this, and actually knowing what you're talking about 

 

[Johnb317]

Nice pictures!

Hmmm do I want to carry the additional weight to do OCF out hunting?

What's really frustrating is when you realize that your hunting partner didn't know how to hold the camera still. 

Seriously, for those interested, and don't have the gear check out Yongnuo flashes and master slave units.  They work well and are well priced.

[Bean Counter]

Nice pictures!

Hmmm do I want to carry the additional weight to do OCF out hunting?

Good question. If you're going to be a few miles back then I wouldn't even bring the DSLR and no flash. The camera phone is going to have to cut it. If I'm going to be close to a road then all I have to to is put on my transmitter, which is small and light, and have some other hajj hold the flash unit.

What's really frustrating is when you realize that your hunting partner didn't know how to hold the camera still. 

Seriously, for those interested, and don't have the gear check out Yongnuo flashes and master slave units.  They work well and are well priced.

That's what I'm using. The 560 Mark IV ($71/ea) and the 560tx ($45). Those prices are stupid low. They could charge double that and they would be worth every penny. Pocket Wizzard and the Phottix Odin are a few hundred bucks for a pair of trancievers--and that doesn't even give you the flash unit!! I dropped one of my 560-IVs at my first wedding this year and it took the fall like a champ. The guy I was working for got his wet and it was toast. He had just paid Canon $200 to fix it 

[Bean Counter]

Smossy and I have been taking a photography class and last week's lesson really talked a lot about this - off camera flash and all. Nice to see some more examples of this, and actually knowing what you're talking about 

 

Meh: I don't know anything 

Photography is like hunting: I just close my eyes and slam the trigger 

[Becky]

Meh: I don't know anything 

Photography is like hunting: I just close my eyes and slam the trigger 

Pshh lies