Fill Flash
Jun 14, 2014 23:32:17 #
Working with fill flash for the first time. Would appreciate any
C & C from from our members.
C & C from from our members.
Jun 15, 2014 00:29:16 #
Since this subject is in complete shade (except for the slight dapple on the top of hair), your speedlight is primary illumination, not fill light.
When sunlight shines directly onto subject, and exposure is based on sunlight illumination, I set my speedlight to -1 EV, so that my fill light is down one full stop, which is half as bright as normal exposure.
When sunlight shines directly onto subject, and exposure is based on sunlight illumination, I set my speedlight to -1 EV, so that my fill light is down one full stop, which is half as bright as normal exposure.
Jun 15, 2014 00:38:05 #
Jun 15, 2014 00:46:13 #
Primary light is the illumination source on which you base proper exposure.
Fill light is the secondary illumination source that 'fills' the shadows with enough light to see detail.
Sunlight is 4:1 in contrast, which means there is four times as much illumination in direct sun than in the shadows.
Adding fill illumination that is half as bright reduces the shadows to 2:1 contrast, while barely adding to the sunlight exposure. Both film and digital sensors can now record info in the shadows as well as in the sunlight.
Fill light is the secondary illumination source that 'fills' the shadows with enough light to see detail.
Sunlight is 4:1 in contrast, which means there is four times as much illumination in direct sun than in the shadows.
Adding fill illumination that is half as bright reduces the shadows to 2:1 contrast, while barely adding to the sunlight exposure. Both film and digital sensors can now record info in the shadows as well as in the sunlight.
Jun 15, 2014 00:48:08 #
The Sony A99 is a full frame camera. The 50-mm lens is considered the "normal" lens for this format. For portraiture, I recommend a bit longer lens, which can be a more flattering for people.
Jun 15, 2014 00:52:29 #
Nice shot! The exposure is very close, focus, color (slight red cast - maybe sunburn) and contrast are good too. I'd probably cut off the bottom 25% as the arms are looking a little awkward.
Jun 15, 2014 00:54:44 #
Thanks Doug. Learn something new every day and thanks for the tip. We all learn from the exchange of ideas. I did take some pictures out in direct sunlight but didn't post those.
Jun 15, 2014 01:06:00 #
Thanks SonyA580. I could not decide on the crop since some of her hands were in the picture.
Jun 15, 2014 01:06:35 #
Jun 15, 2014 01:19:40 #
Jun 15, 2014 10:47:52 #
I wish there were more pics of people like yours so that I, too, could enhance my understanding of outdoor (and indoor) lighting techniques. Nikonian72, in one basic sentence regarding Speedlight setting has helped me understand something I have been trying to correct for a while.
Thanks to both of you.
Frank
Thanks to both of you.
Frank
Jun 15, 2014 12:36:27 #
Just another's thought. I based my crop on the direction of the eyes and wanted to give more looking space in that same direction. Just my way of looking at it. Thanks
Jun 15, 2014 16:43:41 #
Thanks snapshot 4619 for the post. I also look at images like you do of subjects with space to move into and out of a frame.
Jun 15, 2014 16:58:57 #
Nikonian is right about the ratios, but my comment would be that I think it's "flat"...there is no contrast at all because the flash is coming directly from the axis of the camera.
This isn't your fault or anything, it's just the nature of "on camera" flash, I don't happen to like it for that reason.
Another way to tackle this is to have her stand in shade but just at the EDGE of the shade with one side of her face towards the "shade edge." (about 45 deg)So she's standing just barely inside the shade line.
This will give you natural "side lighting."
If the shadows are too deep, then put just a TOUCH of fill into her face...and I mean just a touch. You shouldn't need it.
This isn't your fault or anything, it's just the nature of "on camera" flash, I don't happen to like it for that reason.
Another way to tackle this is to have her stand in shade but just at the EDGE of the shade with one side of her face towards the "shade edge." (about 45 deg)So she's standing just barely inside the shade line.
This will give you natural "side lighting."
If the shadows are too deep, then put just a TOUCH of fill into her face...and I mean just a touch. You shouldn't need it.
Jun 15, 2014 16:59:44 #
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