Flash Shadow
Jul 2, 2023 14:34:00 #
Amadeus
Loc: New York
I have a Canon 80D and a Godox 860 external. I find when I shoot in normal landscape mode the shots are fine. If I turn the camera 90 degrees and shoot in portrait position I get really bad shadows on a background object. A wall or whatever. I haven’t tried bouncing the flash or any other techniques. The shadows are always to the subjects right so maybe it’s the slight difference in the angle when turning the camera. Any suggestions are appreciated. I have attached 2 examples. They were taken seconds apart with no change of subject or my position.
Jul 2, 2023 14:56:24 #
In the first photo - the flash is directly over the centerline of the lens. The shadows are still there - but more directly behind the subject. I'll bet you rotate your camera clockwise - putting the flash to your right. This puts the flash off-center to the right - causing the shadows to be more prominently seen on the left side of the image.
Jul 2, 2023 15:00:30 #
Amadeus wrote:
I have a Canon 80D and a Godox 860 external. I fin... (show quote)
My FIRST thought is how can he be complaining when he has three absolutely beautiful women just feet in front of him. But then my mind came back to normal and I read the post entirely. I THINK when the camera is in the horizontal mode the flash is spread out more, left to right and so the shadows are diminished or gone. But in the portrait/vertical mode the shadows are concentrated top to bottom and that is why you notice the shadows to the side of the subjects. Perhaps if you were to use a flash diffuser as macro shooters would use for insects or close up objects it would diffuse the flash to take away the shadows. You might also try aiming the flash, if possible, to bounce off the ceiling.
Dennis
Jul 2, 2023 15:07:01 #
Dont ever rotate the camera, or else get a flip bracket and cable. Theres no rocket science involved. Bracket is $30, cable is usually more than that. (Pix attached.)
Sometimes I use just the cable without the bracket, hand holding the flash (result pic attached).
Sometimes I use just the cable without the bracket, hand holding the flash (result pic attached).
Has existed unchanged for generations.
(Download)
Third (bottom) arrangement is for what you were doing in your posted sample of the well known "side shadows" problem. Flash is above lens when outfit is rotated.
(Download)
Cabled flash in-hand, no bracket.
(Download)
Jul 2, 2023 15:11:58 #
Jul 2, 2023 15:20:21 #
letmedance wrote:
Just bounce the flask off of the ceiling.
Meaning no disrespect, please make sure that flask is empty before bouncing it off the ceiling.
Sorry but I could not resist. Perhaps there is still time to change it.
Dennis
Jul 2, 2023 15:20:54 #
larryepage
Loc: North Texas area
Amadeus wrote:
I have a Canon 80D and a Godox 860 external. I fin... (show quote)
I have had a Custom Bracket CBJR for a number of years and a Nikon off-camera flash cable for a number of years that solve that problem nicely. It allows the flash head to be above the lens when you rotate the camera. Pretty sure that specific bracket is no longer available, but there are other models that can help solve your problem.
A diffusion dome over the flash will not eliminate the shadows, but it will soften the edges a little while you are looking for a bracket and cable. Your subjects will appreciate your continuing to use it with the bracket.
Bounce is another answer. Disadvantages are that it costs you quite a bit of light and picks up the color of whatever it is bouncing off of. It also can sometimes create its own shadows under noses, lips, chins, and eyebrows.
Jul 2, 2023 15:21:09 #
dennis2146 wrote:
Meaning no disrespect, please make sure that flask is empty before bouncing it off the ceiling.
Sorry but I could not resist. Perhaps there is still time to change it.
Dennis
Sorry but I could not resist. Perhaps there is still time to change it.
Dennis
Thanks.
Jul 2, 2023 15:23:02 #
Jul 2, 2023 15:23:55 #
dennis2146 wrote:
Meaning no disrespect, please make sure that flask is empty before bouncing it off the ceiling.
Sorry but I could not resist. Perhaps there is still time to change it.
Dennis
Sorry but I could not resist. Perhaps there is still time to change it.
Dennis
Full or emty it still shatter into pieces. Quite dangerous. Any way the narrow hall way is a good place for bounce flash.
Jul 2, 2023 15:25:53 #
BebuLamar wrote:
Full or emty it still shatter into pieces. Quite dangerous. Any way the narrow hall way is a good place for bounce flash.
Sorry, I was talking about a metal flask, not glass which does shatter when thrown against a hard surface.
Dennis
Jul 2, 2023 15:43:40 #
Amadeus wrote:
I have a Canon 80D and a Godox 860 external. I fin... (show quote)
I think the why has been covered. In either landscape or portrait mode (position) try having the models much further from the background so the background is as "under exposed" as the shadows. Also be sure you have the camera set to it's normal or default flash sync speed so any ambient light does not contribute to the exposure of the subjects or background. Your exposure of the models looks fine aside from the shadows.
For a different experiment or lesson, photograph the models outdoors in low light say near dusk or dawn with one key light flash on the camera again and stay a bit from objects in the background. Try different things and you might want to look at some flash/strobe lighting instructions. Enjoy, good luck.
Jul 2, 2023 15:45:06 #
dennis2146 wrote:
Sorry, I was talking about a metal flask, not glass which does shatter when thrown against a hard surface.
Dennis
Dennis
Silver plate with engraved monogram ?
Jul 2, 2023 16:41:30 #
User ID wrote:
Silver plate with engraved monogram ?
OK. Works for me.
Dennis
Jul 2, 2023 17:13:04 #
Amadeus
Loc: New York
User ID wrote:
Dont ever rotate the camera, or else get a flip bracket and cable. Theres no rocket science involved. Bracket is $30, cable is usually more than that. (Pix attached.)
Sometimes I use just the cable without the bracket, hand holding the flash (result pic attached).
Sometimes I use just the cable without the bracket, hand holding the flash (result pic attached).
I see pros use this type of setup and really never knew why. Now I do. I can see how the flash is centered now on vertical shots. But in the landscape position the flash is extremely off center. Will that cause excessive shadows in that position?
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