This post is a little techie, but I’m excited about it. I just finished watching Nikon’s Hands-on Guide to Creative Lighting with Bob Krist and Joe McNally. These are two great, experienced photographers. Now, most of what was in the video was more refresher than anything else…and one long ad for the Nikon flash system. Still, it was great to watch Bob and Joe for inspiration.
So, as the family took our Sunday afternoon dip in the pool, I had a thought: I can play around with a little fill flash! (OK, you brides out there, if you’re still reading…well I love ya because you’ve hung around this far for a very “un-wedding” gear post.) Back to the story…
The concept of fill flash eluded me early on in my photography days, and it still gives me trouble from time to time, but not today. Today, it took me all of 3 minutes to set up and shoot what you see below. I called over Liam, soaking wet from the pool and perfect for the part of a poolside portrait. Thankfully, he was more than happy to oblige.
Shot 1: No flash. I exposed properly and then stopped down one stop because I wanted to saturate the color and enrich the background. I knew I was going to fill on the next frame. Settings for this and other frames: 1/6400 at f/2.0. Pay attention to the face here and on the next shot.
No Flash
Shot 2: Fill flash. SB-900 about 45-60 degrees from camera, with Honl 1/4″ grid set to manual and 1/4 power. I actually did two test shots prior before I found the “magic” power setting I wanted. I tested this before calling over my subject.
In the comparison, you should be able to tell an ever so slight difference, and that’s the point if you’re looking for credibility in your light. I didn’t want it to appear lit.
With Fill Flash
Comparison
Shot 2b: Correctly adjusted in Lightroom, at about +0.67 stops, black +1, brightness +40, contrast +45.
Adjusted in Lightroom
Finally: My artistic interpretation.
There you have it: a quick poolside portrait. Thanks again, Liam, for helping out! …very proud.
by Darren
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