First Steps...

[BillCMartin]

Just tried my first OCF shots over the weekend. Basic gear: EOS 550D, 430EX (older model), Interfit small diffuser box (from Strobies Portrait Kit), Manfrotto stand, long cable running from camera's hot shoe to flash.

Yesterday I tried some in my kitchen at night but struggled to get the background exposure right in low light against the subject exposed by flash. Gave up and went to bed!

Today I've tried again, using available background light from a window as my starting point then adding flash to begin the fun!

Portrait shot - 1
Bill-Portrait-Str.jpg
Camera on manual, ISO 400, 1/60, f5. Flash on 1/16 power with diffuser, bouncing of angled ceiling to right of camera.

Power Amp shot
EMX620-Mixer..jpg
ISO 200, 1/125, f1.8 (slightly too narrow DOF - only RH side of front panel is in focus). Used available light from window for subject and flash on 1/32 for background - it's blown out a bit, so I should experiment with a range of strengths for the background.

[Morgana]

I really like it - the composition is really interesting and the shadow on the wall behind the subject adds depth. Well done.

[BillCMartin]

Just got my gels through the post and thought I'd try the dusk effect one to see if I could get the tones that Syl Arena got in that lovely sunset portrait shown in the 'How-To' section.

It was quite simple to do, though took a bit of trial and error to get the subject exposure right. I realise too that I haven't quite got the angle of the flash right to represent the sun hitting the horizon. It would also look more convincing if I used a recognisable background or at least have some interest shadows, rather than the plain blue wall. I do feel I've learned something useful though!
Bill-Portrait-05-&#.jpg

[Lee Gochenour]

These are a great start, I still am getting the feeling that the light is to strong on the side with the flash. What do you have to defuse it?