Your opinion please

[Clickr]

Here is one of my attempts at off camera flash. What do you think? What can I do better?




_MG_3124-5..jpg

ISO 100 50mm f/1-8 1/1000sec

[Morgana]

I really like it - very dramatic . However if you were going for something a little less dramatic, you could try bouncing some light back onto the darker side of her face [using a reflector, a white folder, a wall etc ]

Personally I really like it the way it is. Hope this helps.

[mtbjohn]

I do like the lighting and pose. As Morgana said, it is very dramatic. A couple small compositional things that bother me, and maybe it's just me. There is something peeking into the picture just left of her shoulder. For some reason it is distracting to me. As is the shadow on the back wall, looks like a lamp or something? Anyway, might just be me but those two elements take my attention away from your beautiful subject.

[BillCMartin]

Very nice atmospheric shot, enhanced by the contrasty lighting. As an alternative it might also be good to try lighting it to see if it's possible to get just a bit more detail in the dress without losing the great feel you've got in this version.

[Lee Gochenour]

I agree with everyone above me, I love the shot. The lighting makes it very dramatic. The only thing that sticks out to me is her finger is covered half by a shadow line. I know this is a small thing and does not take away from the picture. I love it.

[JTP]

It's a nice shot and I agree with most of what has already been said. It's all down to taste and what you want to say in your image. My 2 pence worth is I feel the light is too harsh for the type of shot I think you were going for, softer light on her face with less harsh shadows on her opposite side. Perhaps defuse the light again, drop the power down a little, maybe a bit of a warming gel on the flash or warm up the white balance, perhaps drag the shutter a bit more to bring in a touch more ambient light which could help balance the light. Bounce a little light back from the opposite side of her face. Just a few things to try, it's a nice shot as is and there's not right or wrong way to do it. I find it helps to get the picture you want in your mind before you go for a shot so you have something to work towards. That's not to say it can't all change during the shoot, just go with it and see where it takes you.