Harsh Bounced Flash

[Stump]

I got my Sigma Flash and used it with my 50mm f1.8 last weekend and the pictures still have a decent amount of shadows. I used an index card and pointed the flash straight up. I used it on ttl and iso 400. Maybe I should lower the ISO so the flash isnt so strong or does it work like that? Any suggestions would be helpful. Heres one of the pictures I took.

http://falklands.globat.com/~fullthrottleforums.com/Stump/OL/Olivia.jpg

[Mayfly]

Actually all things considered your shadows aren't that harsh except for under the chin which really can't be avoided with just one flash a lot of times. What you can do though is get a reflector or something of similar qualities and bounce some of that extra light under the chin, and you'll be good to go.

[sapearl]

Actually, it really doesn't look too bad at all - adds a little bit of modelling effect, not at all unpleasant.

Perhaps you can bounce off a side or back wall. Play around with the size and angle of the index card also, which will influence the type of shadows you will or will not get. The lumiquest pocket bounce or it's "holy" brother the 80/20 pocket bounce may provide the answer also. - Stu

[cdifoto]

Agreed that's not bad for single flash. Another thing you can try is one of these:
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a304/cdifoto/gear/2006-09-20-007.jpg


It's simple to make really. All you need is some decently thick cardboard (not the heavy corrugated stuff though!), glossy photo paper, and a hot glue gun. Cut cardboard and photo paper to a sortof heart shape without the dip, allowing a small tab area at the "bottom". Hot glue the 2 paper pieces together and hold into the bend shape until the glue sets. I used elastic hot glued to the bottom tab for the attachment, so I can rotate it around my flash head as necessary, and have no permanent materials (velcro, tape, etc) stuck to the flash unit. The curve shape helps wrap some of the light around the subject.

[Curtis N]

Play around with the size and angle of the index cardI was thinking the same thing. Slide the card down a bit so it doesn't deflect quite so much light. It's the light from the card that's making the shadow under his chin.

But I agree with the others - It's a pretty good shot!

[In2Photos]

I agree with the others that the shadows don't look bad at all. One thing that might be the easiest to try is to get down lower to take your shots rather than shooting from above your subject.

[Nick_C]

I always bounce my flash when taking indoor shots but ive always found by using a card on the flashgun it directs some light forward which lifts the dark parts caused by the bounce, but it always ends up looking closer to direct flash, with harsher shadows :-(

Nick :-)

[Curtis N]

I always bounce my flash when taking indoor shots but ive always found by using a card on the flashgun it directs some light forward which lifts the dark parts caused by the bounce, but it always ends up looking closer to direct flash, with harsher shadowsYep. The trick is finding the right balance between the ceiling-bounced light and the card-bounced light. The closer you are to your subject, the greater effect the card will have. Experiment with sliding the card down a bit. Somewhere there's a happy medium. :)

[Nick_C]

Ah right, ok thanks Curtis..

Nick :-)

[Stump]

Thanks for the replys guys. I guess I was just expecting way too much from bouncing the flash. But, I feel better about it now that you all say its not too harsh. Thanks

[Nick_C]

The only thing I would say is maybe its a little too much flash power? it just looks a tad too much to me on that photo.

Nick :-)

[sapearl]

Maybe it's just a little too much by 1/3 stop or so - possibly 2/3. Trial dialing the flash back in those increments for the next similar shots.

The only thing I would say is maybe its a little too much flash power? it just looks a tad too much to me on that photo.

Nick :-)

[Stump]

Unfortunatley, my flash isnt the super. It only has full power, 1/16th power and ttl settings. Maybe i could do it with flash exposure compensation though...

[Curtis N]

Maybe i could do it with flash exposure compensation though...That's the way to adjust flash exposure, and it will change the brightness of the image. But if flash is the only significant light source, then it won't change the "harshness" of the light.