Outdoor Lighting Setup (if any)

[Baadil]

Hello,

Just wanted to ask what do you guys use/recommend for outdoor lighting setup. I like to take (family) outdoor pictures and would like to get something easy setup for some portraits. Currently I use sunlight and my flash on my lowly Canon Pro 1:o . Don't have any other equipment. I was thinking getting some reflecters etc and stands but don't know what and how many to get and how to have proper setup

Any recommendations?

Thanks :)

[Curtis N]

I wouldn't be embarrassed about your camera. It has the manual control to let you do what you want, and skill trumps expensive gear every time.

Are you using an attached flash unit or the built-in on the camera?

[ootsk]

I use both reflectors, and off-camera flash for outdoors work. Depends on if I have an assistant..the size of the group, etc. My flashes are Sunpak 555's with radio slaves.
Here's two portraits I've done with the flashes...the group is with two strobes, and the single girl is with one.
These flashes are quite handy to have..I use them in churches for weddings, receptions,etc.

[Baadil]

Hi Curtis, right nowI use only the built-in flash as that's the only one I have. I am debating if I should but another flash or look around for reflecters with stands etc.

Ootsk,
Thank you for shafin the images. I like 'em very much.What type of reflectors do you and what size?

[ootsk]

I have a white/silver reflector, but it wasn't used in my two examples. I'd definately get the flash off-camera. It helps to show texture when it's off to the side some. And much more natural looking.

[Curtis N]

Baadil,
I would certainly start by getting a good flash unit. They can make a world of difference. To elaborate on that, take a look at this thread (http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=207470). There is a definite learning curve with flash, so just get the best unit you can afford, start with simple techniques and take it one step at a time. I'm assuming you don't have an unlimited budget so I'm trying to suggest something that will be most versatile (indoors and outdoors) and give you the most bang for your buck.

Moving the flash off camera can definitely add another dimension, but it also makes things a lot more complicated. Notice the shadow on the woman's shirt in the first shot Ootsk posted. It doesn't ruin the shot, but it's the kind of thing that can be hard to predict without considerable experience. You also loose automatic flash metering when you take the flash off camera and you would need to learn how to manage flash power against available light.

Reflectors can be great but you'll need an assistant to use them outdoors since the wind tends to blow them around. They're cheap enough that there's no harm in buying one and experimenting when you have enough help.

[René Damkot]

Some things you can do with flash (http://www.dg28.com/technique.html) and off course strobist (http://www.strobist.blogspot.com/). Another option: light reflectors / modifiers (http://www.sunbounce.com/).