Flash preferrences?

[Bootlegger0173]

OK, I am using the XT with a 430 EX flash, and have no diffuser, other than the half-alcohol bottle. So, for outdoor portrait fill flash, do yall recommend pointing the flash directly at the subject, or should I be able to get better results with a 45 degree angle and white card backer to add angled fill light...

Orrr would I be better to shoot directly through the the bottle- directly at the subject?

I've cut back to -1 and am pretty happy with that flash comp. setting, but still really didn't want harsh light on the face. This would be primarily(I have in mind) for shots framed slightly above the tops of the breast- to a couple of inches above the head. In other words, fairly close, but might go as far as waist up shots, which for my 85mm lens is roughly 11ft. or so.

Any preferrences?

[Bootlegger0173]

Anybody?

[sleibrand]

Assuming you don't have issues with too little power, anything you can do to enlarge the apparent source of the light or diffuse it will create softer lighting.

I suggest you find a willing model and try a few shots with direct flash, at a 45 degree angle with a bounce card and your diffuser to see what results you get.

Another thing that will help is to get the flash off the camera. The cheap radio slaves do pretty well and will give you a lot of flexibility in placing the lights to give the look you want.

Lots of info at Strobist.com on this approach.

[flipteg]

OK, I am using the XT with a 430 EX flash, and have no diffuser, other than the half-alcohol bottle. So, for outdoor portrait fill flash, do yall recommend pointing the flash directly at the subject, or should I be able to get better results with a 45 degree angle and white card backer to add angled fill light...

Orrr would I be better to shoot directly through the the bottle- directly at the subject?

I've cut back to -1 and am pretty happy with that flash comp. setting, but still really didn't want harsh light on the face. This would be primarily(I have in mind) for shots framed slightly above the tops of the breast- to a couple of inches above the head. In other words, fairly close, but might go as far as waist up shots, which for my 85mm lens is roughly 11ft. or so.

Any preferrences?

if you're using it outside, especially just for fill flash, there's not much reason to shoot other than head on flash... shooting head on with your bottle, all you're doing is reducing the flash's output making your flash work harder... you really haven't done anything to change the quality of light... i'd suggest do some readings about the behavior of flash photography... once you understand how to control your flash, you won't need that bottle any longer... heck, you'll probably even start thinking how silly most of the flash diffusers that are on the market right now...

[Curtis N]

Direct flash works fine for outdoor fill.

[Bootlegger0173]

Oh, I have been researching it, but there are just so many different opinions and techniques that it is a little confusing. Glad to hear what yall prefer. Thanks for the info, and I have bookmarked the site you listed. I'll do some reading there, as well.

Have a good weekend.