1st Portrait using 430ex - how'd I do?

[burge]

Got myself a 430ex so thought I'd give a portrait a go as the sun was setting. This was taken with the 70-200 f4 and the 430ex on the hot shoe.

Btw this wasn't a formal shoot or anything, just me trying it out hence why she has her bag etc!

[DRBair]

burge:
I am no expert, but it looks like a very good first attempt. If I had any suggestions it would be to reduce the bright spots on her cheek and chin, also I found the bag a little distracting. How was your 430 set up? Did you use a diffuser?

[burge]

The 430 was pointed straight at her with no diffuser, I do want a diffuser, can u recommend any? I'm going to a function in a couple of weeks and had permission to shoot so it would be nice to have it before that.

Next time I'll get her to loose any accessories, I was more interested in taking the pictures really.

Thanks for the comments.

[DRBair]

This is a description of the diffuser that I have for my 430EX:
The S.B.M. 0106 Supreme Light Diffuser will diffuse the light output of the flash, producing softer shadows and a softer, more natural glow rather than the harsher effect when using a direct flash. The diffuser provides even coverage across the entire frame, and is ideal for use with lenses from 15mm to 200mm in 35mm format (and equal in other formats as well).

The Supreme Light Diffuser simply slides onto and off the flash with custom fitting, without the need for touch fastener tabs.

[thekid24]

The 430 was pointed straight at her with no diffuser, I do want a diffuser, can u recommend any? I'm going to a function in a couple of weeks and had permission to shoot so it would be nice to have it before that.

Next time I'll get her to loose any accessories, I was more interested in taking the pictures really.

Thanks for the comments.
Your lighting is very good. No doubt a diffuser (I use stofen) would soften the hot spots. But it isnt like there are any washed out parts in this photo to begin with.

As for the "distracting" purse, not sure what that has to do with lighting a subject but, okay:D

[Titus213]

The image does look to be exposed quite evenly. I would suggest metering off the sky in manual mode and then using FEC on the flash to get a proper exposure on her. I really like the 70-200 and flash combination, works well. I do prefer images a little warmer than this one though.

[Snapman]

Given that it's your first attempt with your new flash which was mounted on your camera, I think you succeeded very well. As for the bag, I actually think it's an accessory which adds to the image.

[goforphoto]

Until you get a diffuser you can attach a index card using a rubber band or velcro to the flash and till the flash up slightly (45degrees or so ) this will bounce the flash off the card onto your subject.

[knt3424]

You need to check out this thread:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=269723

or go to http://www.abetterbouncecard.com and check out video #2. I just bought a 430ex and then grabbed a couple sheets of white 'foamies' ($0.33 each at Walmart in the craft section) and stopped at my local bike shop, grabbed a blown inner-tube for free and sliced it into a wide rubber-band. Followed the instructions and I'm very happy with the results. Used it at a manufacturing camp this past week for the first time, and it worked great! It was difficult to find the foamies in white at walmart, maybe because people are snapping them up for their flashes, but a craft store could help you out and not be much more money... so for less than a buck and a little gas money, it's worth the effort!

[roman_t]

for plain direct flash shot it looks very good to me.

[KevC]

Hm, I'm not a fan of direct flash shots... seems very harsh. Maybe try bouncing the flash off a reflector but that's difficult to do if it is restricted on a hotshoe.

[Mikelangelo]

I think the flash fill was a little strong... and I only say that because the eyes show some "red-eye"...that, of course, would resolve itself if you can manage to bounce the flash off of a reflector or get the flash off of the camera somewhat.

But I like it. I'm ok with the bag, too. Maybe warm up the image a bit to match the warm sunset light.