Pointers please if you can.(sunset portrait)

[oumartin]

I am trying to get really good at photography and I am in a position to shoot a lovely expecting mother this sunday. I want to do a good job on her portrait but need some pointers.
Is it possible to get a good portrait of her with the sunset in the background using my existing equipment? I mean right as it sets on the horizon.

I am using a canon rebel xt, the 430ex speedlite and I have a reflector that can reflect as silver or gold.

Thank you for your help/

[Robert165]

go out and expieremnt on friday and saturday
also, call canon tech suypport
they can tell you specific settings

[tdodd]

Here are a couple of examples of mine, shot with my 30D, 17-85 lens and 580EX flash. EXIF is in the photos. I didn't really know what I was doing, too well, so I was just experimenting with settings. I shot in "P" mode and just dabbled with some -ve EC to play down the background. I think the flash was left to take care of itself, with no FEC. While these examples won't win any prizes, I'm sure for someone with a bit more skill it should be easy enough to get something nice. The first example is unedited. The second one had a +.5 stop brightness increase in post.

[glockamole]

Here is a recent example using an Xti, 430EX and Tamron 17-50. I can't save exif data with PS 5.5, but my settings were ISO 200, F5.6, 1/100, 40mm FL, manual mode. You might want to reduce flash to avoid hotspots on faces.

http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/nn309/Glockamole9/sunsetMA00004.jpg

[oumartin]

thank you glockamole! I think that is a beautiful photo and we are using alot of the same equipment.. I will definately try those settings plus some other ones..

[PhotosGuy]

Because you have a descriptive title, you can look at the "Similar Threads" links at the bottom-left of this page!

[oumartin]

thanks! :)