Speedlight or cheapo strobe.

[JPayne]

Hi everyone,

Totally new to portrait/glamour or nude photography. Most of my pictures have been landscapes, macros, animals etc. so far but I really want to turn my hand to some glamour shots.

I have a very good friend who has agreed to let me take some glamour and nude shots of her. It's a difficult situation as we used to be together but now both have other partners who for now, can't know about this. So we are limited to when and where we are going to do it. It has been agreed that we can do it in her house. Her bedroom has a nice purple painted wall behind her black sheeted bed that I think will contrast rather well. She also has a mirror fronted wardrobe that I'm hoping I can get some sexy shots with.

Now the questions if I may...

Obviously I have not done this before so I have no lighting equiptment. I'm planing on shooting in the afternoon when light comes through her bedroom window. Is there any chance I will get some decent shots with this light alone or is there anything else I can use to help?

Secondly, lenses. I have changed my lenses around lately and currently only have the kit 18-55mm lens and a 55-250mm IS lens. I did have a nifty 50 but I dropped it but can buy another one for this shoot if you guys think it will be wide enough for bedroom photography? What do you think? I doubt the kit lens will be fast enough with only available light.

Any other tips for me? I'm currently looking at poses, and outfits etc but after a drink or two she should be very confident with me so should make for some nice shots.

Any help would be gratefully appreciated.

[JPayne]

Ok, just another idea the throw around. Would a 430EX help significantly or could I get a really low budget strobe flash and use this to an advantage?

[JPayne]

Hi guys,

I've made the following post in G&N discussion but thought i'd post the lighting question here too.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=746772

So, this is a one off shoot and my first attempt at indoor bedroom photography. Is there a cheap single strobe available that I could use for the shoot or is it a bad idea?

Thanks.

[Psychobiker]

Once it's off camera, without an ST-E2 it's gonna be manual.

Yongnuo YN460 / Vivitar 285 / Sunpak 383

[JPayne]

Once it's off camera, without an ST-E2 it's gonna be manual.

Yongnuo YN460 / Vivitar 285 / Sunpak 383

Can get the Yongnuo YN460 for £39.99 over here. Can it work with a sync cable at all?

[Psychobiker]

Aye, that it can! It has no PC-sync port, but a hot shoe adapter is usually <$10.

Moreover, it's optically triggerable. I lost my Tx the other day, and used a 430EX pointed backwards at 1/64th to trigger the YN460 as main light.

Worked a treat

[martinsmith]

Yongnuo YN460

That's a new one on me! I'll have a look at these.

[JPayne]

So for my G&N question I would be best off (on a budget) getting the Yongnuo and a hot shoe adapter and using it as a slave flash to get some decent shots?

[JPayne]

Ok just bought:

YN-460 flash unit with free softbox
CTR-301P w/PC Sync Remote Trigger

Hope I can manage some decent results.

[DerekW]

I'm sure you'll get decent results photography wise.....

It's more the taking nudes of your ex girlfriend secretly in her bedroom while each of your significant others don't know anything about it.... It's a disaster waiting to happen. You do know you will get found out at some point, don't you? Then try to explain it as "innocent", good luck.

[JPayne]

I'm sure you'll get decent results photography wise.....

It's more the taking nudes of your ex girlfriend secretly in her bedroom while each of your significant others don't know anything about it.... It's a disaster waiting to happen. You do know you will get found out at some point, don't you? Then try to explain it as "innocent", good luck.

Haha good point. I know what you mean and have been there before. The pics are going nowhere except on my laptop (which is at work not at home) for the minute. It's all anonymous stuff.

[speedster00]

Haha good point. I know what you mean and have been there before. The pics are going nowhere except on my laptop (which is at work not at home). It's all anonymous stuff.


and of course you have to share your results with us :)

[JPayne]

and of course you have to share your results with us :)

Depends how good they are :cool:

[JPayne]

Would you say I'd need a light stand and umbrella for this to work well or should I just try with the soft diffuser it comes with and see what happens?

I know nothing about settings to use or whether I should shoot in the day or night with this sort of thing.

[Psychobiker]

Um...OK, I followed the link from the thread I was advising you in to see what you are trying to do.

Dude, you know why you haven't got any replies?
PWNAGE waiting to happen!! It's a difficult situation as we used to be together but now both have other partners who for now, can't know about this.

[Psychobiker]

I rescind from advising you any further. Come back when your morals are in order.

Seriously, seriously awful idea.

[AxxisPhoto]

Natural light and a silver/gold refector sounds like it will be your best bet, unles you go and get an off-camera flash. And whatever lens is fastest.

[k_wakasugi]

I have a very good friend who has agreed to let me take some glamour and nude shots of her. It's a difficult situation as we used to be together but now both have other partners who for now, can't know about this.

Ooo scandalous. Subscribing for the lulz.

On a serious note, a cheap manual flash can work wonders if properly diffused, or modified to taste. You can pick up a long off camera cord from flashzebra.com or pick up some cheapo wireless triggers. My CTR-301P's haven't failed me yet indoors.

[k_wakasugi]

Ah I just noticed from your other thread you already bought some Yongnuo gear. Haha, nice choice. Dirt cheap stuff that's somewhat reliable :p

All I have to say, is that if you do go through with it, make sure to post your results here. You know... so we can help you improve... :lol:

[JPayne]

I rescind from advising you any further. Come back when your morals are in order.

Seriously, seriously awful idea.

I know what you're saying and I see your point but the reason they cant know 'for the minute' is because she wants to use these pictures as a calendar for her boyfriend.

I discussed the idea, but not the model with my o/h last night who is keen for me to take some shots of her. I'm going to shoot her in my house first and then if the results are different I will explain that I want pictures of other people to use in a portfolio.

I run a canvas printing business and am going to be offering photoshoots to canvas as a package to all the facebook wanabees hopefully. Hundreds of them getting them done.

So as scandalous as my post may have read, it really isn't that bad and any advice or links would be appreciated.

[JPayne]

I really should have one thread on this matter now instead of two.

I've posted the following ont he other thread to explain the situation a little better than the first post.

I know what you're saying and I see your point but the reason they cant know 'for the minute' is because she wants to use these pictures as a calendar for her boyfriend.

I discussed the idea, but not the model with my o/h last night who is keen for me to take some shots of her. I'm going to shoot her in my house first and then if the results are different I will explain that I want pictures of other people to use in a portfolio.

I run a canvas printing business and am going to be offering photoshoots to canvas as a package to all the facebook wanabees hopefully. Hundreds of them getting them done.

So as scandalous as my post may have read, it really isn't that bad and any advice or links would be appreciated.

So, as you no. I have bought a hot shoe trigger and a slave flash and hoping to use it as a decent light source.

I would appreciate any help with the time of day, flash locations and setting to try for my first attempt with the other half. Obviously it's going to take some experimenting but a step in the right direction would help.

Thanks.

[Psychobiker]

I still think you should come out with it. Really. Do they know each other? Bring your o/h along, unless you're hiding something. Handy to have a MUA :D

[[godfather]]

Would you say I'd need a light stand and umbrella for this to work well or should I just try with the soft diffuser it comes with and see what happens?

I know nothing about settings to use or whether I should shoot in the day or night with this sort of thing.
Get the things, see what you are getting, compare it with what you want, then buy the modifiers accordingly.

[JPayne]

I still think you should come out with it. Really. Do they know each other? Bring your o/h along, unless you're hiding something. Handy to have a MUA :D

Yes they know each other, they are friends. I think you are right. There is nothing wrong with what we're doing so why keep it a secret. It probably wouldn't but it could lead to unnecessary trouble. I shall mention to my O/H that she wants some shots for a calendar for her O/H and I want some more practice. You never know, may get some shots of them both. Haha.

So far I have saved a collection of shots that I like with a variety of poses and I am hoping to recreate the pictures (not exactly but the pose and style). I want to do a variety of outfits and locations around the place so it doesn't all look like one shoot. I am aware this is going to take quite some time to get right.

[JPayne]

;8574560']Get the things, see what you are getting, compare it with what you want, then buy the modifiers accordingly.

Will do thanks.

Could this thread be locked and all replies directed over here:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=746772

Thanks.

[Psychobiker]

Yes they know each other, they are friends. I think you are right. There is nothing wrong with what we're doing so why keep it a secret. It probably wouldn't but it could lead to unnecessary trouble. I shall mention to my O/H that she wants some shots for a calendar for her O/H and I want some more practice. You never know, may get some shots of them both. Haha.

Consider me back on board for advice (for what it's worth).
It was not my intention to offend, more to caution. Often, a feminine influence on set can greatly help things, esp. if they're your significant other - we guys just can't advise makeup, lip gloss, foundation....



WEll, I suppose I can. Time in theater....honest!!:o:o:o

[Psychobiker]

Will do thanks.

Could this thread be locked and all replies directed over here:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=746772

Thanks.

QFT!!!

[JPayne]

Consider me back on board for advice (for what it's worth).
It was not my intention to offend, more to caution. Often, a feminine influence on set can greatly help things, esp. if they're your significant other - we guys just can't advise makeup, lip gloss, foundation....



WEll, I suppose I can. Time in theater....honest!!:o:o:o

Yes I get you and can see why it would be an advantage. She could also help to reposition parts and props whilst I look through the viewfinder. The shots aren't to be total nudes. Just implied nude/glamour, possibly topless.

I have spent my whole time avoiding using a flash in my photography (except the odd fill flash) so this whole concept is new to me. With what I have purchased I presume it would be difficult to auto-focus on a subject if shooting in the dark with the flash (unless it test fires when focusing?) so I would have to switch a room light on and set a manual focus.

[Psychobiker]

That's what I'd do. That, or have a foot-activated light just while you AF. Or have enough ambient to focus, but set your camera as such to capture a black frame without any flash....then turn the flash on and adjust accordingly.

Really...trial and error is just about the best way forward. ISO100, 1/100th and f5.6 would be somewhere to start....

[JPayne]

That's what I'd do. That, or have a foot-activated light just while you AF. Or have enough ambient to focus, but set your camera as such to capture a black frame without any flash....then turn the flash on and adjust accordingly.

Really...trial and error is just about the best way forward. ISO100, 1/100th and f5.6 would be somewhere to start....

Yes thanks. Ambient light would probably work best, then start with the settings you mentioned and see what happens. If I'm capturing too much ambient light then just increase the shutter speed and flash power accordingly.

As for lenses, I'm hoping the 50mm will be wide enough but if shooting around F5.6, I guess the 18-55 could still produce some decent results (bar a nice shallow DOF)

[Psychobiker]

If I'm capturing too much ambient light then just increase the shutter speed and flash power accordingly.

A moot point - best to adjust aperture / flash power, search here. There is a WEALTH of info on that subject alone.

Just to kick it off :

http://www.dslreports.com/faq/14020

[JPayne]

A moot point - best to adjust aperture / flash power, search here. There is a WEALTH of info on that subject alone.

Just to kick it off :

http://www.dslreports.com/faq/14020

Brilliant link. Very usefull. I noticed when trying a macro with a flash that 1/200th was the last I could shoot. I thought that would be different with a OCF but after reading that I now see why aperture would make all the difference. Will be nice to get some bigger F number in there too.

The flash comes with a free diffuser and ceilings are white. Would bouncing off that be a good place to start or using it direct?

Thanks for your help.

[Psychobiker]

Well, set your strobes at 1/2 clout (the YN460 is MORE than enough for a bedroom), ISO100, 1/100 and f5.6. Adjust the latter (f-stop) as necessary. If you're doing it at night, then you might have some fun with the moon and shutter speeds - it'll be a great learning curve...and provided you stick to keeping everything above board (no secrets, behind backs etc), I'll be here for whatever advice I can give.

If I was .00001% of Lorek, Rob (TMR), ed., Dwight, cdifoto and their ability to light, I'd be happy. Those are masters, pay attention, 007!

[JPayne]

Sounds good. It certainly will be a learning curve and new addition to my photography. I love PP so I really want some good pictures to help with. As I say, I'm going to be shooting my other half first anyway which will give me much more time to play with settings and make mistakes. Looking forward to the worlds cheapest flash arriving. I accidentally bough a receiver only for the triggers before I bought the set. I'll keep hold of that incase I get another flash too.

[Psychobiker]

I would start by softening it, and trying to control it.
If you know the model (which you do), and she won't laugh at you for having a cereal box, lined with tin foil and a sheet (yes, white bedsheet material) stuck to the front all attached to your flash...that's a pretty goddamn good start to softbox!

______________
|
|this bit is covered in foil
|
----
flash goes in here
----
|
|this bit is covered in foil
|
_______________

[JPayne]

I would start by softening it, and trying to control it.
If you know the model (which you do), and she won't laugh at you for having a cereal box, lined with tin foil and a sheet (yes, white bedsheet material) stuck to the front all attached to your flash...that's a pretty goddamn good start to softbox!

______________
|
|this bit is covered in foil
|
----
flash goes in here
----
|
|this bit is covered in foil
|
_______________

Like this?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v486/J28/softbox-1.jpg

[Psychobiker]

Without the 'Rice Krispies' bit!
Bed sheet on the 'front' of the box (cut away).
Otherwise you have a very odd snoot.

[JPayne]

Without the 'Rice Krispies' bit!
Bed sheet on the 'front' of the box (cut away).
Otherwise you have a very odd snoot.

Yes I gathered that bit. No much point putting the sheet over the box lol.

I shall have a dabble when the kit arrives. :cool:

[Psychobiker]

Good luck.

And no lying.

[JPayne]

Good luck.

And no lying.

Nope no lying. I've just told her about it on the phone anyway and she said "well you'll be having some company" so seems to be fine about it. :cool:

[Psychobiker]

So, you told your current Ms about the shoot with her friend?

Great! I guess knowing each other helps.

[JPayne]

I'm not sure whether knowing each other will help or not. We shall see.

I just mentioned it in general first to see her reaction and then mentioned the proposition. She doesn't seem too bothered really, which is nice.

[Psychobiker]

Great. I suppose I should clarify re the box :

the entire front (the large part, usually with all teh advertising and pictures etc etc, is the bit you ought to cut off, leaving the 4 small sides and the back. Then attach the sheet...etc etc.

[JPayne]

Great. I suppose I should clarify re the box :

the entire front (the large part, usually with all teh advertising and pictures etc etc, is the bit you ought to cut off, leaving the 4 small sides and the back. Then attach the sheet...etc etc.

I see! Would the flash still go where I positioned it or put it in the other large side?

[Psychobiker]

Make very little difference in such a small room.

[charger912]

She doesn't seem too bothered really, which is nice.

That's how it seems anyways. Females are very jealous creatures by nature. I'd be worried about doing the shoot, and then your girlfriend starts comparing her body with your ex's. Then the questions start about if seeing your ex brought back any old feelings and blah blah blah.

Good luck with the shoot though! And remember, good or not so good, post pics. Critiques are a great way to learn to better your work.

[Psychobiker]

That's how it seems anyways. Females are very jealous creatures by nature. I'd be worried about doing the shoot, and then your girlfriend starts comparing her body with your ex's. Then the questions start about if seeing your ex brought back any old feelings and blah blah blah.

Good luck with the shoot though! And remember, good or not so good, post pics. Critiques are a great way to learn to better your work.

I just wish it wasn't so messy (interpersonally). It's great when people approach YOU to do something...a learning curve too!

[JPayne]

That's how it seems anyways. Females are very jealous creatures by nature. I'd be worried about doing the shoot, and then your girlfriend starts comparing her body with your ex's. Then the questions start about if seeing your ex brought back any old feelings and blah blah blah.

Good luck with the shoot though! And remember, good or not so good, post pics. Critiques are a great way to learn to better your work.

Yeah with you on that one. Thing is, my girlfriends body is better IMO. The subject is a little more curvy with more horse riding legs. My girlfriend is more a size zero, with a nice ass lol.

I will post the pics. I'm pretty sure they will be 'not so good' compared to most stuff on here but I'm inexperienced and this shoot will be a total stab in the dark (not literally). Quite looking forward to the results though.

The girl is not just an ex either, she has been my best friend since I was 5 and I still see her often. We were only together for 8 months when I still lived with my parents so it really is water under the bridge. I live with my O/H.

On a side note - is is recommended to take my laptop and sync the pictures to that as I'm shooting or should I just reply on the LCD screen to check my results? Images often seem sharp on the LCD and then I'm disappointed when I get them uploaded.

[Psychobiker]

Yeah with you on that one. Thing is, my girlfriends body is better IMO. The subject is a little more curvy with more horse riding legs. My girlfriend is more a size zero, with a nice ass lol.

I will post the pics. I'm pretty sure they will be 'not so good' compared to most stuff on here but I'm inexperienced and this shoot will be a total stab in the dark (not literally). Quite looking forward to the results though.

The girl is not just an ex either, she has been my best friend since I was 5 and I still see her often. We were only together for 8 months when I still lived with my parents so it really is water under the bridge. I live with my O/H.

On a side note - is is recommended to take my laptop and sync the pictures to that as I'm shooting or should I just reply on the LCD screen to check my results? Images often seem sharp on the LCD and then I'm disappointed when I get them uploaded.

Thoroughly recommend shooting tethered!! Do you use Lightroom?
It's very rewarding to see exactly what you just shot on a calibrated screen...the screen on the camera (5D here) is way way off

[JPayne]

Thoroughly recommend shooting tethered!! Do you use Lightroom?
It's very rewarding to see exactly what you just shot on a calibrated screen...the screen on the camera (5D here) is way way off

Yes I use light room 2.0 and Master Collection CS4.

Think I would need a longer USB lead to connect with though :confused: I have never tried tethered before.

[DutchOven]

Anyone know if pocket wizards can be paired with any cheapo strobes such as the vivitars?

[charger912]

Yes, I use Pocket Wizards with my Vivitar 285HV. You just need a chord with a 1.5 mini-phone on one end and the connector for the Vivitar on the other. Sorry but I don't know what the connector for the Vivitar is called. Check with mpex.com. That's where I got mine.

[Psychobiker]

Even a hotshoe will suffice for the Vivitar. They have a weird hotshoe-to-proprietary end but only if you really want one.

Seriously. For hte sake of the price of the cable...try it!! It's so much fun