Is this possible and how do I do it?

I had an idea to take a picture of my son on the beach in the evening with the Ferris wheel lit up in the background (Santa Monica Pier)

I'm thinking tripod and fast enough speed so he doesn't get blurry if he moves?

But how do I light him? Should I try to do it before it is completely dark outside?


I have a 430EXII flash

Thanks in advance!

Easy shot actually. Just use a tripod, I M mode on the camera, set the aperture you want for creative purposes, shutter speed to get the exposure you want on the ferris wheel. Flash in ETTL mode, and then adjust using Flash exposure comp.

Thanks, that makes sense

Just a quick one but would you not set the flash to 2nd curtain?

I know the chance of motion blur may come in to effect but hopefully not...

Stuuk1 wrote in post #15389953
Just a quick one but would you not set the flash to 2nd curtain?

I know the chance of motion blur may come in to effect but hopefully not...

In this case it really doesnt matter if the flash fires at first curtain or second as the subject is (relatively) still and you arent trying to capture any motion on the subject.

reneefk wrote in post #15389872
Thanks, that makes sense. I was worried that they didn't turn the lights on until it was super dark outside, and then if I flashed him, it would ruin the background. I am still working on basics and haven't done much with the flash yet.
So the flash should be pointed straight at him and I shouldn't try to diffuse it or anything, just the flash comp?

Your flash shouldnt ruin the background, depending on how wide you have the zoom setting on the flash you can limit the spread of the beam. Ideally you would have the flash off camera and using an umbrella/softbox to soften the light. Since you didnt mention having those I didnt go there in the initial response. Just try to remember that any flash shot is two exposures in one shot. The ambient (the background stuff not lit by the flash) and the flash exposure. With ETTL its pretty easy to control each as you can dial the flash power up and down and use the shutter speed to control the brightness of the background.

gonzogolf wrote in post #15389977
Your flash shouldnt ruin the background, depending on how wide you have the zoom setting on the flash you can limit the spread of the beam. Ideally you would have the flash off camera and using an umbrella/softbox to soften the light. Since you didnt mention having those I didnt go there in the initial response. Just try to remember that any flash shot is two exposures in one shot. The ambient (the background stuff not lit by the flash) and the flash exposure. With ETTL its pretty easy to control each as you can dial the flash power up and down and use the shutter speed to control the brightness of the background.

Gotcha. No umbrella/softbox.

I did get a couple different Demb reflectors and one of the diffusers that slip on the flash, can't remember the name, it looks like this:

http://www.amazon.com …3&creativeASIN=​B00017LUWE

reneefk wrote in post #15390346
Gotcha. No umbrella/softbox.

I did get a couple different Demb reflectors and one of the diffusers that slip on the flash, can't remember the name, it looks like this:

http://www.amazon.com …3&creativeASIN=​B00017LUWE

Thats going to make absolutely no difference in terms of softness. Those things only work when you have white surfaces (ceiling or walls) around to bounce off of. Of course if you have those who needs a stofen to begin with? Anyway for this shot you might have a couple of options. If you have an assistant who is willing to hold a white posterboard or foamcore board you could make into a big bounce reflector to help. The second is to just go bare and focus the beam using the zoom setting so that you only illuminate the part of the subject you want. Maybe feather the light (aim it so that only the edge of the light pattern is falling on the upper body) so you dont whitewash the foreground with light.

This sounds like it will be a great shot.
If you have the luxury of visiting the location ahead of time, you'd be well served by doing a series of test shots to determine the amount of wheel movement and ambient light that best fit your vision. This will make the day of the official shot easier since you've already sorted out those details and can focus on your subject.
Good luck and please share your results!

gonzogolf- Thanks, those are all great tips! I had bought the Stofen first then read the others were better.

xburrows- I only live 10 minutes away, so going there first shouldn't be a problem. I will definitely share.