First time using flash

My YN560IV/YN560TX setup showed up yesterday in the mail. I also purchased a modifier and stand. I have never shot in Manual mode before, never used an off camera flash (or any flash really). I'm looking for feedback on the exposure. My brother stopped by to drop something off and I used him as a subject, he was in no way prepared for photos and that wasn't the intention of the shoot. It was just to learn how to use flash.

I only did minor touch ups to his skin and some pretty standard edits in photoshop since that wasn't the real intention behind these photos. The only information I had on how to use a flash prior to this shoot was what I have read on here and on Strobist. I feel like this is underxposed, on my PC it looks fine but on my phone i feel like it is. Setup is as follows:

Canon 6D + 50mm STM
Single YN560EX IV through a Neewer 24" Softbox on a studio stand camera right (was trying for a 45/45).

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/tFeJ​r1

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/uCtQ​iv

good start!

yes i feel it is a bit underexposed, but adding a bit of fill with a reflector might be the main thing missing.

how close was the softbox? with a 24" box you want to get it as close as possible … just barely out of the frame.

Thank you for replying, I've been eager for feedback! It was probably 2 feet out of the frame, definitely could have been closer. I didn't realize it should/could be that close! A reflector is also a good thought, need to put that on my short list for new gear. I have a second YN560 I could utilize but I don't have a modifier for it, just bare flash and stand.

I'll try bumping the exposure a bit when I get home. Reading on how to do this stuff and executing are two different things, been a fun learning experience so far!

you're welcome. the closer the light is to the subject, the larger it appears from the subject's point of view. Of course, you also don't have to use as much power to the strobe so you get more power or faster recycle times.

Generally, but not always, a larger light source is desirable. Notice that the bridge of his nose and above his left eye are fairly bright highlights, but the far side of the bottom of his nose is completely black? Having a light source that is relatively larger will help even out the contrast between the two areas.

Also, a reflector can be anything from a white bed sheet to a white piece of foam core, no need to spend a bunch of money. You will probably want it really close to the subject too.

another think you might look into is the difference between short and broad lighting. Your brother might be a good candidate for short lighting, not broad.

Also check out Strobist's Lighting 101 and the book Light: Science & Magic.

Both EXCELLENT resources!

Fill from the left would help your shot (unless this is the look that you were going for).

Cheesrs,

Jeff