Our Brandon

I did put these in the People corner but would like some CC if you guys don't mind

This is my first ever portrait macro shot of my oldest Brandon, Performing some Wushu (kung fu).

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I don't like the effect given by the flash - hotspots, too harsh, deep black shadow from his left hand, etc.

Robert_Lay wrote in post #8380824
I don't like the effect given by the flash - hotspots, too harsh, deep black shadow from his left hand, etc.

I see what you mean. I only have the built in flash for now. Im looking at stocking up my lenses first, its a pretty expensive investment for a beginner. Is there any way, if i need to use the built in camera flash, to stop it happening? Should i decrease the flash or move the subject in portrait shots further away?

Ive only been doing this for a couple of weeks

So long as you insist on using flash, keep it to just the amount needed to fill in or soften the shadows.

Another option is to get a diffuser for the pop-up flash. They can be fairly cheap, or you can use a poor mans diffuser, a tissue over your flash.

If the dominant light source is straight into the face, then being diffuse or not will not help - it will still look flat and have no illusion of 3-dimensionality.

Thank you for you both for your advice