Feedback Wanted - Some OCF Work

Okay, this OCF & flash photography has gotten to me. I am using YN-460's, I have two of them. A cheap umbrella kit from amazon. And some RF-602's. I believe these are the ebay triggers.

My camera is a 20d and I used the Sigma 24-60 2.8 for these photos. I am really trying to learn flash photography and whenever it rains, my models are my boys or wife. Last night I had my Dad pose with the our three year old. It was his birthday yesterday so he was in a cooperative mood. Somewhat anyways.

Setup, Umbrella to camera right, shot some through the umbrella and some were bounced. My fill flash was camera left. These were all shot in my basement.

Please let me know what you think of these images. What can I do differently to improve them? What did I possibly do wrong?

Going manual with the flashes was daunting until I forced myself into it last night.

Exif information can be found on flickr.

Let me know what you think.

Scott

1.

right, i don't normally comment because i am no expert only being a 430ex owner for a month or so but my instant opinions are...

1 looks like pretty even lighting to me
2 i find the shadow on grandad a bit distracting
3 is great imo
4 & 5 look a little dark on the left side

like i said, no expert so take what you will

Thanks for the quick response, I appreciate it.

RE: No 2. As I understand it the key light establishes the direction of the light source and the location of the shadows. The fill then lightens the established shadows. No 2 appears to me to have two key lights.

4 & 5 are a really good effort.
A simple white reflector held close to their faces camera left would have helped with the strong shadows on that side. Otherwise lighting is good on those.

Otherwise, your white balance seems to be all over the place with these shots. Did you shoot on AWB or did you switch to Flash WB? With the RF-602's the camera does not know it has a flash installed...

int2str wrote in post #10211844
4 & 5 are a really good effort.
A simple white reflector held close to their faces camera left would have helped with the strong shadows on that side. Otherwise lighting is good on those.

Otherwise, your white balance seems to be all over the place with these shots. Did you shoot on AWB or did you switch to Flash WB? With the RF-602's the camera does not know it has a flash installed...

I shot AWB, I did not have time as this was quick practice session before everyone went to bed. Next time I will shoot a custom WB with my grey card. I was more concerned with the lighting and WB, well, I figured the AWB would get me close enough.

I did shoot RAW so I can play with the WB a little more tomorrow afternoon if time permits.

Edbee wrote in post #10211813
RE: No 2. As I understand it the key light establishes the direction of the light source and the location of the shadows. The fill then lightens the established shadows. No 2 appears to me to have two key lights.

On number 2, I had the one flash shooting through the umbrella I believe at the height of my subjects. This was on camera right. And if remember correctly, I had the other lens, bare shooting straight up into the basement ceiling as a fill light.

I will play with this setup again and see if I can reproduce the same effect and attempt to remove the shadow on my Dad.

Shots 3 & 5 = WoW, very very crisp, clean, clear and sharp! - I would be immensely happy with these!

I agree, #3 and #5 are VERY sharp, that's a great lens. I don't think your fill was very powerful in #5,it looks like it didn't fire at all. It just depends on if you like that look or not. I'm not sure what your exact light position is, but Youtube has some great videos on this. You might want to start with the basic (and many peoples' favorite) rembrandt set-up. The main light is at a 45-degree angle from the subject in two ways: it's 45 from being straight on (so it's halfway between straight on and from the side), and it's also higher, pointing down at a 45 so that the shaft of the umbrella lines up with the subject's nose. The fill is the same concept, from the other side. Try to experiment with a 1:1 ratio, where fill and main are set at the same power, and try a 2:1 ratio, where one is set twice as strong as the other. The 2:1 will give some shadows, but they won't be harsh. Once you get these two down, I think it's easier to broaden your set-up.
I'm no pro, but that's helped me, and again you might want to check YouTube for some short informational videos. Great looking family, by the way. Good luck!

Scott,,I think they are fine.. The lighting is pleasing enough but for me the skin tones are a bit warm.. Easy to fix in post processing though..

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I am really trying and will take better notes when I am shooting.

I will check out the youtube videos this week when I have some free time. And I will work on the photos in the post to try and correct some of the color/WB issues everyone posted about.

The family was very happy with the images but I am sure with a few more tweaks, they can be even better.

Scott