Trying to get fill flash that doesn't look flashed. Is this ok?

Oil on the skin is a killer to a shot done with direct flash and even with a larger source. Having a slightly damp cloth with you can help. In this case that didn't seem possible with a somewhat reluctant model. Short of having a MUA this is a handy solution.

SkipD wrote in post #10893926
Diffusers such as the Stofen product or Fong's products will do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to "soften" the light in a situation like that shown in the sample photograph in the first post. The reason is that the effective size of the flash source is not changed, and it's simply size of the effective light source that "softens" light by allowing light to reach the subject from a wider set of angles to put some light into the shadows.

Plastic diffusers such as the Stofen do very little more than waste light and thus battery power when used in places where there are no nearby reflective surfaces at the sides and rear of the diffuser to bounce the light back toward the subject.

Moving the light and/or using a large reflector could improve the look in the sample photo.

Thank you Skip for explaining this to me and setting me straight.

camarod wrote in post #10877433
I personally think that this is very well done. Most lookers here will recognize that it was flashed with the fill characteristics and specular in her eyes, all signs of a well done portrait. As far as white balance, gelling may be the answer.

As suggested, getting the flash off-camera would change it also. Typically, setting the flash up at an opposing angle to the sun. Another option would be to use a gelled flash (or reflector) from, in this example, camera right kind've wrapping the existing light source around from the big giant yellow ball.

Thank you for those tips. Gels are something down the road as I'm still trying to get a handle on getting the right ambient/flash levels. Not rocket science, but definitely requires practice!

I have noticed that others are seeing similar 'color-casting' on subjects completely surrounded by green foilage. Heck, I even noticed it on pics of players at a HS football game!

Still working things out. And hopefully, I'll get there! Thanks again for your tips and suggestions.

dave

breal101 wrote in post #10894014
Oil on the skin is a killer to a shot done with direct flash and even with a larger source. Having a slightly damp cloth with you can help. In this case that didn't seem possible with a somewhat reluctant model. Short of having a MUA this is a handy solution.

I hear you. And yes, very impromptu shoot. At this time, I'm still trying to practice a couple of things: balancing ambient/flash; isolating subject by underexposing BG; not nuking a subject with flash.

Certainly realize there are a lot more things to consider and thanks for pointing them out. Appreciate your feedback.

dave

lettershop wrote in post #10893458
you are getting there. Pretty model by the way....

Thanks lettershop. Practice, practice and more practice! Wish it didn't take 4-5 shots to get the balance close each time!

dave

scubthebub wrote in post #10898267
Thank you Skip for explaining this to me and setting me straight.

agreed; i'm thinking inside and not outside...