Firehouse

Nothing special, I took this a while ago right after I got my flash. Would love some constructive criticism.

protest42 wrote in post #10919228
Nothing special, I took this a while ago right after I got my flash. Would love some constructive criticism.

Flash photography can be hard, especially with glass. I like the bottles (and what's in them ) and the composition. However, the background seems cluttered, the shot underexposed, the flash reflection and shadows are distracting.

Some helpful tips from my experiences:
1. Get the flash off of the camera! This way you can get more flattering light from a better angle. Straight on is not typically the best angle.
2. Diffuse, Diffuse, Diffuse! It is interesting how you spend all kinds of money to get all this light and then spend more money trying to tone it down or dial it back. This is especially important with glass, otherwise, you get a bright hot spot like you have in the middle of every bottle. It doesn't have to be expensive. I typically use my off camera 430, diffused with a coffee filter, and bounced off of white poster board. No need to purchase $50 pieces of plastic that they call diffusers.
3. Practice. Lighting is hard, but I believe learning how to use it correctly is essential. I have been using flash for a couple years now and just within the last year or so have I felt like I am getting the hang of it. A photograph is only as good as the light provided. You know you have used flash correctly when people say things like "what was your light setup", or "where is your flash".

Good luck and thanks for sharing!
TEA