Can you tell I used a flash in this picture? I've stared at this picture too long, so now I don't know what I think...but I think I'm pretty happy with it. At least it's not a bright flash with a black background, right? :-)
I used my 580EX II Speedlite and swiveled the flash backwards, bouncing it behind me and over my head. I tried to split the difference between the ceiling and the wall behind me, and I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. I was able to get pretty decent catchlights in Livia's eyes (a reflection from the ceiling), and not those yucky pinlights that you often see with flash. There is no natural light coming from the direction she is facing. She's actually standing on my bed watching TV. All the windows are behind her. Of course, this is only my 2nd attempt with the Speedlite (this year, that is), so I know there's room for improvement. Last year I didn't have a clue what to do with my flash, and the pictures were a bit of a nightmare. My Speedlite has pretty much been hanging out in my camera bag since last winter.
I'm not trying to re-invent the wheel here, so instead of trying to explain it, I'm just going to link you to this extremely helpful post about using your Speedlite to get natural looking (non-flashy) images.
Using a flash is uncharted territory for me, but in a previous post I promised to share what I learn along the way. Be sure to check out the link; I think you'll find it very helpful! :-)
(Be sure to scroll down halfway through the post. That's where the Speedlite information begins).
19 comments:
It doesn't appear that you used flash to me-- Lovely photo of the tornado by the way! :-D She's absolutely adorable!
Sonja
First of all, love her outfit! That pink tutu is adorable. Second, looking at this picture, yes I can tell it was lit by flash. With that said, though, it looks amazing! If I wasn't a photographer, I would never know!
Whoa. I have an untrained eye, but to me it doesn't look flashy at all.
This photo looks very "natural light" to me. And that tutu is too cute, especially paired with the t-shirt.
You already know I think it looks natural. Flash or not...I love it - so there.
The picture looks great. I would never guess you used a flash. Thanks for the link. I can definitely use help with getting the most out of my speedlite.
Oh she's a cutie! I remember your last post about flash. I don't have anything other than the stock flash, so I'm real new, but even that I've been trying to play around. This pictures looks great and natural! LOVE IT!
This is what you were explaining to me! I'm getting a speedlight for Christmas, can't wait to start experimenting. This picture is beautiful and doesn't have any of that ugliness that indoor flash pics normally have!
I'm certainly no expert, but I think it's gorgeously lit!
I've got a SunPak 383 & a Gary Fong lighsphere I just *had* to have last year that I've been going to put on e-bay because I could've won a "worst flash photo" contest the one time I used it. Hmmmm......
Debra
I am definitely going to check out that site. Thanks for sharing. I like this shot gorgeous. I know some of the pictures I took today with the flash had pin lights even when I bounced it off the wall. I have a lot to learn.
Well I think ya did great.. and no! it is not flashy. I love my speed light.. although natural light is where my heart will always be, sometimes it just is not available. I , of course, shoot nikon so I use a SB-800. Love that thing, although it is almost as heavy as my camera..LOL
Thanks for your comments on our new abode.. We take off Saturday when the truck is all loaded.
I can't tell you used a flash. It looks totally natural to me. :)
And, btw... I heart her outfit!! :D Now I need to find a tutu for Hannah. ;)
I think it's a beautiful shot, but then I know absolutely nothing about flash. Did you drag your shutter a bit to get the background so nice?
Great shot - I'm hoping for a fancy flash for Christmas so that I can try to take some more "daylight" shots in the winter.
Adorable! I'm impressed you used flash--it looks great and natural...something I cannot do with a flash-ha!
Gorgeous picture. I never would have guessed you used a flash. I really need to improve my speedlight skills. I'll check out the link - thanks for sharing!
I think it's a great photo - very natural looking!
This is beautiful, I can't tell that you used flash. Good Job!!!
thanks for this post, exploring with my flash has been a nightmare! i hate the "flash" look so I just go without which leaves most of my pics too dark! i definitely need to invest in a speedlight!
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