12.07.2010

flash in the bath

As you might remember, I don't know diddly do about flash, but I promised to share what I learn along the way. I gave it another whirl tonight while Livia was in the bath.

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The pictures above were obviously cropped, so you can't see the full effect of the side-lighting, but look at the picture below. You'll see there is more light on the left side of Livia's face (our right). Also by looking at the catchlights in her eyes, you can tell where I bounced the flash. I swiveled the flash up and to the right, and bounced it off the side of the shower wall.

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Pretty decent catchlights for using flash, don't you think? ... and considering I don't know exactly what I'm doing.
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For those of you learning how to use your Speedlite, here are my settings:
camera on manual mode
f/5
ss 1/30 (remember, 1/30 is waaaaay too slow to hand hold if you are using natural light. Flash stops movement, and a slow shutter speed allows more ambient light to come it. The opposite effect is a bright white person and a harsh dark background - yucky!)
ISO 400

flash on manual mode at 1/16 power

That's about as helpful as I can be at this point. ;-) I'll be sure and share if I learn anything new.

I apologize for not being able to do any blog visiting today...I so hope you'll understand! (A post on that to come). Thank you so much for your sweet comments about my 10 on Tuesday. Those posts take a bit of work with all the pictures, and your kind words motivate me to keep it going. I'll try my best!

Happy Wednesday! ♥

26 comments:

kitten said...

Cuteness overload! :)

Unknown said...

You did a great job Karli for not knowing what you are doing!!!!

She is CUTE beyond words :-)

Blessings,
Jill
www.fnaphotography.blogspot.com

Ashley said...

I think you do know what you're doing! Livia is so adorable.

cooperl788 said...

I love that Livia is willing to smile for you anywhere - while eating toast with a a fork, in the car, outside, even in a bathtub! I think your experimentation with your flash has had some really great outcomes!

Courtney said...

What a perfect way to achieve a white background...I never would have thought of that. Thank you too for posting your settings. I have an external flash & to say the least, I'm intimidated by it. I think I'll pull it out today & practice. :)

Anonymous said...

I think you did a great job! I don't know how to change the settings on my flash yet.

Discovery School at First Baptist Heath said...

perfection as usual... I bow to your skill.

Amy H said...

You did great! Using the bathtub as a background was a great idea. Love the first pic.

Jess said...

For "not knowing what you're doing" I think those look great. I've been playing around with a borrowed Nikon speedlight, and honestly, it's been a disaster.

allie k reid said...

I love all of those pictures! She is so cute! Thank you so much for the sweet comment on my blog! I love to hear from others how I'm doing. Sometimes I feel like I'm not even that good! I'm glad people like my pictures!

Kristi said...

She is just the CUTEST! Thanks for sharing as you go.

stacey said...

The flash scares me. Seriously, I have a phobia. But now I'm inspired by these photos! Amazing job. I still have a fear, but keep sharing your knowledge and maybe I'll cave and buy that speedlight too. Maybe. :-)

PS....She is so cute I could just eat her. Adorable.

Ciera said...

Dont known what you're doing?? Psh. Looks like you're a pro ;) Great photos!

happy me said...

Darling cute photos!

Brooke said...

Okay, I don't believe you! You don't know what you're doing - blahhahaha! These are amazing. I would say you are a master with that flashy thingy. Love the photos - they are beautiful. And, um, is that little girl of yours getting cuter by the day?!?!?! :D Hugs!

Casey Martinez said...

I've been trying to get better acquainted with my flash too lately...a frustrating process but, one that will be worthwhile in the long run especially if I ever have the opportunity to begin doing newborn photo sessions! These pictures look amazing! Soft lighting and great catch lights!

Diana said...

I'm still using my built in flash (oh the horror!) when I absolutely need it because I know nothing about flash and which one to buy because I've heard if I get the wrong one, it could fry my entire DSLR! Thank you this little "tutorial" though!

Unknown said...

Not knowing what you're doing?? I think you're getting the hang of it. ;) She is so cute! I love the little squinty grin above the B&W.

Ashley Sisk said...

Seriously...for not knowing what you're doing, you seem to be rocking your flash. Can we talk about this new camera that I have that I'm scared to touch...that's a real problem! That, and I'm exhausted!

Nat said...

Love all the shots! She is a doll! my next purchase is either the 100mm macro lens or a flash. Thanks for the tutorial for when I get it. ;) and thanks for the cmt on my blog. I totally can see how you don't have a family picture, ours was hard work and I only have one baby!

Anna said...

A bathtub, that's genius! For claiming to not know much (I don't believe you BTW!) ..you're pictures turn out A-MAZING! :)

Kari said...

Good job. I have a flash that's been in it's box, unopened, since last Xmas. Still don't know when it'll make an appearance. XOXO

stacey said...

Okay, just read your comment on my blog. Audrey Woulard? Uh...love her. Aren't you the sweetest.

Skye said...

I just found your blog through Mumsyhood - I love your blog - consider me a new follower for sure! Love your photos... and as I sit here hoping for my SLR from Santa this year... I can read your photo tips & tricks... and wait for my camera! :)
p.s. Your daughter is so gorgeous!!
~Skye

Natalie said...

Beautiful! I love it, in fact Im about to bring my lil monkey to take a bath and now im thinkin tub pictures!! :-) you always do wonderfully karli! I enjoy following your work

Naomi said...

I'm impressed! It sure looks like you know what you're doing...they are great shots! And Livia is beyond adorable! I've been debating about the speedlite thing...you'll have to fill me in!