Where to position my off camera flash

[GingerT]

I am looking for some real simple diagrams if there are anywhere. I mainly shoot newborns, maternity and children. I have a 580 EX II I am learning to use off camera (and hope to throw in my Sigma Super DG into the mix once I master the Speedlight maybe for a hairlight or rim light or something)

Anyways, I have no idea where to position my umbrella to give the nicest lighting. So used to natural light that this whole flash stuff boggles my mind lol

[yendikeno]

Here's an older thread which links to some pretty good info for light placement:

Some Helpful Lighting Set Up for Newbies :)

[charliec]

a wealth of information can be found at strobist.com

I recommend starting here

Strobist: Lighting 101

[jason.young]

Originally Posted by charliec

a wealth of information can be found at strobist.com

I recommend starting here

Strobist: Lighting 101

this is the best suggestion.. but honestly, your gonna place the flash in different places depending on what you are going for. there is no real perfect setting or place...
its all in what you want to do...
my suggestion would be to get out there and try it...
just remember, exposure will change with distance between subject and light. if you get your proper exposure at one place and then move the subject or light.. you might get a different exposure!

[Light Currents]

Originally Posted by jason.young

this is the best suggestion.. but honestly, your gonna place the flash in different places depending on what you are going for. there is no real perfect setting or place...
its all in what you want to do...
my suggestion would be to get out there and try it...
just remember, exposure will change with distance between subject and light. if you get your proper exposure at one place and then move the subject or light.. you might get a different exposure!

Agreed. When I'm doing OCF, I often put the camera's self-timer on, then grab the flash and take many shots while moving the flash in each to different positions. One of the hardest things to do is to envision what shadows and lighting will look like when the flash is positioned at a certain location. There is a good article on The Strobist that will help you do so.

LC

[swift_wraith]

try Fotopunto.com: Explained lighting schemes

is more for general portfolio pics but its helped me immensly

[jfrancho]

just remember, exposure will change with distance between subject and light. if you get your proper exposure at one place and then move the subject or light.. you might get a different exposure!

Not in ETTL mode with a Canon flash. There is a pre flash that determines proper output for exposure. This can be controlled as well with Flash Exposure Compensation (FEC) in +/- 1/3 stop increments.

HOWEVER: For this type of stuff, I prefer to use manual output mode, and in that case either you use an incident meter, or take some test shots, review and adjust vis-a-vis the strobist. In this case, jason's advice is right on the money.

It all depends on the situation. If you are chasing a toddler around, then ETTL is probably easier. If its a mother and an infant sitting still, manual will offer more consistency.

[jason.young]

Originally Posted by jfrancho

Not in ETTL mode with a Canon flash. There is a pre flash that determines proper output for exposure. This can be controlled as well with Flash Exposure Compensation (FEC) in +/- 1/3 stop increments.

HOWEVER: For this type of stuff, I prefer to use manual output mode, and in that case either you use an incident meter, or take some test shots, review and adjust vis-a-vis the strobist. In this case, jason's advice is right on the money.

It all depends on the situation. If you are chasing a toddler around, then ETTL is probably easier. If its a mother and an infant sitting still, manual will offer more consistency.

I try to never use ETTL, only because you will most likely have a different exposure every time. There are occasions that I do use it, but I try to slim those down to none!

[Light Currents]

Soooooo, speaking about all this stuff, anybody out there have experience with the Radio Popper yet, or know anybody who has?

[jason.young]

Originally Posted by Light Currents

Soooooo, speaking about all this stuff, anybody out there have experience with the Radio Popper yet, or know anybody who has?

I do not... I am waiting for the juniors to come out!

[jfrancho]

I try to never use ETTL, only because you will most likely have a different exposure every time.

usually it underexposes by 2/3 stop. Occasionally its wacky. Have fun chasing little kids or shooting sports in manual flash out put mode.

[Mark McCall]

I use an almost 45-60 degree angle.

[Bob Kupecky]

Hi Mark,
How are you powering your Metz 45. I have used a quantum 2 or NiMHs but would like faster recycle times outdoors. Used to use turbos but the cells went bad.

[Alfred D.]

Originally Posted by GingerT

Anyways, I have no idea where to position my umbrella to give the nicest lighting.

"Nicest lighting" is subjective. What I think is nice you may abhor. And v.v. So please define what you consider the "nicest lighting".

[Mark McCall]

Originally Posted by Bob Kupecky

Hi Mark,
How are you powering your Metz 45. I have used a quantum 2 or NiMHs but would like faster recycle times outdoors. Used to use turbos but the cells went bad.

I use the NiMH 6 AA clusters. They recycle lighting fast, and they fit completely into the handle of the 45CL-4.

The only time I have to wait for a recycle is when they begin to die.

[Bob Kupecky]

Thanks Mark. I have been using AA NiMH batteries in my holder but they haven't been too fast. Of course they are older 1500 mAh batteries. Maybe time to buy some newer ones

[Mark McCall]

Bob,
Try the factory cluster that has the batteries already installed. These hold a charge better than the rechargeable AA's.

[Bob Kupecky]

Mark, I will try the Metz NiMH clusters. I use to have the Metz NiCad clusters but went with the removeable NiMH AA batteries when they came out. Thanks for your feedback.