Portraits with off-camera flash

[Uncle Frank]

I'm a recent convert to off-camera flash. The process began when I started reading The Strobist,

Strobist: Welcome to Strobist.

and accelerated as I started using a newly acquired su800 to trigger multiple off-camera flashes reliably. But even though I've experimented with pseudo studio portrait lighting, my emphasis remains on mobile rigs for event photography. So last night I used a single sb800 fired through a small 32" umbrella, for illuminating the latest chapter in "Poker Faces".

This example will explain why I find off-camera flash so intriguing. Here's a shot I took of Fast Eddie a few weeks ago. The sb800, mounted in the camera's hotshoe, was shot in bounce mode, using a large bounce card to direct some of the light directly at the subject.



I was pretty happy with the result, and didn't realize how "flat" the rendering was until I saw the off-camera version.



Here's a few other off-camera results from last night.

[Mr. Pickles]

So are you holding the flash off-camera? Or is it on a stand with or without the umbrella? We need a diagram, either here or in Lighting-Tech...

[Uncle Frank]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

So are you holding the flash off-camera? Or is it on a stand with or without the umbrella?

I couldn't use a stand in this crowded venue. I used a single sb800 fired through a small 32" umbrella, and the adapter was hand held. I did some myself, holding the adapter in my left hand and the camera in my right... but it was horribly awkward. So I drafted one of the onlookers to be a human light stand. I had him stand off to the side, and aim the point of the umbrella at the subject's nose.

We need a diagram, either here or in Lighting-Tech...

I hope that means you liked the snaps

[Mr. Pickles]

Yeah, the snaps are good. I dislike the 2nd one the most. Too harsh, but I got some kind of side light in bright sun that look worse.

So your flash was pointed away from the subject, and reflected back towards the subject by the umbrella? Or did you actually fire through the umbrella (like your 1st comment said)?

[Uncle Frank]

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

Yeah, the snaps are good. I dislike the 2nd one the most. Too harsh, but I got some kind of side light in bright sun that look worse.

I've decided that I don't mind strong shadows... or highlights for that matter. I used the naked sb800 on a stand at 45 degrees right to take this outdoor picture, and really like the contrasty result.

So your flash was pointed away from the subject, and reflected back towards the subject by the umbrella? Or did you actually fire through the umbrella (like your 1st comment said)?

I fired the flash through the umbrella. It's translucent white, and with the black backing removed, becomes a pseudo softbox.