Flash Photography

Ferns, Weeds and a Flower

photo-info — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 04:48:31 -0400

I have been doing some experimentation with different lighting techniques since getting my Flash Waves radio triggers. Here are a few macro samples of flora from around my yard.

Getting the flash (or flashes) off the camera certainly lets you control your lighting much better.

You don't need to go far to find inspiration!

Ferns

Dual FL-36 flashes. Shoot through umbrella to the right about 4 feet from the subject, with flash on full power.

Another FL-36 strobe with home made snoot and grid in close slightly to the left set to 1/32 power to make the purple leaf stand out from the background. Without this it was rather dull.

Backlighting

photo-info — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 21:27:33 -0400

Backlighting is a technique whereby you light the subject from behind. That is, the light source (or sources) is in front of the camera but behind the subject. If the subject is opaque in nature such as the kiwifruit example you get a nice glowing effect.

You can take a couple of different approaches with this type of photography. Use available light, off camera lighting or a combination of both.

With my example here I needed a controlled environment so went with a single off camera flash triggered by a Flash Wave radio trigger. I also wanted a Hi-Key image which emphasized the dark areas of the kiwifruit slice (something a little different to the thousands of other kiwifruit images I have seen on the Internet).

My Bounce Card

photo-info — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 04:11:15 -0400

Ever notices that when you use the flash on your camera that you end up with very strong shadows behind your subject? This is particularly true when there is a wall in close proximity behind your subject.

The first image is taken with my bounce card. The 2nd image is with direct flash. A big difference don't you think?

This can be very distracting and draw attention away from your subject rather than towards it. Ultimately ruing the composition of your image.

Using and external flash unit (not the built in or pop-up flash) there are various techniques available to help control the light. Each have their own merit and application.

My preferred method of using a Bounce Card allows consistent repeatable results with the minimum of fuss and provides good portability. It is a mobile solution that works very well indoors where you have a white wall or ceiling to assist.

What a bounce card allows you to do is turn your single flash into two different more controllable light sources. Two light sources I hear you say, how can that be? It's really quite simple. The bulk of the light is reflected of the ceiling back onto your subject. While a lesser amount of light is directed forward onto your subject. Leading to a more evenly illuminated subject. Using the power settings on your flash (as well as aperture, ISO and shutter speed) you can control the amount of light hitting your subject.

Radio Flash Triggers

photo-info — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 05:20:21 -0400

Updated 3rd August 2008

I am currently researching Radio Triggers to remotely trigger off camera strobes (flashes). This will allow me more precisely control my lighting and help me to develop my creative side.

What I am looking for initially is a setup with 1 transmitter and 2-3 receivers which will allow me to have a flexible setup for different circumstances.

On a side note, I will be using Olympus flashes FL36/FL50. While I know that the new FL36R/FL50R flashes have a good remote capabilities - via the inbuilt flash (with supported bodies E-3 E-420 and E-520). But, I currently shoot with an E-510 and non R flash.

To avoid GST on imports the price must be less than $500 NZ including shipping!