One Flash/ One Reflector - Costume Portraits

Hi Guys,

I've been a long time visitor to these forums, trying to get in as much inspiration and information as possible. This is my very first post so hopefully everyone is able to see my photos. I've done weddings before, but by no means a professional (...yet).

These were all shot with D200; Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8; ISO 200.

Lighting with SB-800 (@1/32th; 85mm Zoom) - camera left; Triggered with Pocket Wizards; Silver reflector (next to window) -camera right.

RAW versions converted in Lightroom. Only minor contrast boost, and vignette added.

C&C welcome.

http://picasaweb.google.com/riprod/HalloweenPortraits

-Ren

Very cute kids and they seem to enjoy the session, which is great! Some are actually very good. The girl has potential to work as a child model.
Good job with one light+reflector. The horses on the back wall distract heavily.

Dan

Thank you Dan for your comments.

The girl with the 2 missing teeth is my daughter. She's like my little assistant. The Power Ranger is my nephew, and as you can see on some of the photos, he was more interested in the setup (lights and fans).

The background was an unconscious element. It was in my living room, and the only room with enough space to get the kids away from the wall in order to get the low-key lighting (I hope I used that term correctly). Also I don't own any background canvasses yet. But I do plan to make my own soon.

Dan Goldman said:

Very cute kids and they seem to enjoy the session, which is great!
Some are actually very good. The girl has potential to work as a
child model.
Good job with one light+reflector. The horses on the back wall
distract heavily.

Dan

Click to expand...

Was it your intention to make their legs overly dark?

I would have liked even exposure.

When you have an off camera flash, it's usually a good idea to avoid having the beam set to be narrow, because the odds of getting the whole subject properly lit are pretty slim.

BAK

Actually it was sorta intended. I zoomed the flash head so it wouldn't spread onto the wall. I'm also still in the experimenting stage of photography - seeing what the gear can do at different settings.

Going into this shoot, I wanted something directional and high contrast. I thought it would be okay since it was a Power Ranger costume (action-oriented).
Adding a vignette also added to the tone of the pictures.

However, I appreciate your comments. I definitely need more refinement on my technique and light modification.

BAK said:

Was it your intention to make their legs overly dark?

I would have liked even exposure.

When you have an off camera flash, it's usually a good idea to avoid
having the beam set to be narrow, because the odds of getting the
whole subject properly lit are pretty slim.

BAK

Click to expand...