portrait help

charlie_merrifi · 03-05-2009, 07:52 PM

how do i keep faces from being to bright? Would a filter help at all

Dao · 03-05-2009, 07:55 PM

Welcome to the forum!!!

I believe it maybe easier for us to help if you can post an example.

AlexColeman · 03-05-2009, 07:55 PM

Sounds like you are overexposing. Post an example.

charlie_merrifi · 03-05-2009, 10:06 PM

had some others at the same settings that turned out ok. Should I use my cameras portrait mode or do manual settings?

Samanax · 03-05-2009, 10:31 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by charlie_merrifi

how do i keep faces from being to bright? Would a filter help at all

had some others at the same settings that turned out ok. Should I use my cameras portrait mode or do manual settings?

Are you using the pop-up flash or an external hot shoe Speedlite?

The flash is causing the harsh washed out look. What shooting mode are you using?

Exif for the 1st picture:
ISO - 400
Shutter Speed - 1/60
Aperture - f/4.5
Focal Length - 36mm

Exif for the 2nd picture:
ISO - 400
Shutter Speed - 1/60
Aperture - f/5.0
Focal Length - 41mm

The shutter speed is too slow and the ISO setting is too high. You want to get the shutter speed higher (if you're shooting in Auto or one of the other Basic modes you're going to be better off going into manual or one of the Creative modes) and the ISO speed lower (100).

You might also want to try to set the aperture to a higher f/stop to stop down the aperture a little more...you might want to try f/8.0 to start with.

charlie_merrifi · 03-05-2009, 10:43 PM

using a pop up flash. what shutter speed would you suggest

4thirds_dude · 03-06-2009, 06:10 AM

Probably the biggest things I've found thus far, and I'm by no means a pro at this yet, are

(1) get the flash off camera, whether that be a speedlight with a TTL cable, etc and/or
(2) soften the flash. If you have to use the popup, there are some interesting options at your local camera store to make the light more pleasant ranging from a pseudo-diffuser to a mini-softbox to a clip on bounce attachment. Most are in the neighborhood of $20

You could just reduce your flash exposure about a step rather than stopping down to f8, maybe slightly more to rectify the more immediate issue.

Dao · 03-06-2009, 07:11 AM

I agree with the off camera flash(es) or at least get a external hotshoe flash that you can bounce the flash off the ceiling or wall(s).

The subject looks so bright is a result of overexposure. Stop it down will help such as using a faster shutter speed. What you can try is instead of using the Auto mode (i.e. Portrait mode), try using the manual mode.

Set the ISO as 100 and then take a shot in "AUTO MODE" and see what setting is used (recommended) by the camera. After noted down the number such as Aperture, shutter speed and ISO, use the manual mode and set the same settings and take a shot. You should get the same result. If the picture is overexpose, try to change the shutter speed (i.e. increase the number), retake the shot and see what happen.

Of course, you may not able to change the shutter speed to a number higher than the max flash sync speed of the camera. I would say, keep experience with it and see what happen.

If you are not familar with shutter speed, aperture. ISO and exposure, you may want to read more about them.

Graham18ce · 03-06-2009, 07:19 AM

pop up flash is always a chance of washing out. I used white cards in front of the flash before and got half decent results that way.
What Meter mode are you using? Maybe Spot meter whould help reduce some of the wash out due to the amount of dark background.
Cheers

Christie Photo · 03-06-2009, 08:39 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by charlie_merrifi

using a pop up flash. what shutter speed would you suggest

Using a pop-up flash is not in itself an exposure problem. And, shutter speed will not effect the flash exposure.

A pop-up flash, or any camera mounted flash, will provide a "straight on" sort of lighting, with very little shadows. The shadows it does cause are not of a desirable sort for portraits. You can properly exposure for this lighting. The problem comes in (with portraits) when the pop-up flash is your only light.

Light "falls off" as it travels. Anything closer to the flash than the subject will be overexposed and anything further from the flash will be underexposed.

You need an additional light source to achieve good results in this situation.

I hope this helps.

-Pete

Samanax · 03-06-2009, 08:44 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by charlie_merrifi

using a pop up flash. what shutter speed would you suggest

I would start at the max flash sync speed your camera is capable of and then go from there. I have the XTi and the max sync speed is 1/200...it might be the same for your XS. Check the manual.

Pop-up flash is the most unflattering flash available. You might want to think about getting a external hot shoe flash like the Canon 430EX II. If you're going to be doing more studio type portrait work you might even want to consider going the strobist route or even studio lights.

Portrait Lighting For Beginners: Introduction

Portrait Lighting

Portrait Lighting 101

Studio Lighting and Posing Tutorial

Early · 03-06-2009, 09:08 AM

That's a heck of a range for any lighting set up. The girl is fair skinned, while the back ground is dark and her shirt even darker. It would be a challenge even for a skilled pro.

As is, you will have to meter on the girl's face since that is the most important part of the portrait.

Dao · 03-06-2009, 10:13 AM

I am wondering if the XS has the "Spot metering"? My 40D has it, but my XTi do not.

You the XS has the Spot meter, I will use that and meter the face as well.

charlie_merrifi · 03-06-2009, 02:01 PM

thanks for the help. That is my middle daughter. She has darker skin and not a problem.

03-05-2009, 07:52 PM	#1
charlie_merrifi No longer a newbie, moving up! Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Salem Oregon Posts: 31 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My Gallery: (0)	portrait help how do i keep faces from being to bright? Would a filter help at all

03-05-2009, 07:55 PM	#3
AlexColeman TPF Junkie! Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Mesa, Arizona Posts: 1,599 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts My Gallery: (0)	Sounds like you are overexposing. Post an example. __________________ New:: D3S 17-35, 50 1.4, 70-200, 105 Macro

03-06-2009, 06:10 AM	#7
4thirds_dude No longer a newbie, moving up! Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Northern California, CA Posts: 51 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My Gallery: (0)	Probably the biggest things I've found thus far, and I'm by no means a pro at this yet, are (1) get the flash off camera, whether that be a speedlight with a TTL cable, etc and/or (2) soften the flash. If you have to use the popup, there are some interesting options at your local camera store to make the light more pleasant ranging from a pseudo-diffuser to a mini-softbox to a clip on bounce attachment. Most are in the neighborhood of $20 You could just reduce your flash exposure about a step rather than stopping down to f8, maybe slightly more to rectify the more immediate issue. __________________ http://pschwefel.deviantart.com/ C&C always welcome! Olympus E-510 Zuiko 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 kit Sigma 70-200 f4-5.6 Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 FL-36R flash ...soon 70-200mm f2.8 and 9-18mm Zuiko... Olympus OM-1 50mm f1.8 90-210mm f/4 28mm 35-105mm f3.5-5.6

03-06-2009, 07:19 AM	#9
Graham18ce No longer a newbie, moving up! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Milton, ON Canada Posts: 53 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My Gallery: (0)	pop up flash is always a chance of washing out. I used white cards in front of the flash before and got half decent results that way. What Meter mode are you using? Maybe Spot meter whould help reduce some of the wash out due to the amount of dark background. Cheers __________________ Graham Fralick Nikon D90 MB-D80 SB-600 Nikon AF 80-400mm Nikon AF 50mm 1.8 Nikon 18-105mm (kit) CF Monopod

03-06-2009, 08:39 AM	#10
Christie Photo TPF Junkie! Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Kankakee, IL Posts: 5,438 Thanked 18 Times in 16 Posts My Gallery: (1)	Quote: Originally Posted by charlie_merrifi using a pop up flash. what shutter speed would you suggest Using a pop-up flash is not in itself an exposure problem. And, shutter speed will not effect the flash exposure. A pop-up flash, or any camera mounted flash, will provide a "straight on" sort of lighting, with very little shadows. The shadows it does cause are not of a desirable sort for portraits. You can properly exposure for this lighting. The problem comes in (with portraits) when the pop-up flash is your only light. Light "falls off" as it travels. Anything closer to the flash than the subject will be overexposed and anything further from the flash will be underexposed. You need an additional light source to achieve good results in this situation. I hope this helps. -Pete __________________ Limitless undying love which shines around me like a million suns; It calls me on and on... www.christiephoto.com

03-05-2009, 07:55 PM	#2
Dao TPF Junkie! Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 2,414 Thanked 47 Times in 44 Posts My Gallery: (0)	Welcome to the forum!!! I believe it maybe easier for us to help if you can post an example.

03-05-2009, 10:06 PM	#4
charlie_merrifi No longer a newbie, moving up! Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Salem Oregon Posts: 31 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My Gallery: (0)	had some others at the same settings that turned out ok. Should I use my cameras portrait mode or do manual settings?

03-05-2009, 10:31 PM	#5
Samanax TPF Junkie! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kaneohe, Oahu Posts: 2,559 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 64 Times in 64 Posts My Gallery: (0)	Quote: Originally Posted by charlie_merrifi how do i keep faces from being to bright? Would a filter help at all had some others at the same settings that turned out ok. Should I use my cameras portrait mode or do manual settings? Are you using the pop-up flash or an external hot shoe Speedlite? The flash is causing the harsh washed out look. What shooting mode are you using? Exif for the 1st picture: ISO - 400 Shutter Speed - 1/60 Aperture - f/4.5 Focal Length - 36mm Exif for the 2nd picture: ISO - 400 Shutter Speed - 1/60 Aperture - f/5.0 Focal Length - 41mm The shutter speed is too slow and the ISO setting is too high. You want to get the shutter speed higher (if you're shooting in Auto or one of the other Basic modes you're going to be better off going into manual or one of the Creative modes) and the ISO speed lower (100). You might also want to try to set the aperture to a higher f/stop to stop down the aperture a little more...you might want to try f/8.0 to start with.

03-05-2009, 10:43 PM	#6
charlie_merrifi No longer a newbie, moving up! Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Salem Oregon Posts: 31 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My Gallery: (0)	using a pop up flash. what shutter speed would you suggest

03-06-2009, 07:11 AM	#8
Dao TPF Junkie! Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 2,414 Thanked 47 Times in 44 Posts My Gallery: (0)	I agree with the off camera flash(es) or at least get a external hotshoe flash that you can bounce the flash off the ceiling or wall(s). The subject looks so bright is a result of overexposure. Stop it down will help such as using a faster shutter speed. What you can try is instead of using the Auto mode (i.e. Portrait mode), try using the manual mode. Set the ISO as 100 and then take a shot in "AUTO MODE" and see what setting is used (recommended) by the camera. After noted down the number such as Aperture, shutter speed and ISO, use the manual mode and set the same settings and take a shot. You should get the same result. If the picture is overexpose, try to change the shutter speed (i.e. increase the number), retake the shot and see what happen. Of course, you may not able to change the shutter speed to a number higher than the max flash sync speed of the camera. I would say, keep experience with it and see what happen. If you are not familar with shutter speed, aperture. ISO and exposure, you may want to read more about them.

03-06-2009, 08:44 AM	#11
Samanax TPF Junkie! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Kaneohe, Oahu Posts: 2,559 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 64 Times in 64 Posts My Gallery: (0)	Quote: Originally Posted by charlie_merrifi using a pop up flash. what shutter speed would you suggest I would start at the max flash sync speed your camera is capable of and then go from there. I have the XTi and the max sync speed is 1/200...it might be the same for your XS. Check the manual. Pop-up flash is the most unflattering flash available. You might want to think about getting a external hot shoe flash like the Canon 430EX II. If you're going to be doing more studio type portrait work you might even want to consider going the strobist route or even studio lights. Portrait Lighting For Beginners: Introduction Portrait Lighting Portrait Lighting 101 Studio Lighting and Posing Tutorial

03-06-2009, 09:08 AM	#12
Early I spend too much of my life on TPF! Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Western NJ Posts: 957 My Photos Are NOT OK to Edit Thanked 4 Times in 4 Posts My Gallery: (0)	That's a heck of a range for any lighting set up. The girl is fair skinned, while the back ground is dark and her shirt even darker. It would be a challenge even for a skilled pro. As is, you will have to meter on the girl's face since that is the most important part of the portrait.

03-06-2009, 10:13 AM	#13
Dao TPF Junkie! Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 2,414 Thanked 47 Times in 44 Posts My Gallery: (0)	I am wondering if the XS has the "Spot metering"? My 40D has it, but my XTi do not. You the XS has the Spot meter, I will use that and meter the face as well.

03-06-2009, 02:01 PM	#14
charlie_merrifi No longer a newbie, moving up! Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Salem Oregon Posts: 31 My Photos Are OK to Edit Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My Gallery: (0)	thanks for the help. That is my middle daughter. She has darker skin and not a problem.

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