Another Flash/no Flash test....

[ababysean]

I'm surprised no one asked what your flash power was...

I would suggest turning your flash power down if you can, and then opening up your aperture. As I understand it, one step in power +/- is equal to 1/3 stop of your aperture. So you could turn your flash power down, open up your aperture a bit more to get the blurred hearts. A longer focal length would have helped as well, 85-100mm would be great probably.

Then the background is going to be blown.

That's kind of dependent on the time of day, isn't it? Towards dusk, it's easily done.

Yes, I think I can get pretty decent photos at the golden hours of the day, but I have to get practical here, especially for winter shooting, 8am and 4pm are not the most convenient times for family photography. I know mid day shooting can be done with decent results, I just have to practice to do so.

 

[Robin Usagani]

It looks like a reflector is your weapon of choice Crystal. Dont bother using the flash because I dont think you like how it looks.

 

[ababysean]

then I have to either find a way to hold the camera and the reflector. I've been practicing.
I need a reflector holder arm I guess would be the best way to go.

this?
Amazon.com: CowboyStudio High Quality Reflector Holding Arm New: Camera & Photo

or?????

 

[Robin Usagani]

use a heavy tripod, hang it, add clips. Adjust legs to get different angles.

 

[ababysean]

lol did you see my picture on facebook.
I had it mounted to a tripod with clips, but the problem comes in with the angles, you need to angle the reflector to get the sun light, especially at noon, and there was no way I could do that with clips. I even tried to adjust the tripod legs, to point the reflector up....yea,it was not pretty.
I am going to sell my kit 18-55 lens to the camera store here, and get a few things,that will probably be one of them. I also have a giftcard for the difference.

 

[Robin Usagani]

be creative.. you can do it if it is not windy

 

[vtf]

I would've used fishing line to hide the strings, the hearts look fine.
I would've spread the hearts completely across the back ground.
I like the second one best, but would've taken an upward portrait shot or maybe against the trunk to hide the ground behind.

 

[kundalini]

I had it mounted to a tripod with clips, but the problem comes in with the angles, you need to angle the reflector to get the sun light, especially at noon, and there was no way I could do that with clips. I even tried to adjust the tripod legs, to point the reflector up....yea,it was not pretty.

One possible solution is a reflector boom arm on top of a (sturdy) light stand.
1100 Westcott Illuminator Arm For Reflectors

 

[ghache]

a reflector holder arm + a stand with alot of sandbags. it really steady
i use the 10 pounds ankles weight from wall mart.

 

[gsgary]

Don't you think they are too young to be sending valentine cards

 

[ababysean]

Don't you think they are too young to be sending valentine cards

WTF????
My kids are school aged, and in any case what does it matter if they were 3 days old and I wanted to make a Valentine Card?

 

[gsgary]

Don't you think they are too young to be sending valentine cards

WTF????
My kids are school aged, and in any case what does it matter if they were 3 days old and I wanted to make a Valentine Card?

Bit strange to me, over here we send them when we start getting interested in girls

 

[ababysean]

Don't you think they are too young to be sending valentine cards

WTF????
My kids are school aged, and in any case what does it matter if they were 3 days old and I wanted to make a Valentine Card?

Bit strange to me, over here we send them when we start getting interested in girls

Well over here, they have a Valentines Party in each classroom and exchange Valentines. Each child gives one to their classmates, it is not about anything other then candy and a party.

 

[jake337]

Maybe I missed a post as I read through. Couldn't the OP use their sb600 on camera on FP for a higher sync speed to kill the ambient? Could they fire their sb600 on camera into a reflector camera right or left as well?