Couple of Grandson

[snerd]

Managed to take these 3 of him. I decided to pull the flash out (which I'm not very good with yet either), plus learning the new camera. Double frustration!!











I've got about 6 hours left to live.................... don't pile on too bad.

 

[Rosy]

Hi Snerd

Practice makes perfect..

try off camera flash, with some sort of modifiers
always check out your background, you want your subject to be the main attraction

 

[kanuski]

Yea, off camera flash and an umbrella would get rid of the glare on his forehead. You could try bouncing the light off of a wall, ceiling or other reflector if you don't have the gear for this. White balance is off as well.

 

[snerd]

Thanks Rosy and kanuski. I've started the search for a beginner lighting kit over the next 30 days.

 

[mmaria]

Well, I do understand that you have to practice with your new toy

- white balance
- watch the background
- get on his level
- get him out of the house

 

[Derrel]

The whole flash thing gets better the more one understands the theories and the practical decisions one needs to make inside of various room sizes and types. My opinion is that one of the strengths of the newer FF bodies is the ability to boost the ISO levels way up when using bounced flash; flash with a single speedlight like the 580 EX-II is a whole 'nother ballgame when the camera's ISO is at 500,640,800,and so on.

I think maybe the BEST, and the simplest flash photography tips and tricks writing and illustration comes from Neil VanNeikirk's "Tangents" blog, located here: http://neilvn.com/tangents/flash-photography-techniques/flash-photography-tips/

 

[Bamps]

What I do, (I'm no expert, I'm just a beginner), is tell my Gson, don't smile what ever you do, even if I say girls. And that usually breaks an honest smile, right after the smile peaks is when I snap.

 

[snerd]

Thanks, all. I think while waiting on a starter lighting kit, I'll practice with turning my flash and bouncing it.

 

[mmaria]

snerd... ok... jmho...

I don't know why you're in a hurry for getting more equipment? you already have even more then you really need in order to practice and learn. inmho getting the flash would be too much for you to handle at this point. Of course, you're gonna get that flash either way...

You should be more concentrating on your composition and understanding light. Your camera has great iso capabilities to allow you to take pictures in almost any of the light conditions.

Take a deep breath and observe the light around you and your subjects. Think about framing and composing things you want to capture. You can do that even without 5dmk3 in your hands

Sorry but I had to say it at one point. I think that the better equipment you get at this point the easier it gets to be overwhelmed and confused.

 

[snerd]

Hi, mmaria!! You're exactly right, of course. But I live for the overwhelming confusion! And I am going to concentrate on understanding light over the next few weeks. I went out to the wildlife refuge today and practiced a lot with metering in manual mode. Metering off the sky, or the landscape, etc. It was a great learning experience! I played with exposure and light metering mainly, and learned how to get better exposures, as the sun was in and out a lot. I'll get there, I have no doubt! And any c&c is always welcome, you don't have to worry about any feelings with me. Thanks!

 

[mmaria]

I'll get there, I have no doubt!

Yes, if you're determined, you'll get there.

And any c&c is always welcome, you don't have to worry about any feelings with me.

Are you sure!? I'm not going to sugarcoat!

Be warned!

 

[snerd]

I'll get there, I have no doubt!

Yes, if you're determined, you'll get there.

And any c&c is always welcome, you don't have to worry about any feelings with me.

Are you sure!? I'm not going to sugarcoat!

Be warned!

Yes, I'm sure. Thanks for taking an interest in my noobness.

 

[mmaria]

Are you sure!? I'm not going to sugarcoat!
Be warned!

Yes, I'm sure. Thanks for taking an interest in my noobness.

well, I think you're a good looking blue creature with a nice sense of humor and who could forget those dragonflies!?... so, no problem