First time Yongnuo flash usage!

[Braineack]

how about none?

 

[90foxbox]

how about none?

I don't believe my flash supports HSS so I was under the impression that a ND filter would be necessary to not cause the image to be blown out when shooting in bright conditions outside?

For inside shots I will definitely remove the filter next time. I wasn't aware it was hurting the images to this degree.

I'm new to all this, so I very well could be wrong in regards to HSS.

 

[Braineack]

Yeah, unless you close the aperture, a 2-ND filter would probably be best in those situations.

I also can only go to 1/200 with the flash. I can sync fine at 1/250 using remote triggers and depending how i frame the shot, still have useable space at 1/300, but that doesn't really help you get 1/2000 and say f/2.8 on a bright day with some flash fill.

So yeah, the ND filter is probably the best solution for this, but the one you are using seems to hurt your IQ. I guess one easy easy way to tell is to take the same shot with and without and post the results.

 

[Derrel]

I have no suggestions on a variable neutral density or "fader", except to suggest one buy a VERY GOOD quality model. Same goes with low-grade polarizing filters. It's pretty amazing how bad the Original size images look on Flickr...at first I thought you'd missed focus, but that sort of "vibrating" look, and the star-filter look on the catchlights in the eyes made me realize it was the filter ruining the shots. Luckily, the original captures are so,so large, that down-rezzed shots look acceptable. They ARE in-focus, yes...but the variable neutral density filter is really hurting the image formation.

 

[Designer]

how about none?

I don't believe my flash supports HSS so I was under the impression that a ND filter would be necessary to not cause the image to be blown out when shooting in bright conditions outside?

For inside shots I will definitely remove the filter next time. I wasn't aware it was hurting the images to this degree.

I'm new to all this, so I very well could be wrong in regards to HSS.

Why do you need HSS flash?

Also, you can adjust the output of the flash.

Just keep your shutter speed at or below (longer shutter opening) the sync speed of your camera. Don't know about the Yongnuo flashes, but typically the lower you select the output, the shorter duration of the flash, which won't hurt at all.

Anyway, you shouldn't need both kinds of filter unless you are shooting landscapes toward the sun.

Please do some more practicing now, even if you don't have a model. Just set up some object as your subject, remove the filters, set the flash for lower output, set your shutter speed no shorter than the sync speed, and fire away. Adjust flash output higher or lower as needed.

 

[Braineack]

His outdoor shot was at Noon at 4.5 and 1/160. I don't believe he would be able to do that again without the ND and retain 4.5 to drop out the background like the he did. And he was using his 50mm 1.8. What if he wanted to shoot at 3.2? or 2.8? or even at 1.8? Without the ND filter he used, to stay at 1/160, he probably really needed to be at f/8 or 11 maybe? Then the fence would have been in focus and not as good as a shot.

 

[Designer]

His outdoor shot was at Noon at 4.5 and 1/160. I don't believe he would be able to do that again without the ND and retain 4.5 to drop out the background like the he did. And he was using his 50mm 1.8. What if he wanted to shoot at 3.2? or 2.8? or even at 1.8? Without the ND filter he used, to stay at 1/160, he probably really needed to be at f/8 or 11 maybe? Then the fence would have been in focus and not as good as a shot.

Yes, the background clutter is something to consider.

 

[90foxbox]

Thanks for all the advice guys. Definitely going to be practicing a lot more.

Again, thank you.