First try with flash C & C please

[MSnowy]

Just picked up a sb600 and iShoot Wireless Flash Trigger. This was my first time using a flash other than the pop-up. d300 in manual with flash set to manual.

1

2

 

[MissCream]

I'm just going to go out on a limb and say your monitor isn't calibrated... Correct? I would de-saturate the reds quite a bit.

 

[MSnowy]

I'm just going to go out on a limb and say your monitor isn't calibrated... Correct? I would de-saturate the reds quite a bit.

You chose the right limb. non calibrated monitor. thanks I'll give it a try.

 

[KmH]

Really try and avoid dappled sunlight which caused the hot spot on her forehead in #2. There is also a hard distracting shadow on the camera right side of her mouth.

The sharp edged, harsh shadows that are caused by an apparently small light source, like a bare SB-600, are not very flattering. That's why portrait photographers use light modifiers, like umbrellas, to make the light source apparent much larger.

She looks quite natural in #1, but forced in #2. I would have had her lower her chin just slightly, turn it to the right away from the camera about 2 inches, and then bring just her eyes back to look in the camera lens, Your camera position was pretty good, just a bit to low.

Here is kind of what I tell people, and also do to demonstrate what I want them to do, before I release the shutter;
"Stand tall. It will make you look more regal." (people like that word - regal)
In her case.
"Put your right foot back and sideways to me. Point your left foot at me.
"Now, put most of your weight on that rear right foot, and lean your upper body forward just slightly so your chin is just in front of where your belt buckle would be."
Then release the shutter.

A bit of fill light on the lens axis would have been nice.

 

[MSnowy]

Really try and avoid dappled sunlight which caused the hot spot on her forehead in #2. There is also a hard distracting shadow on the camera right side of her mouth.

The sharp edged, harsh shadows that are caused by an apparently small light source, like a bare SB-600, are not very flattering. That's why portrait photographers use light modifiers, like umbrellas, to make the light source apparent much larger.

She looks quite natural in #1, but forced in #2. I would have had her lower her chin just slightly, turn it to the right away from the camera about 2 inches, and then bring just her eyes back to look in the camera lens, Your camera position was pretty good, just a bit to low.

Here is kind of what I tell people, and also do to demonstrate what I want them to do, before I release the shutter;
"Stand tall. It will make you look more regal." (people like that word - regal)
In her case.
"Put your right foot back and sideways to me. Point your left foot at me.
"Now, put most of your weight on that rear right foot, and lean your upper body forward just slightly so your chin is just in front of where your belt buckle would be."
Then release the shutter.

A bit of fill light on the lens axis would have been nice.

Thank you for taking the time to respond and for your sharing your experiences. I will hopefully remember all of this for next time.

 

[kundalini]

From the shadows on your subject's nose, it looks like your turned the camera 90° with the flash hotshoe mounted. Also, the catchlights are at 9:00 o'clock.

 

[MSnowy]

Flash was on a stand camera left and the evening sun was camera right.