Flash fill questions

[kanuski]

Spring is finally here in Saskatchewan! I was out playing with new equipment and trying to use flash fill in bright sunlight with a ND4 filter. I set up the flash opposite the sun. The first thing I realized is that a bare flash creates harsh shadows

so I tried an umbrella. Then I realized there were no catch lights in the eyes so I set up another flash. The catch-light was way too small to I turned the flash up to full power. I didn't realize until later how stupid this was. I think I just got a very flat image with tiny catch-lights.
This is just one sample. I know the hair is all over but I was just practicing.

I am going to try again this afternoon. I think I will keep the flash w/ umbrella but I would like to know how to create better catch-lights. I have been using the main flash opposite the sun. Maybe I should move it to create the catch-lights?
C&C on the pose as well since I am here.
Thanks

 

[Robin_Usagani]

Put closer. Even if you use a bare flash, the light will be softer if you put it closer.

 

[Benco]

You could also try it without the ND filter, Maybe I'm missing something obvious but I can't see why you'd need block out light with that subject.

 

[cgipson1]

I agree.. why the ND4 filter? Unless it is a really good one, it could add color casts.. and you don't need a long exposure for this shot. Please explain your rationale for the filter, lighting and subject positions (in other words, what are trying to achieve?) and maybe we can help...

 

[kanuski]

I was hoping to use this technique to add some contrast to the clouds. But there were no clouds.


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[Derrel]

If you want catchlights, the flash, or the sun, needs to be at an elevation where it is reflected in the subjects eyes. I think maybe your flash and umbrella setup was placed too high to give good catchlights.

 

[tirediron]

To add to Derrel's comment, I think not only was the light perhaps too high, it was too far back. Here, I've got the light in a 50" Wescott, with the centre of the light at about the 4' mark, pointed slightly down, and about 40 degrees camera left.