Photo Heavy! From Model Shoot

christian.rudman · Sep 8, 2011

Your white balance should be the same across the photos taken with ambient and the same across the ones with flash. Find one that works on each, and match the wb in post across the photos. It is definitely not consistent, that is quite visible.

What flash are you using? And are you ever using a TTL cord or is it all on camera?

Forkie · Sep 8, 2011

Shadowbox said:
BTW- this model told me that at one shoot the 'photog' even took his penis out & tried to make her touch it! She told me she's been on there for 7 months and has met 3 legit photographers. The rest are perverts! It's crazy. She also said some don't give any photos after, or will send her 1, maybe 2, because all they really wanted was to get her naked.

I wonder if I put myself on a modelling site I'll get loads of girls taking me to remote locations and getting their boobs out, and asking me to touch them...

Shadowbox · Sep 8, 2011

I use SB-700 and I don't use a cord. I'm still a beginner so I'm trying not to learn too much at one time and am just happy these photos weren't blurry honestly & that I can now learn more about WB & making photos that are pleasing & not all over the place! When I upgrade camera's I plan to start learning off camera lighting more. I have read about it and watched tutorials and know some of the basics but I am not knowledgeable about anything extensive.

christian.rudman · Sep 8, 2011

On camera flash is the best way to make the flash completely unappealing. Try out a TTL cord for like $15 bucks, you won't regret it. Or use your reflector with the flash bounced off of it. It's not a rule, but I stay away from straight-on flash as much as possible. It creates unappealing shadows and highlights on people. Or use the CLS system and stick the 700 on a stand off to the side and play with the lighting effects. Have fun, discover new things!

(If you dont know about CLS, look it up, it's built in to your Nikon camera and flash.

)

I just hate having the pop-up flash as the commander, so I use TTL cords more than CLS.

Cheers!

Shadowbox · Sep 8, 2011

Well I have been thinking about it, I'm just nervous if I try to learn one more thing I'll forget everything else and end up back at the beginning.

My nikon d40x doesn't command a slave flash though, I have tried this and did research that and it's not an option with my camera. The cord thing confuses me because I get concerned about how to hold it if it's on a cord. I was thinking about buying this for practice but didn't take the plunge yet.

Amazon.com: CowboyStudio Single Flash Shoe Swivel Bracket Kit with 1 Mounting Bracket, 1 Umbrella, and 1 Stand Stand: Camera & Photo

If I do purchase a cord can I mount it on this and then have my hands free for the camera?

Vtec44 · Sep 8, 2011

You can also purchase the wireless remote trigger set... =)

GooniesNeverSayDie11 · Sep 8, 2011

I like 10 and 13 the best. I agree with pretty much everything that has been said. My main 2 issues are the color/WB issues on a few of them, as well as some of the compositions needing a little help. ( #1,6,7 and 8 jump out at me as needing better compositions) Too many pics to get too in depth though.

Shadowbox · Sep 8, 2011

I found a wireless trigger but it doesn't say sb-700 on it. I asked for advice about that on here but no response! I didn't want to buy it and then it didn't work with my flash. It lists all the other flashes but not sb-700!

Shadowbox · Sep 8, 2011

After my flash died for the second time I drove my car up, but not too close, and aimed the lights in that direction but not right on her. Raised my ISO to 400 and the sun was behind some clouds by then but we used the reflector to pick up the one little ray that was shining through and bounce it onto her.

They were very noisy but I managed to clean them up pretty well.

102 (1 of 1) by lifebyme, on Flickr

Should I edit this pole out?

105 (1 of 1) by lifebyme, on Flickr

christian.rudman · Sep 8, 2011

I like the car light better.

I'd dodge the cowboy set, do like Vtec says and just grab some wireless triggers. Didn't realize you were using the D40x, sorry, otherwise I would have suggested that instead of CLS. Go for some Cactus, PocketWizard, or Elinchrome triggers. I use the cords for party shots quite often, unfortunately that requires AF and I prefer MF.

Shadowbox · Sep 8, 2011

Okay if I get some wireless triggers I'll still need something to mount it on, which is what the cowboy set is .. just a light stand, or do you think I should go for something more higher quality?

PatrickJamesYu · Sep 8, 2011

You don't want to buy the stand, and the cord together.
The cord will limit you so, that the stand risks tipping over.
You want to get wireless triggers.
I bought some cheap-o's from a brand called Yonguo (i believe, might be a different brand)
They've been great to me, I actually don't think I've had any repetitive misfires.

And for a stand, I have some cheap light stands and they are just a bit too light weight.
I feel they are much too top heavy for the base, and with wind they risk falling over.
Especially with an umbrella on it.
I don't think there is a problem going budget, just get one that is a bit more heavy duty, and that has a wider stance.

PhotoTish · Sep 8, 2011

I prefer the second set of photos - 10, 11, 12 and 13. Initially I thought photo 10 might have been better in portrait mode but then you would have cut out that atmospheric backgound which would have been a shame. The background in photo 12 is busy and should be distracting but I think it works. Nice work :thumbup: