Vivitar 285HV / Umbrella question

[2WheelPhoto]

I purchased a second flash to use off cam (285HV) and a shoot through umbrella. The problem I'm having is the light falls off real fast (like around a the ladies waistline) and no matter how close or far I put the umbrella I can't seem to correct it. It seems not to be powerful enough for a standard 43" shoot through umbrella, or i'm not setting it up properly.

I tried M mode, all the colors, etc. I tried with the umbrella mounted extended and close to the stand. I goodled the flash, youtubed it, etc and can't figure out how to get it brighter. Is it me or should I order a second or third flash to use with the shoot through?

Thanks!

 

[cnutco]

Post an example picture of your subject and include all the camera and flash settings. Also, step back and take a picture of the setup including the flash stand to show the flash to subject relationship.

 

[2WheelPhoto]

Ok, I'll have to shoot a few more and get a pic of the layout. I didn't keep those crap pics. I used one 285 light/pocketwizard and set the shutter slow to use the flourescent office lights as ambient fill to decrease the shadows.

Your response implies that you may not find its required to use 2 285 flashes. Thanks for the reply.

 

[joealcantar]

Do you have a light meter? That way you can see if the power is increasing according to how you adjust?
I don't shoot (shoot through) normally bounce it back to give me more control. Comparing it to the Nikon flashes (guide # ) seems to be there between the Sb600 and SB900. If you feel you need more power or a second flash check out paramount cords: Paramount Sync Cords for Professional Digital and Flash Photography they make brackets and cords that may help you on your set-up.
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Shoot well, Joe

 

[KmH]

A 43" shoot through umbrella can only light a somewhat less than 43" height, or basically a head and torso shot, but I only use 43' for head and shoulder shots.

If you raise the light and point the umbrella downwards, the Inverse Square Law kicks in and the light is more intense at the subjects head than it is at the waist.

So you need a bigger umbrella, like a 60", or you need to use 2 of the 43".

 

[2WheelPhoto]

A 43" shoot through umbrella can only light a somewhat less than 43" height, or basically a head and torso shot, but I only use 43' for head and shoulder shots.

If you raise the light and point the umbrella downwards, the Inverve Square Law kicks in and the light is more intense at the subjects head than it is at the waist.

So you need a bigger umbrella, like a 60", or you need to use 2 43"'.

Thank you VERY much!

I should have simply asked "when shooting through a 43" umbrella do you generally use 2 flashes for full body shots" but as a nooB I just had to complicate it. I'll bounce it from now on with one flash full body shot.