Projecting flash...

[simon justin nixon]

Hiya guys.... next week one of my mates is after some decent portrait shots, as he's been asked to send some in, as he's about to score a modelling contract as a sideline. (this is a serious topic btw no spam or gay comments) and he's asked me to take some potrait pics for him. Obviously I'll be glad of the practise, but I'm wondering about using the flash off the camera, to project it from a different angle.

I have seen Sy do it, or struggle to do it lol, but is it easy to set up, can anyone offer me any advice please, as I've not done portrait photography before.

Many thanks in advance.

[ben306]

How about drop Rob a pm or email (mate of mine who did my bro's wedding) sure hes signed up on here at some point rob207gti or summat?

I'll give you his details if your struggling

[Sy]

Even though I've just spoke to you on the phone just in case anyone else wants the info.

Off camera you can do it wirelessly using these:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/4CH-Wireless-Radio-Slave-Strobe-Flash-Trigger-PT04-AR02_W0QQitemZ270367516694QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CamerasPhoto_CameraAccessories_CameraFlashUnits_JN?hash=item270367516694&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1690|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

Or (if you're rich):
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PocketWizard-Pocket-Wizard-PLUS-II-Wireless-Kit-EU-Edit_W0QQitemZ230332871935QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CamerasPhoto_CameraAccessories_CameraFlashUnits_JN?hash=item230332871935&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1690|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

Or you could do it with a wired connection:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CANON-TTL-MULTI-FLASH-CABLE-CORD-OC-E3-1950B001-580-550_W0QQitemZ400041259211QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CamerasPhoto_CameraAccessories_CameraCablesConnectors?hash=item400041259211&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1683|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

What I was trying to do that night was operate your 430 as a slave to my 580. I failed and gave up.

If you've not got that equipment or don't want to buy it then using the bounce head on the flash to direct the light up towards the ceiling/wall will help achieve a softer light, especially coupled with a defuser.

And a reflector like this can also help, but is difficult to use if on your own with the subject:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/32-Light-Reflector-Diffuser-Disc-for-Flash-Photography_W0QQitemZ350178437485QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Photography_StudioEquipment_RL?hash=item350178437485&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1683|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

Talkphotography has a great strobist section, so reading up there will help.

Natural light is always good though mate, especially during the magic hour.

[LM]

Use your nifty too fella, be nice and sharp.

[simon justin nixon]

Thanks guys

[CandyApple]

I assume you mean head shots and if so I would advise keeping them clean and simple. As for flash, take a few practise shots using a digital camera and see how you like it. Natural light can be a bit unforgiving so touch ups might be needed. Oh and moisturizing skin and chap stick will go a long way to making his pics shine naturally. Good luck with it.

[simon justin nixon]

thanks... I can see this going down well.... erm mate, would you mind moisturising up for me and putting some chapstick on

[CandyApple]

:lol: thanks... I can see this going down [color=red]well[/color].... erm mate, would you mind moisturising up for me and putting some chapstick on

You could start by choosing your words more carefully. If you can't ask him to look his best how are you going to talk him into the artsy nudes you have planned for afters?:shock: I can't do it all for you bigboy.