1st softbox fiddle

[bigsarg7]

Hi, i've managed to buy my first ever soft box, stand and accessories. I have never used one before and I love it. This here is my one of myfirst attempts (shot 3) using my new softbox with my sb800 connected using a wireless transmitter to control the flash off the body. This is amazing, i am loving fiddling and playing with the settings. I would love some CC on this shot, this is my 2 year old daughter, no PP done whatsover, not even a crop. Shot is straight from the camera. I would love to know what I can improve on, I love the crispness in the image, i can zoom right in on her eyes and its sharp and i love it. So please CC it so i can learn and devalop my skills with this new equipment.

Thanks for looking.

[ian.bertram]

I love it too. I have two shoot through umbrellas bought as a strobist kit and you have so much control with a simple setup like this. It's lovely and soft and the highlight in the eyes is spot on. The only small thing that detracts from the image is the the background item that is reflecting some of the light. You might even be able to just crop it out. The other option might be to use a dark cloth at the top of your softbox to control the spill a little so the background isn't in the light. It's defintaly a 'keeper' though. Well done.

[bigsarg7]

Thanks Ian, I agree about the background and the reflections. I had actually just picked the gear up from the post office and was at my mothers when I had my play time. I hadn't really put much thought into the fact she was sitting on a leather lounge - and hadn't thought about reflections showing on it, so I will definately be keeping an eye on that next time.

[aim54x]

I love her eyes! I am sure you will have much fun with this gear!

[surenj]

Great stuff. My only suggestion is to bring the softbox closer.

[gstark]

From a lighting PoV, you've absolutely nailed it. Remember exactly how you made this image, and repeat forever more.

Bringing the light source closer to the subject will give you slightly more power, along with slightly softer light: you effectively make your your light source larger, relative to the subject.

The object in the background is an issue, but you already know that. In this instance, some dark cloth - even a sheet - draped across the items would have addressed this problem nicely, but it highlights one issue that I frequently try to remind people of: before shooting, always look around your viewfinder to see what's going to be captured. That's the better time to pick up these sorts of things.

Finally, I'd like to see this image warmed up a little; it's a little too cool for my tastes, but that's a personal judgement.

[bigsarg7]

thanks aim, surenj and gary for your comments. Gary I agree in regards to it looking a little cool, it was actually what i noticed first once i had a look at it on the computer. But as always i thought i'd ask for some cc and it was so good to have the issues i noticed (the background and the coolness) commented on.....hopefully this means I am learning!

I had the sb800 on TTL but after the first 2 shots i decided to put it on M and I think the settings i chose were spot on for that particular image. Should I be using it on TTL or should I have a fiddle and learn the ins and outs of the settings? I honestly found it easier to control when on M, and my shots come out much better too!

But all comments and critique has been noted and here's hoping my next shots will be a bit more planned and organised. ----just one note in regards to the back ground....i was at my mothers, i had no plan to shoot there until she asked me to show her how it all worked! so it was set up somewhere the kids could continue to watch a DVD and where i could take a few pics explaining what I was doing to my mother.

Anyhow one last comment i thought i'd make is that earlier this week i booked my second paid job -a wedding for 31st july. and today i booked my third job and that s to do a family portrait. So good things happening, and thanks to everyone who encourages me and cc my work so that I can grow and become a better photographer.

[Wink]

I'm not certain, bu i don't think TTL would be functioning with a wireless trigger.

[aim54x]

I'm not certain, bu i don't think TTL would be functioning with a wireless trigger.

With a D200 and a SB-800 I am going to assume that CLS was being used hence TTL is preserved. For this sort of work using either TTL or M will work well. It is a matter of getting to know your way around. If you decide to use TTL be aware that your flash output is recalculated every time you fire so it is probably better to use M, so you have consistency.

Consistency means easier corrections and better shots come faster. I personally use whatever feels right at the moment, but I really dont use manual flash often enough to have an instinctive estimate of required output so TTL helps me as a starting point.

Have fun!

[zafra52]

From a lighting PoV, you've absolutely nailed it. Remember exactly how you made this image, and repeat forever more.

I agree!