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Hi all,

I hope this isn't a stupid question . Anyway, I'll try to paint a picture.

I'm going to be trialing an umbrella on a stand with my SB-600 attached to it using a wireless system so as the flash bounces from the umbrella. What I want to know is there a rule of thumb when using this sort of set up on what height should the umbrella be at or does it depend on the subject? I can tell you that the subject will be kids ranging from 6yr to 16yr for their soccer portraits. They will be standing up. Also what about distance?

Appreciate any assistance

Bill

mrbillf wrote:Hi all,

I hope this isn't a stupid question . Anyway, I'll try to paint a picture.

Sorry, this is a photography forum. The painters are down the hallway, in room 16.

I'm going to be trialing an umbrella on a stand with my SB-600 attached to it using a wireless system so as the flash bounces from the umbrella. What I want to know is there a rule of thumb when using this sort of set up on what height should the umbrella be at or does it depend on the subject? I can tell you that the subject will be kids ranging from 6yr to 16yr for their soccer portraits. They will be standing up. Also what about distance?

Hi Bill.

There are a couple of important factors to consider.

Flash to subject distance is one, and it will dictate the light that's going to be falling on your subjects. Remember that if you're bouncing off a brolly, the flash head will be pointing into the brolly and away from your subjects, and thus your distance is measured from head - to brolly - back to head - to subject. You're going to lose power because of both the distance, and the diffusion.

This is not a bad thing, but merely something you need to be aware of, and to take into account for your metering.

And in that scenario, remember to turn the flash around so the metering sensor still faces the subject.

Flash height and angle ... You want it higher than your subjects, but you need to be a little flexible, what's right for a six foot three basketballer won't work for your under seven goalie.

Have a stool or seat handy, and have the taller people sit on it, moving it away for those who are vertically challenged.

Sorry, this is a photography forum. The painters are down the hallway, in room 16.

Thanks Gary, I had a good laugh about your first line on your reply

Valuable points. The stool for one is a great idea. I'll be using that option for sure on the littlees. Thanks for the reminder with the flash turned around so the metering sensor faces the subject.

Cheers,
Bill

My recommendation would be to visit strobist.com and sign up for the free online lighting 102 workshop which is starting on 4th of June.

Click herefor more info.

You will need all your equipment to make the most of it before then, and you do need to sign up for a flickr account.

Visit strobists lighting 101 as a precursor to it.

Im sure you will learn everything you need with these 2 for starters.

Awesome find Jon, thanks for that.

Bill