Help with flash photography.

[djtimodj]

Took the cam out last night and had a go a flashing a few pic's. I have ordered a wireless radio trigger for the flash but does any one have any idea's on what to do to get the pic's to look better??

I think i need a second flash to help light the side of the car aswell as the front?

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Thanks guys...

[nick_bbb]

You can do it with one flash, check this out...

http://www.grantgb.com/content/?p=426

[AndWhyNot]

Was going to mention the multiple position route. Nick's blog has some good advice although you might run into DoF issues if you stay at f/4 for a non-side on shot. Having said that, looks like you're shooting pretty wide angle so maybe DoF isn't a concern.

[jon-]

nick_bbb said:

You can do it with one flash, check this out...

http://www.grantgb.com/content/?p=426

That's a great blog post.

There's also the option of long exposure with low iso and small aperture and literally running around strobing the flash manually. Unfortunately that's not always the best way, but it's quicker than layering

One other thing you'll need is some way of diffusing the flash. Bare flash on reflective paint can give you all sorts of highlight issues. A couple of shoot through brollies to give you a nice soft even light would help.

[Fordo]

To the OP: I hate you because your car is awesome

To Grant: I hate you because your car is also awesome (but your tutorial is great!)

[nick_bbb]

Thanks guys

Yes you may need to open up the aperture a bit, I was only using the vivitar on half power though so you could turn it up.

Jon, you're right a brolly is helpful. This was bare flash though, you need to watch the angle of reflection from the flash to the car to the camera.

[_dobbo_]

jon- said:

There's also the option of long exposure with low iso and small aperture and literally running around strobing the flash manually. Unfortunately that's not always the best way, but it's quicker than layering

That's how I did this:



Much easier than multiple flashes/exposures, but much less control as a result.