I have recently started using my off-camera flash gear that I have had for twelve months. I was quite intimidated by it until I eventually just had a go. This is one of my beautiful granddaughters all ready for a concert.
What a wonderful shot, Sheralee! It looks very professional. Great job with your off camera flash. Do you use one flash or more? Can you recommend a beginner's set up?
Well, you certainly used it perfectly on this beautiful subject. Nice job! Your granddaughter is going to treasure this photo. I hope you get a nice large print for her parents.
@pflaume Thank you Lisa! I recommend starting small so it doesn't overwhelm you. All I have used here is one flash with a brolly box (very cheap one bought on ebay). I did splash out on a remote trigger set, they are great. I also bought a cord to connect the flash to the camera in case the remote ever fails. I think a brolly box or a shoot through umbrella is a good place to start and they will give comparable results so I'm told. You will love it, just don't take a whole year to put it together like I did, lol.
@mtpagano I was exactly the same Michelle, very intimidated. Left the gear sit for a whole year until one day thought... I will just see if I can put it all together. I did, it was SO easy and it actually worked. I was a little surprised, lol. All I do is set my flash on manual and change the power on the flash to 1/4, 1/2, etc, whatever seems okay after taking some trial shots. If you shoot in raw it's quite forgiving if your flash power isn't perfect. I'm still learning too but am glad to answer any questions if I can.
Great shot Sheralee, fabulous portrait with great lighting. I am scared of using the flash because I don't really know how to get the lighting right. Very professional and I like that you have shot her in her ballet gear.
(Linda @se7en)
There are a lot of sites dedicated to talking you through it. Here is a link to a popular one: http://strobist.blogspot.com.au/2006/03/lighting-101.html
@mtpagano I thought you might be interested too Michelle