Here are two photos I took that have been critiqued for harsh shadows (thanks, btw). I know my lighting is incorrect. My question is, I suppose, is whether or not I should have edited the shadows out or not? My friend loved the pic of her so I'm not sure if a non-photographer eye would be bothered by this.
Also, I have been told to point my speedlite up or behind to bounce the light to get rid of shadows but I don't have white walls and high ceilings in most areas, or I'm outside. What do I do then?
Regarding the bottom photo; have your tried post-editing the shadows out? There aren't many and the ones under the arm are not distracting at all. With the top the shadow is very prominent and the lines in the corner of the back wall is distracting. This could be easily fixed in photo shop with a totally different background. It's a great shot.
diffusers lessen the harshness of the light and reflectors bounce the light. it is possible to make home made diffusers and reflectors and there are instructions online, but they are pretty cheap to buy anyway
Way better. Take a look under the arm that is down and if you can clone out the lines in the wall, this will be even better. You are on the right track. :-)
The further your subject is from the background, the less obvious shadows will be. High ceilings don't matter for bounce - just increase your flash output, and maybe your ISO. Coloured ceilings however.....
You can also bounce off a handheld reflector (you'll need someone or something to hold it).
I don't use on-camera diffusers. Tried them, hate them. I think Gary Fong is a brilliant marketer of stuff people don't need.
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and flash reflectors
diffusers lessen the harshness of the light and reflectors bounce the light. it is possible to make home made diffusers and reflectors and there are instructions online, but they are pretty cheap to buy anyway
Except now I want to clone out the wall edges, LOL!
You can also bounce off a handheld reflector (you'll need someone or something to hold it).
I don't use on-camera diffusers. Tried them, hate them. I think Gary Fong is a brilliant marketer of stuff people don't need.
On the subject of bad shadowing, it's interesting to see that some pro photographers just don't seem to care, as can be seen in this advertising photo of Dakota Fanning: http://dolly.ninemsn.com.au/tags.aspx?domain=site&tags=perfumes|Themes and larger version here: http://www.bellasdiary.com/2011/03/dakota-fanning-for-march-jacobs-perfume-oh-lola/
Of course, I think that photo is absolute rubbish. I'm sure the photographer still made a fortune from it though.