First attempts at off camera flash

Recently bought a flash stand, umbrella and wireless triggers - my first attempts at strobing. My children Emily and Ewan are the subjects.
CC welcome - all part of the learning process.




Portrait 2 by philnmorgan, on Flickr




Portrait 4 by philnmorgan, on Flickr




Ewan March 2014 by philnmorgan, on Flickr




Portrait 6 by philnmorgan, on Flickr




Portrait 2 Mono by philnmorgan, on Flickr




Portrait 3 by philnmorgan, on Flickr

I'm no good at portraits but I can appreciate you've achieved some excellent results (especially for a first time) - you've made the lighting look almost like daylight, the focus on the eyes is superb and the skin tones are beautiful.

And they look as though butter wouldn't melt

Very nice mix of ambient and flash. Beautiful.
Cheating with those two subjects tho'
Professionals sometimes unfairly deride the umbrella (all fill - no skill etc), but you've been very subtle with it.
It's a versatile piece of kit - I keep one, with a cheap Yongnuo in my walk around camera bag! Great for macro and fill flash on location.

Hi Phil

For a first attempt you should give yourself a pat on the back. I took the liberty to edit image number 3, just so that you can get an idea of what you would get with very little Photoshop processing and the lighting you used, I hope you don't mind and see this as constructive.




All i did was create a Screen layer in channels to lift the whites a little and create a Multiply layerl in channels to alter the darker tones and shadows. I think it just lifts the image it a little. If you are interested i can send you instructions for a simple workflow on how to do this.

Some nice portraits.

Regards Fletcher8

Hi Fletcher

That's terrific and thanks for showing me what is possible.
I've only had a DSLR since last January and am trying to broaden my knowledge and improve technique.
I would be most grateful if you'd send me the workflow details.
Thanks very much to you and everyone else who commented.

Phil

Hi Phil

Your welcome! I will PM you in the next few days with some workflow info that I am sure will help you out with processing.

If you have the time check out a guy called Glyn Dewis, he is a whiz at photoshop, i have learned a great deal from him. From his site check out some of his free youtube videos.

http://glyndewis.com

Fletcher8

Great and i'll check out Glyn Dewis too. For the record I'm using LR4.

Hi Phil

As you don't seem to use Photoshop, there is little point sending you a photoshop workflow process. However, I have just made my first ever Youtube video in relation to using Lightroom and the processing of RAW images. It may be of some use to you?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qC-y59xR5yU


Regards

Fletcher8

Hi Fletcher8

I'll take a look at that, thanks.
I have just purchased Photoshop CC now and am starting to try to get a grip on it.
The workflow would be most appreciated if your offer still stands please?

Thanks

Phil

Phill

I will type up some workflow info and send it to you in a week or two. I am using Photoshop CS6, so your new purchase of Photoshop CC will no doubt have some nice new features.

In the mean time I am starting to make a few video for my Youtube Channel, only three on there at the moment, but this will develop over time.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSiKKXASrqLubEr7v52J1NQ

Regards

Fletcher8

Thanks, I've subscribed to your Youtube channel too.
Will watch the videos shortly.

My first thought was they all look flat, and Fletcher has done a great job at making one of them 'pop'

A lot of it is in the processing these days, as was a lot of it darkroom work back in the old days.


My only comments on the content of the shots themselves is that your little one's seem to be staring into the headlights in every shot.

A little more work with the photographer-subject interaction so their personalties shine instead of looking hypnotised

Sort that and the processing and you're onto a winner