So you may have seen a recent blog post of the lovely Michelle, rocking out a Couture dress from designer Leslie Cox at the Southern Mansion in Cape May, NJ. After I posted this, I received a bunch of questions on how this look was achieved. During this photoshoot, I demonstrated an evolved method (that I originally learned on a frigid day in the streets of NYC from THE great flash whisperer Neil van Niekirk – be sure to check out his book here).
It’s a very simple 3 step process that really takes the “scary” out of off camera flash photography.
My concept for this shot was a high contrast moody feel. I loved how the dark color of the silk & velvet gown was a contrast to the model’s light hair and delicate features and so I wanted to dramatize and accentuate that. I started with a mid range exposure for the sky (image 1) which was set at ISO 200, with my aperture at 5.6 at *400th/sec.
(*Note on the shutter speed – traditionally the standard maxium sync speed for a Canon is 200th of a second. With newer modern technology and use of flash triggers {Pocket Wizards} we are now able to change that and have more freedom with the shutter speed when using flash).
Next (image 2) I added in my off camera flash. I set my Canon 580ex on manual half power, on a light stand and through a medium Photoflex softbox about 6 feet away from the model to her left 10 o’ clock, about 6 feet high.
In the final shot (image 3) I decided to add some more drama by changing my shutter to 500th/sec. The lighting power,distance, f-stop and ISO remained the same.
The large image is an alternate of the final version with an artistic/moody edit.
Recap of 3 Steps to OCF made simple:
Step 1: Meter for medium to dark range sky
Step 2: Add in flash
Step 3: Reduce your ambient light to achieve desired result
You can easily achieve a variety of different looks by experimenting with this simple technique!
I hope this information was helpful for at least a few. 🙂
Now grab your nearest test shot partner and do si do! If you try it, please leave a link/comment below! I’d love to see it!
XOXO,
Angie
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Stephen Alvarado - Busy with the family and photography. 🙂
Rachel Leib - Hey where have you been?!
Stephen Alvarado - Is your flash set to high sync mode (500th sec)? Awesome tips!
Angelsea Urban - Oh my gosh Jeff, THANK YOU for catching my typo! That should read *5*00th of a sec, not 200th! Yikes! Going from 400th to 200th would be MUCH lighter, and not one stop darker (as shown). Thank you for saving my readers loads of frustration if they try this! 🙂 All fixed!
Jeff Becker - If you changed your shutter speed from a 1/400 to 1/200 in the third image and nothing else changed, wouldn’t the sky have went 1 stop lighter, not darker as shown?
Leslie Cox - amazing..