skersell33

Thanks all for taking the time to respond to my question. I think because of the criticism, I've become "fill-flash paranoid". I don't want to be afraid to use it. Let's face it... there are just going to be times when you have to use it, right? I am going to try to make it a little less obvious though.

Nadine O. - I was liking what I was getting and so did the majority of people that saw my pics of my kids that I take. They liked them so much they hired me to take pics of their kids. But a few too many negative comments on the use of fill-flash... and I'm beginning to doubt my work/style!!! Thanks for the suggestion one the tutorial. I've been hired to do model portraits for babies and children and I keep getting more and more jobs, so I'd really like to improve my work as I go.

Laurie M. - I agree with you, in that it all depends on what kind of feeling you're trying to create with your photo. With my kids in action, all I'm trying to do is catch the shot. But since I'm getting hired to do more portrait work, I'd really like to learn more about lighting.

Thomas H. - Thanks for the reminder. I have one of those extension cables. Need to just put it on and leave it there. In this particular picture, if I had it on, I could have had the flash underneath him, stood back a bit further and it would have reduced that harsh shadow under his chin and reduced the noticeable flash. Thank you for reminding me that it's MY work. I haven't had a customer complain yet!

David B. - I have a diffuser that came with my hotshoe flash. Again, just need to pull these things out and start using them. I'm sure that would be really helpful. So with all the much appreciated suggestions and really taking the time to work with some of the gadgets I have, I hope that as I continue to add to my portfolio, that you all will see my work improve.

I do know that babies and kids on the move are hard. Sometimes you just can't mess with stops and metering and you just have to shoot away and hope that you get a few good ones.

Attached is a portrait I took for a baby model. Please comment +/-, as I did use fill flash in this also. Again, thank you.

WOW... this is the first time I've posted a question on the forum. Thank you all for you such quick feedback.

Anupam - Yes, I've been told to set the fill flash compensation a bit lower. I'll have to work more with that and see what I get.

Michael G. - Thanks for you comments and compliments.

Yan R. - I've got a mini-extension reflector that extends out over the top of my SB80DX as well as a diffuser. Maybe I should just pull that out as habit... as it kinda has the same effect as tissue paper.

Phillip F. - Very nice attached photograph. Beautiful lighting. I tend to pull my kids in the direction away from the sun because they end up with squinty eyes. In this case I able to get his big, beautiful eyes wide open. I do shoot an old/heavy Nikon D1, which I still love. Although I appreciate the recommendation to use reflectors... underneath children is almost impossible. And I mostly enjoy taking candid shots of children forever in action. I do plan to invest in a reflector set, as I have some jobs coming up for baby model portraits. Should be interesting and I'm sure I'll be posting some of the pictures for feedback. Thanks again!

Minh N. - I will take your recommendation (along with several others) to bring the flash down a stop. Thank you for your time.

Sherry

I enjoy taking people pics... particularly outdoors and candid. I have a habit

of forcing the flash to fill in harsh shadows. I've been told I overuse it and

need to learn how to work with the natural light available. I use a Speedlight

SB80DX. Sometimes with an extension braket to pull flash about a foot further

away from the lens to help avoid hot-spots. I try to bounce whenever possible.

Can some professionals out there tell me if I should be concerned about others

opinions on my use of fill flash. Should I spend more time learning how to work

without it or spend time learning how to better use it? Attached is an example

of a picture I took of my son in the pool. Afternoon light was pretty bright

behind him. I'm just shooting away... as he is very active. This is what I

got. I happen to really like this photo. Some say there's too much obvious

fill flash. Feedback on this photo and change/suggestions would be greatly

appreciated.<div></div>