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[OM] Re: Newbie portrait question

Subject: [OM] Re: Newbie portrait question
From: Chuck Norcutt <chucknorcutt@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Sun, 12 Nov 2006 23:08:07 -0500
The auto flash will respond according to what it sees and the TTL flash 
will respond according to what the camera sees.  Whether the two are in 
any way coordinated or makes any sense is a different question.

If you're going to use two flashes as you suggest I would use the 
bounced and swiveled BG2 mounted T-32 in manual mode at full power to 
try and light the room and soften shadows.  Use the hot shoe flash in 
TTL or auto mode as the main light.  I shoot this way sometimes at 
parties and such in smallish rooms.  What you'll get is a reasonably 
good exposure and the room won't look like a dark tunnel.  It will be a 
better than average party shot.  What it won't be is a well modeled 
portrait shot.

If you follow my previous instructions for an outdoor shot using the 
flash only for fill I think you'll get a simply made and pleasing 
portrait.  Or you could follow Jeff's suggestions for a portrait by 
window light although I think a window light portrait is hard to do for 
more than one person.

Another very simple outdoor portait can be made with no flash at all. 
Buy a 2x3' piece of white foam core board at your local craft store for 
about $1.  Seat yourselves for your portait side-by-side in a shaded 
spot and place the foam core board on your laps as a reflector.  This 
will fill the shadows under your eye sockets, chin, etc.  This may be 
much more pleasing than the flash which can look unnatural at times.

ps:  I vote for the 50mm.  I forgot to say that before.

Chuck Norcutt



Ian Lowman wrote:

> USHER99@xxxxxxx wrote:
> 
>>Unless I'm not understanding things correctly, Chuck and Jeff imply a  T-cord 
>>can be used to trigger an extra flash in non-ttl auto for fill? I don't  
>>think I ever tried that, though can't think of any reason why it wouldn't  
>>work.  
>>Mike
>>
>>
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>>  
> 
> Hmm, good point.
> 
> What if I want to use (say) the flash on the hot-shoe for bounce 
> lighting (for most of the light) in TTL mode and the second T32 as 
> fill-in from the side? Does anyone know what happens when one flash is 
> in TTL, and the other is in auto when they are connected with a T-cord?
> 
> (Now I know why I just take sceneries - this portrait/indoor/flash stuff 
> is just too difficult!)
> 
> Cheers,
> Ian



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