Steve'sDigicams

camerageak · Nov 24, 2010, 8:28 PM

when shooting portraits using a backdrop and a flash, what is the best way to not have shadows or to minimize them? thanks

VTphotog · Nov 25, 2010, 8:43 AM

If you just have the single flash, use it in bounce mode, set not straight up, but at about 60-75 degrees, and position your subject a little further in front of the backdrop than normal. This will let the light reflect from ceiling onto the backdrop enough to minimize shadows.

brian

BillDrew · Nov 29, 2010, 3:16 PM

To expand a bit on what brian said, make sure the flash is directly above the lens. If it is off to the side, the shadow will fall to the right (or left) side of the subject instead of down and behind.

zombz · Feb 13, 2011, 6:47 PM

What if u can't bounce it off the ceiling how would u go about not getting shadows

VTphotog · Feb 13, 2011, 10:32 PM

Use multiple flashes, and/or reflectors, and/or separate the subject physically from the background. Which methods you use vary with the situation. You may not be able to eliminate shadows, but can minimize them.
A collapsible reflector can be a real help in a lot of situations. One that I like is the 'space blanket', aluminized cloth which folds up to a pocket sized package. It does need either and assistant or a way of tying it up, though.

brian

candace20 · Jan 8, 2012, 10:07 PM

I agree that you can eliminate shadows but minimize it.

camerageak · Jan 11, 2012, 2:53 PM

i got the gary fong collapsable light sphere and it does a really good job with shadows.when using a backdrop i put it on a flashbracket so i can always keep it above the flash cause shooting verticle with it on the side like gary says you will still get side shadows

TCav · Jan 11, 2012, 5:15 PM

You could go with a ring flash or ring light. They work well for portraits.

Grounded · Jan 15, 2012, 4:14 AM

Wouldn't bouncing flash of the ceiling leave a shadow under the chin, the only sure solution is to place your model in a large light box, in my opinion a certain amount of shadow is necessary for a perfect shot. Try shooting without flash on a foggy day and there won't be a shadow to be seen.

TomH in PA · Feb 19, 2012, 9:27 AM

I think the goal was to minimize distracting shadows on the backdrop. A bounce off the ceiling works well if you have only one light source but in a studio setting you would use multiple lights on the face, backlight the hair, etc.

Nov 24, 2010, 8:28 PM	#1
camerageak Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 160	no shadows? when shooting portraits using a backdrop and a flash, what is the best way to not have shadows or to minimize them? thanks

Jan 11, 2012, 5:15 PM	#8
TCav Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Washington, DC, Metro Area, Maryland Posts: 11,100	You could go with a ring flash or ring light. They work well for portraits. __________________ The lens is the thing. 'Full Frame' is the new 'Medium Format'. A good camera helps a good photographer; it doesn't make one. If you're going to use a filter, make it a good one.

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Nov 25, 2010, 8:43 AM	#2
VTphotog Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Extreme Northeastern Vermont, USA Posts: 3,225	If you just have the single flash, use it in bounce mode, set not straight up, but at about 60-75 degrees, and position your subject a little further in front of the backdrop than normal. This will let the light reflect from ceiling onto the backdrop enough to minimize shadows. brian

Nov 29, 2010, 3:16 PM	#3
BillDrew Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Hay River Township, WI Posts: 2,489	To expand a bit on what brian said, make sure the flash is directly above the lens. If it is off to the side, the shadow will fall to the right (or left) side of the subject instead of down and behind.

Feb 13, 2011, 6:47 PM	#4
zombz Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: wolcott NY Posts: 425	What if u can't bounce it off the ceiling how would u go about not getting shadows

Feb 13, 2011, 10:32 PM	#5
VTphotog Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Extreme Northeastern Vermont, USA Posts: 3,225	Use multiple flashes, and/or reflectors, and/or separate the subject physically from the background. Which methods you use vary with the situation. You may not be able to eliminate shadows, but can minimize them. A collapsible reflector can be a real help in a lot of situations. One that I like is the 'space blanket', aluminized cloth which folds up to a pocket sized package. It does need either and assistant or a way of tying it up, though. brian

Jan 8, 2012, 10:07 PM	#6
candace20 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Deerfield Posts: 9	I agree that you can eliminate shadows but minimize it.

Jan 11, 2012, 2:53 PM	#7
camerageak Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 160	i got the gary fong collapsable light sphere and it does a really good job with shadows.when using a backdrop i put it on a flashbracket so i can always keep it above the flash cause shooting verticle with it on the side like gary says you will still get side shadows

Jan 15, 2012, 4:14 AM	#9
Grounded Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Auckland. New Zealand Posts: 305	Wouldn't bouncing flash of the ceiling leave a shadow under the chin, the only sure solution is to place your model in a large light box, in my opinion a certain amount of shadow is necessary for a perfect shot. Try shooting without flash on a foggy day and there won't be a shadow to be seen.

Feb 19, 2012, 9:27 AM	#10
TomH in PA Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 59	I think the goal was to minimize distracting shadows on the backdrop. A bounce off the ceiling works well if you have only one light source but in a studio setting you would use multiple lights on the face, backlight the hair, etc.