This is going to be difficult. I have spend more than my fair share of time bagging the bejesus out of the strobist folk. But now my dear and understanding friends of the artificial light world, I need your help.

I have been invited to submit a collection of portraits into a private competition with some worthwhile prize money. Ah yes, is there nothing that inspires me more than the mighty dollar, I think not. Anyhoo, I have to submit 15 portraits, using the same style, by the end of April. Plenty of time I hear you say. Well, not exactly. Firstly, finding 15 people will be a challenge. Then there is trying to get a “style”. I have decided it will be very basic. I have rigged up some lights in the shed and dragged the bride out last night for some test shots. This really is going to be a huge challenge for me. Here, after some post processing, is the 1st shot.

Despite the fact that she is drop dead gorgeous, I can hear the collective sighs of the lighting collective. Bare with me people.

Basically, the set up is 2 energy saving globes on some timber to the left and right of the model. Then a flash on the floor behind the model.

You can see the flash on the floor.  Here is the view from the camera.

And finally, the settings on the flash.

I will be completely honest, I haven’t a clue as to what that all means. I really wish I did.

Now, my question is, what is the best way to get more light on the front of the models face, and less on the sides of the cheeks?

Any help, suggestions, tips, advice or constructive criticisms accepted gratefully. I am so far out of my comfort zone I am nearly back in it.

God loves the strobists! 😀