I spent time today with an amazingly cooperative subject in the form of Bobo. She was so glad to have me home spending time with her that she wouldn’t let me out of her sight and came toward the lens instead of fleeing from it. Today’s Flickr theme is “green” so I knew that Bobo would have to be my subject but I wanted to do something other than just snapping a shot or two of her. Since the day was overcast and gloomy, and, it has been quite a while since the last time I attempted to use my Speed Light, I decided today was the perfect chance to try to learn a little more about it. And, since I feel marginally better today and am trying to avoid any cold meds, my head is a little clearer than it’s been the past few days and I felt up to the challenge. Today’s test was to use the Speed Light in Commander Mode setting on the table facing a reflector. My first several shots were too flashy looking and I could see two flash points in Bobo’s eyes. I realized that I had set up the flash incorrectly and that both the on camera flash, which I meant to use only to trigger the off camera flash, was firing too. I finally figured out how to set it up correctly and then I made adjustments to the position of the light and the reflector so I could capture Bobo with side lighting.
The reflector is visible in the lower part of her eye instead of the harsh pinpoint of the flash. This shot is probably a bit darker than it should be and this lighting is probably more effective on a human face than a parrot’s face, but I still like this look. Bobo continues to molt and the new feathers look like the ends of toothpicks jutting out from her feathers.
Focal Length 70mm
ISO 100
f/8
1/250
Off Camera Flash
WB set to flash
Absolutely fantastic shot! I sound like a broken record, but I love the clarity you are able to get with your D800! Pretty cute pose too!
I’m trying to figure out- are you saying that you can get your D800’s flash to not fire while in commander mode??? On my camera the flash is what signals the remote flash to fire (unless you have a transmitter). I am considering taking a flash class- I use it a lot, but know I can do much better.