Playing around with flash set-up
![Playing around with flash set-up](/imgc_um1e_800_.jpg)
![Flash set up fill natural light hall shoot 1](/images/Blog2013/08-August/Flash-set-up-fill-natural-light-hall-shoot.jpg)
Let me first say that I am not a pro at lighting by any means. Heck, I don't even know what I am doing with my camera half the time, but I love playing around and try to learn more about it.
On Monday, when Better Homes and Garden's was here (which was totally awesome - full story tomorrow), I got so inspired by all the lighting equipment Edmund, the Photographer had brought, that this morning, I dove in, head first to my own camera gear closet. I dug out my lighting stuff.
Here is what I tried today. I put my camera on my tripod and started shooting a few photos of my hallway for the hallway reveal post coming up in a bit.
Here is first a shot of the hall without flash. I ran my usual action of sharpening, lifting the curves and adding a bit of contrast.
![Flash set up fill natural light hall shoot 1](/images/Blog2013/08-August/Flash-set-up-fill-natural-light-hall-shoot-2.jpg)
There is so much light coming from the window by the door that the rest of the space looks dark by comparison.
Then I set up my flashes and did a lot of fiddling. I originally bought all this equipment for shooting portraits, but the way I shoot portraits, I don't have time to wait for a flash to recharge because an expression can be gone that quickly never to be seen again. I also much prefer natural lighting in portraits. I usually don't shoot portraits in a dark hallway anyway
![:)](/images/Emoticons/smile.gif)
However, for interior shoots, I think I am loving the use of fill light this morning. Mwah.
![Flash set up fill natural light hall shoot 1](/images/Blog2013/08-August/Flash-set-up-fill-natural-light-hall-shoot-1.jpg)
Here is the hall way floor plan so you can see the set-up I used.
![Flash set up fill natural light hall shoot 1](/images/Blog2013/08-August/Flash-set-up-fill-natural-light-hall-shoot-4.jpg)
At the end of the hallway by the living room, I set up my camera on a tri-pod and mounted my 580EX II flash to it. I set it to ETTL mode, then held down the Zoom button on the back until "OFF" started blinking. Then I turned the dial until it said "on", then I hit the "set" button in the middle of the dial. That sets up the flash to communicate with my two other flashes.
![Flash set up fill natural light hall shoot 1](/images/Blog2013/08-August/Flash-set-up-fill-natural-light-hall-shoot-5.jpg)
I have two 430EX flashes that can be set to slave mode by turning a lever on the back. I put this first one on the stairs, pointing it toward my reflector on the other side.
![Flash set up fill natural light hall shoot 1](/images/Blog2013/08-August/Flash-set-up-fill-natural-light-hall-shoot-6.jpg)
Here is the reflector. I used the silver side and angled it toward the bench.
![Flash set up fill natural light hall shoot 1](/images/Blog2013/08-August/Flash-set-up-fill-natural-light-hall-shoot-7.jpg)
By the cabinets, I put my other slave flash. I tried multiple set-ups here. What worked best for this shot, was to point it toward the wall and let the light bounce back onto the cabinet so that I didn't get any harsh shadows on the wall above the cabinet.
And with flash - then fixed in Photoshop:
![Flash set up fill natural light hall shoot 1](http://shiftctrlart.com/images/Blog2013/08-August/Flash-set-up-fill-natural-light-hall-shoot-8.jpg)
You can also see the tri-pod on the other side of the cabinet, but oh well... I'm not getting paid ha ha.
Here is the picture again without flash.
![Flash set up fill natural light hall shoot 1](/images/Blog2013/08-August/Flash-set-up-fill-natural-light-hall-shoot-2.jpg)
And with flash
![Flash set up fill natural light hall shoot 1](/images/Blog2013/08-August/Flash-set-up-fill-natural-light-hall-shoot-3.jpg)
Of course not perfect, but much much better, wouldn't you agree?
My settings were ISO 100, F9, Shutter 2.6 sec, Focal length 32 mm. Not sure why I set the shutter for such a long speed... Edited - Now I know why I did that: it was to get light into the shadow areas not hit by the flashes and minimize shadows from the flashes firing.
Let's stuff this post with a few portraits I have shot.
![](https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/300372_174318759312986_1803402372_n.jpg)
![](https://sphotos-b-sjc.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/305389_174736522604543_42190124_n.jpg)
![ads 1](/images/Portraits/ads-1.jpg)
![fj 1](/images/Portraits/fj-1.jpg)
If you ever want a portrait and see me with my camera, just ask. I love shooting portraits!
![Katja Kromann](/images/SCA/avatar11.jpg)
About Katja Kromann
I am a Danish American decorating life in Seattle. I love all things design and DIY.
I can’t think of anything more fun than coming up with project, making it, photographing it and sharing it with you on my websites.
I am a Graphic Artist, a remodeller and home maker by day.
AHomeForDesign.com AHomeForCrafts.com AHomeForFood.com My Portfolio