BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Camera Flash Troubleshooting

Photography Question 

Mike Turner
 

How Do I Avoid Shadows?


 
  Jacked-up photo 1
Jacked-up photo 1
Jacked up

Mike Turner

 
  Jacked-up photo 2
Jacked-up photo 2
Jacked up

Mike Turner

 
 
I know this might sound stupid but I have just taken some wedding pictures and on a lot of them the shadow ruined a good picture. I have two questions.

One, can the shadow be digitally reduced by software? How hard is it? I have Photoshop LE - what do I look for.

Second, what are the variables that cause this problem? It might soung dumb but I am confused and at a loss as to how to avoid this problem in the future. Some pictures there is a wall close - so I understand that, but on some the wall is far away but I still get a shadow. Will a diffuser work in this instance? I know that I need to become more aware of my surroundings but this problem is something that I need to learn how to avoid because I am sure that I will be faced with similiar situations in the future.

Here are a couple of photos that I shot. I know that the expensive photographer lights might have fixed this problem but I want a solution without buying the expensive equipment. Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.


To love this question, log in above
October 04, 2002

 

Jeff S. Kennedy
  I'm assuming by shadows you mean those shadows caused by your flash behind your subject(s). If this is indeed what you are talking about the solution is simple. Get the flash off of the camera. This is easily accomplished using a flash bracket. Another thing that helps is to bounce the flash using either the ceiling or a bounce attachment or both.


To love this comment, log in above
October 04, 2002

 

Jeff S. Kennedy
  Ahhh, your pictures weren't on there the first time I looked. Yep, on camera flash is the culprit. Check out Newton brackets or Stroboframes. The bounce attachment will also help a lot.


To love this comment, log in above
October 04, 2002

 

Mike Turner
  Yeah, It took me a bit to get the pictures loaded. Thank you for your advice. I was beginning to think that might be the problem. It's good to be reassured. Thanks alot!!!


To love this comment, log in above
October 04, 2002

 

lou estes
  Whenever I need a flash bounce I simply attach a 3x5, white index card to the top side of my flash. I angle the flash attachment at a 45*,degree, angle with the index card and the pictures come out fine. That is if the ceiling color is a light color. Should it be a dark color I decrease the angle but always try to avoid a direct 90* angle shot. I am sure that you will figure out what to do but if you are on a tight budget this might work for you. Good shooting.
Lou
Lou's Freelance Photogrpahy
Westport, WA
http://ozimages.com.au/portfolio/jlestes.php
360-268-1399


To love this comment, log in above
November 11, 2002

 

BetterPhoto Member
  dont' shoot them!


To love this comment, log in above
August 13, 2008

 
This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here

Report this Thread