The Good, The Bad, and The Flashy: My next move with flash
I’ve been immersing myself completely into the captivating world of flash photography, and it has truly been quite an enjoyable time. I've been fearlessly pushing the boundaries of my craft, delving deep into the uncharted world of controlling and directing light more than I ever have. Exploring the intricate dance between light and shadow has opened up a whole new dimension to my creative process, allowing me to capture moments in ways I’ve creatively feared… and honestly still do.
New Gear, Who’s This?
So, I’ve recently picked up a Godox S2, which is a Speedlight bracket that holds flashes like the Godox V1 or AD100 and takes any Bowens Mount. I also got a random but super affordable Bowens Mount 7 Inch Reflector to add more power and get comfortable with flash attachments. And, of course, a Godox X Pro Flash Transmitter to shoot off-camera. But you know what? It just dawned on me as I'm wiriting that I inadvertently ended up purchasing the older version, not the much-loved Xpro II. Looks like it's time to return the item on Amazon and get the right one!
First Shoot: The Great Outdoors
I had two shoots today, and I’m digging the whole setup. The first one was outdoors and just on a whim, I pulled out the combo. It worked an absolute treat! I was able to darken the background and grip the Godox S2 in my hands, holding it over my head or to the sides while taking shots. I looked a little ridiculous, but hey, I was getting what I wanted. The only hiccup was my aim and the falloff; I’m thinking a diffuser could solve this, but I don’t want to lose the harsh shadows I’m after.
Second Shoot: Small Spaces, Big Lessons
The second shoot presented a bit more of a challenge than the first. The confined space with reflective white walls created a tricky lighting situation. To counter this, I opted to bounce the light, and the results were quite satisfactory. However, I reckon I'll need to narrow my aperture beyond F/11, stick to ISO 100, and perhaps explore using a higher and more directional light angle. After that, I decided to venture outside (on a London rooftop, no less!), which was quite unconventional for me. Though I tried to stick to my usual methods, I realised that I still need to refine my flash technique. Nonetheless, as they say, practice makes perfect, and I'm ready to keep honing my skills.
Final thoughts…
Overall, I’m pretty stoked about what I was able to do with this setup. Now, it’s time to send this Xpro back to Amazon! I thought something was weird about the transmitter!
So, that’s it for now. I’m excited to continue this journey into flash photography and can’t wait to share more of my experiences with you. Until next time, keep shooting!