One Light, Many Looks
I would like to do a series focusing on just using a one-light setup. I know many here are brand new to OCF and only have one flash to work with. That is fine, you can create many types of light with just one flash. I personally think starting off with one simple speedlite is the best way to learn OCF.
This exercise will be less is more.
We are going to try and get a very narrow outline of our subject. If you don't have a human willing to sit still for you, I think this exercise would be great with an interesting shaped vase or glass. For these images I started with this setup:
Here is the set-up from the side.
I had a Glow Collapsible Beauty Dish mounted to my Flashpoint XPLOR 600 and placed right behind and at the shoulder of sweet Sally. I was curious to see how little rim light I could get on the edge of her profile and my plan was to just get an edge of light along her face that I would then convert to b&w.
I probably say this too often but for me, having a plan before I start shooting is so important when working with OCF.
Here is what I captured for the image below:
1 SOOC-ISO 100, f5, 1/160ss and flash power at 1/64.
My first test shot was too bright and I did not want the light spilling into my frame. I angled the modifier just a bit more away from my daughter and reduced the flash power.
2-ISO 100, f5, 1/160ss and flash power reduced to 1/128.
I still felt this was a bit bright so adjusted my flash to it's lowest power setting.
3-ISO 100, f5, 1/160 flash power to 1/256
At that point, I was happy with my exposure but wanted even less light on my daughter's face. My end goal was to have just a small strip of light running down her profile so I began making little changes.
In image 1 below, you can see the rim of the modifier to camera left. I had it angled slightly away from us so that I would get less light on my daughter and reduce any lens flare. I liked the second image but wanted even less detail. I moved slightly to the left and had my daughter turn her face even more from the light. Image 3 was what I had envisioned to start but I like image 2 more.
If you only have a shoot through umbrella you may have a harder time getting this look. Let me know if that is you and I will work on recreating this look with an umbrella to share with you.
I also tried this with a still life setup:
I hope you all will try this out and I would love to see your results here.
It really is easier than it sounds:
Place modifier:
Use low power setting if highlight is too bright. You can also adjust to a smaller aperture (try f8 if you need a starting point).
Try shooting at slightly different angles with your camera and subject.
Let me know if you have any questions.