At a 21st Party

[wilgk]

One of my dearest friends asked would I take some photos in a 'photo-booth style' corner at her daughter's 21st birthday party.
The venue was an old church converted into a cafe/function space.
The walls were white so it wasn't too bad, but the roof was very high.
I wanted even flat lighting that lit everyone in the group without shadows, I didn't think this was the time or place for directional lighting portraiture.
Thus the weapon of choice was on camera flash & I used the Gary Fong Collapsible angled at 45 degrees with no dome.
The flash was working at full power and 400 ISO, I was happy with the results.

The birthday family minus 1


The minus 1 - is the youngest daughter who is on a 6 month exchange visit to Japan, 'Kenta' is here from Japan in her place and as he is in Australia now, he is called Kenny!







& the young ones didn't have all the fun

[Shadowman]

The third and fifth image has the best composition (cropping of group), others have particular body parts cropped off (hands, lower torso, feet) which take away from the nice exposures captured. I would look at further cropping the 1st, 2nd, and 4th image.

[Donald]

Very successful assignment, I'd say. Everything is very well lit.

[ST1]

I would think your friend will be pleased with all of these which to me capture the photo booth requirement very well. Great lighting and colours.

[pnodrog]

The flash has been kept well under control and you achieved your objective of avoiding objectionable shadows. A bit of cropping may not go amiss but overall a good result.

[IzzieK]

All excellent shots, Kay, but I prefer #2 -- the crop is just right for me...

[bnnrcn]

Very nice shots, the last one is special

[wilgk]

Thankyou Binnur, Izzie, L'Paul, Donald & John for your comments and suggestions re the cropping. I have the silent rule of thumb in my head, 'don't crop at joints' but maybe I forgot, or didn't listen to myself this time.
I will have a look at the others & just check that.
I have read of a reference to 'the dreaded ankle chop' as well.
Thankyou again for responding :-)

[FootLoose]

You certainly got the lighting right, Kay. I think the last is probably the most successful composition as it appears to be a more spontaneous moment.

[Loose Canon]

Looks like it was a fun gig Kay.

I’ve always been amazed at the Fong-o-Sphere! I got one before the collapsibles came out because I saw it at a local brick and mortar and gave it a whirl in the shop just on a whim. I liked it on the spot and picked one up.

I know some folks don’t like them at all but I’ve gotten what I consider to be pretty good results using mine. If I am going to be in a situation where a flash goes into the kit, the Fong goes with it. I’ve used it a couple of different ways including taping a piece of aluminum foil around the back of it to direct more light out and front. Even tried a black piece of paper in that position.

My only regret is that I don’t have the collapsible because the non-collapser is a bit of a pain to fit nicely in a small fanny pack. Maybe one day I’ll pony up for a collapsible replacement!

Good stuff Kay!

[William W]

The Flash lighting is good and you certainly captured the essense of the fun.
Great dress!

WW

[wilgk]

Thanks Terry & Bill, she did look lovely didn't she & I was happy, my only issue is why did I not learn to use the device earlier.... Doh!