BetterPhoto Q&A
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Sherri Wiggins

How to eliminate shadows

Hi. I use a Nikon D70. I have a Jtl Versalight-D 300 studio light. I seem to always get a shadow behind my subject. Why and what can I do to fix this? I have tried different settings; I have tried moving the light around. I just don't what to do. Thank you.

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June 14, 2005

John C. Schwentner

Hi Sherri, that is a really nice camera too.

One way that will work is to aim the flash up at the cieling (bounce)with enough power to make the exposure. It will change the lighting effect and may be pleasing or maybe not as pleasing as a direct flash, but it will knock out the shadow.

Im assuming you are taking a portait vertically maybe? this throws the flash to the side, and you will get the shadow off to the side.

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June 14, 2005

Sherri Wiggins

Thanks John. My flash has a swivel head so do you think shooting vertically I would need to just turn the flash head so I can still bounce it from above?

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June 14, 2005

John C. Schwentner

Oh definately yes. It will help, although you may still have slight shadow more toward the bottom unless you are really strictly at the ceiling. another thing, you got to have the power to do it when using indirect lighting like that. Can you boost up your flash power?. Most good flashes can, but mostly has to be in manual mode to work, which makes you have to work a little harder. I take it this flash does not also swivel straight up?

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June 14, 2005

John C. Schwentner

Hey Sherri, is this what youre talking about? this was my girl Mary sue and I took this vertically of course, which threw the flash to the left side. that put a shadow on her right, thats not all her hair, thats the shadow. I should have swivelled up for bounce, but didnt think about it.

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June 14, 2005

John C. Schwentner


	Mary John C. Schwentner

Hey Sherri, is this what youre talking about? this was my girl Mary sue and I took this vertically of course, which threw the flash to the left side. that put a shadow on her right, thats not all her hair, thats the shadow. I should have swivelled up for bounce, but didnt think about it.

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June 14, 2005

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