“Light” Vignetting
by mudanomanAt a recent indoor biking competition, I decided to play around with my Canon 580ex flash settings to see if I could come up with something a bit more interesting than the normal “on the camera flash look” where everything is uniformly lit. What I mean is trying to avoid the usual “flat” look that occurs with a single frontal light source and bring some ‘pop’/emphasis to the subject. What I describe below can probably be done in photoshop/pp, but I prefer to do what I can on camera.
Essentially, what I did was set the flash zoom setting (manual mode) different than my lens setting. I zoomed the flash unit more than my lens setting, thus not lighting the entire frame. Remeber that zooming the flash will decrease its coverage area. In addition, the use of a Canon Off Camera Cord helped aim and position the light to minimize shadows.
For example, below I used a 50mm zoom setting on my flash while shooting with a 28mm lens.
The flash was not aimed at the subject properly, but it gives you a sense of the light coverage. After another attempt, I was successful at capturing the rider and creating a somewhat natural vignetting around him due to the limited flash coverage.
(EXIF of image above)
Finally, another example of my Tokina 12-24mm set at 12mm and shot with the flash zoom at 75mm.
This technique will not satisfy everyones cup of tea, but it seems to add a nice touch when light is limited or when you want to get a little creative.
Cheers,
Ivan
ibwphoto.com
January 17th, 2006 at 12:02 pm
I was going to ask you what you thought of the tokina. I was looking at it today at work.. came really close to clicking the buy button.. it’s likd a sickness..
January 20th, 2006 at 3:03 pm
The Tokina is a great lens (sharp/semi affordable). However, I must warn you that my first 12-24mm was a dud and sent back for a replacement. I hear its quite common since Tokina’s QC is not all that great. Anyway, its a real fun lens to use even though its not very fast (F4) and is not comptabile with full-size sensors if you decide to upgrade to the 5D or 1s in the future. Btw, make sure you use the Hoya Pro-1 low profile or equivalent filter if decide to get one. The thicker filters will cause vignetting. Best, Ivan
January 20th, 2006 at 9:49 pm
Good to know. A little late for regrets- it’s due to be delivered Monday. Hopefully I can live with f/4 for now, because I have to save for a second speedlite and pocket wizards.
Jason
www.ihatebikes.net
January 21st, 2006 at 12:01 am
f/4 will suit most of your needs I think especially with flashes. Btw, are you planning to use the speedlites with the PWs? Just a thought, you might want to get some cheapo vivitar 285hvs since the speedlites will have to be used in manual mode anyways and they cost 5 times more to replace
. Just my .02.
Ivan
www.ibwphoto.com