Mucho Testing Going On; Canon 5D, 580ex, LSPJ2, Batching, Softening Effect

[skdupre]

Preface: My Canon 5D arrived on Tuesday (1/3/06). I know - great way to start the New Year. My goal was to test out my equipment in the way that I use it; primarily portraits and weddings(all location shoots), and to begin my "workflow" solutions. The test you see was conducted with the following equipment: Canon 5D w/ battery grip, Canon 24-105 EF f/4.0 L IS, Canon 580 ex, Lightspere flash attachment (LSPJ2), Canon's DPP software, PhotoShop Elements 2.0.

Some of you are already thinking that I'm not using the best software for RAW conversion and certainly not up to date with PSCS. What I am currently doing is working with what I have available to me - I'll upgrade in the future as the need arises. I'm really just needing to get a "grip" on this digital crossover from 10 years of Bronica 645 work. So, go easy on me folks (lol).

Image Specifications:

100 ISO, RAW
1/60 @ 4.0 (AV mode)
WB set to AWB
Exposure: Centered Weighted
Flash ETTL w/ -1 1/3 stop w/ LSPJ2 attached

Image Post Processing:

Canon DPP software: Saturation 1, Sharpness 10, some minor brightness/contrast, Batch to JPG w/ Image Quality set to 10.
PhotoShop Elements: Saturation 10, USM settings 150 / .5 / 10

Soften effect compliments of Brad's post @: http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...ad.php?t=11157

Initial Test Comments: I was pleased with the lighting produced with the LSPJ2. I really want the 580ex / LSPJ2 combo to work for me to avoid using a bracket (I learned of the LSPJ2 from this forum - thanks!!!!). A little disappointed that I had to compensate for accurate flash output; however, I will retest with Exposure set to Averaging to see if I get a better reading. I've read to NOT sharpen RAW images because it adds noise, but I didn't really notice a difference. I'll do some more testing in this area. I was totally stoked about learning the softening technique. I know that it is probably common knowledge to regular PhotoShop users, but someone new to digital it's like finding a pot of gold for portraiture (much thanks Brad).

I have hired a model for this afternoon and I'm going to test everything to the max. I even have a church reserved. She won't be wearing a dress, but I do have her wearing a white textured sweater. I will try out both Averaging and Centered Weighted metering (Any thoughts on this?). I am also going to work with both my Sekonic flash meter and reviewing the Histogram information (suggested by Gordon) to fine tune my exposure. I hope the LSPJ2 can deliver "no or soft shadows" going vertical - we'll see. More info to follow on my testing.

Note: these images are pretty small in file size so I hope the effects are plain to see. The sharp focus is definitely sharp confirmed with 8x10 prints from my lab. BTW, this photo was taken on Thursday - Hook 'Em Horns!

[brad]

I don't know that I care for the soften effect for such a young model.. or for a model standing that far away, although you were just testing it it out. I find the soften works best if you are doing a head and shoulders shot.

I like the wall and the pose... you might try opening the f-stop up a little more to blur the closer parts of the wall a little more "naturally." :)

I like the shot, though.. cute girl.

[skdupre]

Thanks for the comments! I will work the opacity down on future images and see what works best with close ups, bust shots, and full lengths. BYW - that's my 10 year old daughter who is becoming a great little photo assistant.

[brad]

Yea, my 10 year old is a great model, too.. she always is wanting to pose. Nice to have those little slaves. :)

[rphoto]

Mine just turned 12 and won't pose anymore. She just tells me Dad put up the camera.