Nikon D4, 28-300mm @ 98mm, ISO 1,200, ƒ/8, 1/50

Gitzo GT-0531

While on vacation with the family, I ended up taking some portraits on the beach. I had my Nikon SB-900 and SB-800 with me.

I wanted to use the beach as the background for the photos. There is no need for a white seamless when you have this kind of natural setting.

I used flashes to help give the photos a pop. I wanted the subjects to be just a hair bit brighter than everything else to draw more attention to them.

I also used my Gitzo carbon fiber tripod to keep the camera rock-steady so I could shoot these at dusk. This way, everyone’s eyes were open and not squinting on the beach.

I had the PocketWizard Mini TT1, FlexTT5, and AC3 to trigger the flashes. Using the AC3 to control the flashes’ output, I set the SB-900 at zero and the SB-800 at -1. This way, the SB-900 is the main light, and the SB-800 is the fill.

Since this is working using TTL, you have to play with it. The scene really affects the look and how the TTL reacts in any given situation. 

We had fun taking different photos of everyone down on the beach.

Lighting diagram for the photos.

Now that the technical stuff is explained and out of the way, how do you get good expressions?

Have some fun and let them goof around. After having some fun, you can squeeze a few pleasant moments in as well.