Trang - Hi Melissa,
I was wondering when you set the shutter speed at 1/15, are you shooting with second curtain?
Drew - this motion effect is amazing... thanks for the tip!
martin zuckermann - likewise, I happened to be browsing through your blog and found this article. Thank you, very, very handy :)
marTin
Christine Kay - Great info! Question for clarification- do you spin the camera 360 degrees to get this effect? I'm newer to photography and haven't tried spinning yet with a slow shutter speed, but I can't wait to try!
Melissa Jill :) - Hey Regina-- I shoot with a Canon 5D and it's noise-free all the way up to 1600 ISO, so I'm not afraid to go high if necessary. Most of these shots are probably in the 1000-1600 range. If I'm using off-camera flash I'm more in the range of 300-600.
Regina White - Thanks for the great post Melissa. One question. What was your ISO when you took the first shot or any of the shots? Everyone is so sharp and clear. I see no noise.
BrooklynGirl - Thanks Melissa for these tips! You are so awesome and talented! I always enjoy reading your blog.
Sarah - This is great information! Thanks so much for sharing, I finally "get it" and I am excited to try it out.
Melissa Jill :) - Hey Tina -- nope, the flash doesn't need to be pointed directly at the subject. The light from the flash just has to hit them and be the main light.
Cindy - Thank you Melissa!! All of a sudden, I finally "get it"!!
Yuka photo art - Thank you, this post is very very useful for me! Next steps-practice, practice and practice.
Tina - I agree with everyone here - this post was SO helpful, and really the best explanation I've read so far. This topic has always been confusing to me, but all of the sudden it clicked! One question though - for some reason I was under the impression that the flash will only freeze your subject if it's pointed directly at them. I'm assuming this is not true since you said in all of these pictures your flash was pointed straight up? Thanks again!
kelli cohee - thanks so much melissa! i love reading your blog... keep the faq's coming!
i'm going to try some technique tomorrow!
Kristin Mizo - Thank you so much for this! This is the one area that I don't feel 100% comfortable. You just broke it down and made it so easy! I can't wait fro next weeks post...ugh...I get a headache trying to focus in low light!
Katina - AWESOME info Melissa! I especially LOVE the second image of that snuggling couple! Hee Hee! Still working on those tickets for SYTYCD...get it!
Jenny Bishop - This is an awesome post, Melissa! I totally understand now the whole flash freezing motion and slowing shutter down! Can't wait to practice!! Love love love the second photo with the blur and couple snuggling! Amazing! :) Can't wait for the next post on flash! :)
Melissa Jill :) - Melissa & Dennis -- click on the link I put in the post for the lightsphere and it will take you to my list of gear on B&H. It shows the exact lightsphere I have. Quick disclaimer though: I haven't tried out all the different flash diffusers out there so I don't know which one is "best." I just use this one and it works great! :)
Kelli M - These posts are coming at a perfect time! I just bought a 580 ex II and I was wondering how to go about using it with an off-camera flash. Thank you so so much!
Cameron Clark | C+K Studio - I also use this same technique, except I hold my flash off camera with my left hand to get an angle with the light-- 1/15, learn to trust it. You will like the ambient background light!
Amelia Strauss - Awesome post MJ! Love the clear explanations and inspiring encouragement :)
Kayla - This is so helpful! I never knew this. Thanks so much for sharing!
Dennis Bullock - I second Melissa's question on what light sphere you have?
morgan roof - Melissa, this is exactly what I needed before wedding season starts for me in a few weeks. Thank you SO much!
Melissa McCrotty - One more thing, which Gary Fong lightsphere do you use? There are several, and I don't know which one would be best. I shoot with a SB-800 speedlight!
john waire - great info melissa. thanks yet again for sharing your knowledge/experience. happy friday!
Melissa McCrotty - Thank you so much for this information. I have only been in photography for a few months, but have NEVER heard such a clear explanation using flash and shutter speed. Thank you so much, and please keep the FAQ's coming! Love them!