1 EXPOSE FOR BACKDROPS
Before turning on the flash, look for an angle where the backdrop is lighter than the subject, then try a test shot. Set Manual mode with a shutter speed of 1/200 sec, a wide aperture, like f/2.8, and use a low ISO (100 here). We want the backdrop to be correctly exposed, and the subject to be slightly dark.
2 WORK OUT A FLASH POWER
Next, set up a flashgun in an umbrella or softbox, positioned slightly to the side of the camera in front of your subject. Attach a trigger so it can be fired wirelessly, then, using manual flash power, take a couple of test shots to determine the right power to light the face. Here our flash is at 1/8th power.
3 POSITION…