Self portrait

[Sean Setters]

I have a shot in my head that I want you to try. It's a shot I've done a few times and it usually turns out well:


Ode: Contemplative by budrowilson, on Flickr


Haris: Still Looking by budrowilson, on Flickr

Put your flash with a modifier (LQ SB) a little behind you raking forward just a bit. The exact position of the mainlight is key to avoiding a large, unflattering nose shadow (I actually have the flash a little to far behind the subject in the first shot). You could put the reflector behind you as a back light (like the second shot) and use the on-camera pop-up as fill (very similar to the first shot's on-axis fill technique). I'd suggest gelling the flash with 1/4 CTO or 1/2 CTO for a bit of warmth if shooting inside (we're accustomed to seeing warm tungsten light inside).