A Few Experiments with Onset of Fall

I tried a few different things today, with varying degrees of success.  The first was to try using the on-camera flash for fill-light outside.  Since we are at that time of year where the shadows are starting to cross the yard earlier and earlier, and I can't always juggle the reflector and the camera while still getting used to the back button focus, I thought I'd try it.  While the results weren't totally horrible, I think I can safely say this will not be the first thing on my 'go-to' list when I'm trying to get some fill light...

Too flat looking for me.

Better, but probably because the lens was on the wider-angle end of the zoom.

Better with more exposure compensation, and while this is cropped, the wide-angle end of the lens is clearly better.

I like the idea of an on-camera fill light, but I wonder if I might be better served to try it with a separate flash (although it will make the camera heavier, and might make the back button focus more of a challenge).  Anything, something to continue working on.

Also, since Fall is upon us, I thought I'd try some back-lit photos, because, during the work-week I'm probably going to end up with more backlighting as the days get shorter...

These photos are more interesting now that I know I can get the eyes in focus.

Since I spent a lot of time outside with the girls, I also got a bunch of direct-sunlight action photos.

Doodle Launcher is in good working order.

Zombie dog going after tennis balls.

Classic diagonal stretch.

Doodle Launcher still working.

This one I actually like because of the shadow on the ground!

And finally, I took a few shots in full shadow with a little help from my little reflector (which actually requires sunlight to use, which could make it a bit of a challenge in a month or two when the sun sets behind the hill at 4pm...).

As an aside, I learned how to make dog noses not look blue when they are really black.  This is a good thing.

Regal Doodle  (you might notice the faint hint of light on her face from the reflector - again, sun makes the reflector work better!)

That last photo reminds me of the crouching Anubis statue found in Tutankhamen's tomb (not my image) :

Other than the ears and lack of tennis ball, that could totally be Fi.

 Day 267/365.