How many times have you responded to the question 'What camera do you use' with the answer 'It's not the camera it's the photographer'? For us, honestly, it's all about the light. It's likely you can put a cheap camera in the hands of an inexperienced photographer, provide the perfect light and get a "wow" image. It's unlikely to put a high-end camera in that same photographer's hands, provide the worst light possible and still get that same "wow" factor. We've had numerous students and mentees who came to us as "natural light only" photographers change their tune after spending 1 afternoon getting to know their flash.
We do not dismiss the power of natural light. We understand that artificial light was, and is, created to try and mimic natural light. However, there are many advantages of flash (specifically off camera flash) that we just can't ignore. Flash can help balance your scene, add separation, create drama, increase contrast/texture, allow for a lower ISO and freeze movement.
We hope these 3 tips help get you started on your journey to understanding your flash.
1) If possible, get your flash off camera. This will provide you more opportunities to control the direction and strength of the flash by moving it side to side and front and back. We use the Godox AD200 combined with a range of Magmod Products, but any external flash will do.
) In addition you will need a remote/trigger set and a light stand. Cowboy studios makes a very affordable remote/trigger set which is great for learning on. The downside is that it will not allow TTL, but they will work with most camera brands (as long as there is a hotshoe).
2) Diffuse the light! If you are unable to get your flash off-camera you can diffuse the light by swiveling it around and bouncing it off a wall/ceiling so it bounces back in the direction you wish. Off camera we prefer the MagMod products due to portability and ease of use. However, there are times when you may need something larger and softer such as a soft box or umbrella. The larger the diffuser the softer the light will be. Also the closer the light source the softer properties the light will have.
3. Understand your flash settings. Your aperture will control your flash's exposure (the amount of light on the subject), while the shutter speed will control the ambient light. A slower shutter speed will show more ambient light than a faster one. If you are trying to blacken out the background try a shutter speed of 01/200. Remember that if there is a lot of clutter in the background (the faster shutter will decrease the amount of light on the background, resulting in less distractions). If you are looking to balance the ambient light a slower shutter speed, such as 01/60 will show more of the background.
Here are some photos that we feel benefited by the use of off-camera flash:
Hope this post inspired to get your camera off flash. It may Seem intimidating at first, but you will open up your creativity so much more once you try!
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