One of my favorite subjects to teach in photography is how to use flash for lighting your subject. Using your flash, both on-camera and off-camera, can make a huge difference in your photography. But off-camera flash can bring out dimension in your photographs, especially in portraiture. On-camera flash can make your subject look flat, but by placing your flash to the side of your subject, you create shadows and highlights that shapes your subject and adds dimension.
Here are a few portraits where I used off-camera flash lighting. Take a look at the direction of light and how it shapes the face of each model.
The off-camera flash was placed to the left of the camera. I had the model turn her head towards the light which created a shadow on her cheek facing the camera. The directional light also helped define the feathers on the wings.
Two off-camera lights were used for this portrait. One flash was placed to the left of the camera and the second is on a light stand behind the model. The light behind her was placed there to mimic a stage light.
This portrait was taken outside in the early evening, just after sunset. The city lights were on and I used them in the background to frame the model. The flash was placed high and to the right of the camera and I had the model turn her head towards the light to create definition in her face. Notice the shadows under her chin and on one side of her face.
One of my recent lessons was teaching off-camera flash and here is the set up I used for practicing using just one Speedlight (flash). This set up above works for still life and portraits and is an inexpensive investment for creating professional photographs.
Speedlight - Yongnuo 560EX
This Speedlight works as a slave that can be triggered using your pop-up flash on your DSLR or even a compact camera. This particular model works with Nikon, Sony, Canon, and any other camera model that has a built-in flash. The 560EX is a manual flash, so it does not have TTL (through the lens) metering, but when using off-camera flash, it is best to use it in manual mode anyway, so TTL really not needed. I've had mine for about 8 years now and it's a fairly rugged Speedlight. I've even dropped it a couple of times and it still works! If you want an inexpensive external flash, this is a great one to start with. The price for this model is around $75. That is a bargain compared to several hundred dollars for a brand name Speedlight. I paid about $600 for my Nikon SB910 Speedlight - ouch! Don't get me wrong, the SB910 is an amazing flash and I love it, but if your budget doesn't allow for that expense, the Yongnuo is a great alternative.
Softbox - Cowboy Studio Softbox
This is a 24in Speedlite flash softbox that includes an L-bracket, shoe mount and case for under $40! Because it is so compact when folded into its case, it is a great solution for on-location photoshoots. A softbox helps to diffuse the light from a Speedlight and softens the shadows. It's helpful to have 2 softboxes and 2 Speedlights, but you can get by with just one to create more professional-looking photographs.
Light Stand or Tripod - Cowboy Studio Cushioned Light Stand
Any sturdy tripod or light stand is suitable for this lighting setup. Since moving into a small condo, I don't have much room for photography equipment any longer, so I sold all my light stands and just use my tripod as one now. I'm kind of wishing I had either another tripod or a light stand though because there are times I need a two-light setup. So, if I were to purchase one in the near future, it would be this one - Cowboy Studio Cushioned Light Stand. I prefer a light stand that has cushioning. The cushioned stands are much easier to open and close and saves your fingers from getting pinched! This particular one raises to 9 feet which allows you to point the light downward on your subject and costs around $25.
Built-in Flash Blocker - SG-3 IR Panel for Built-in-Flash
This device attaches to the built-in flash hot shoe to block the light but it allows the slave flash to be triggered. It's made by Nikon but should work on any camera with a hot shoe. It costs around $12.
That's it!
That is all you need to create professional-looking portraits or still life photos indoors or outdoors. If you need help learning how to use the Speedlight, well, that's what I'm here for. Contact me for more information about lessons on how to use a Speedlight on or off-camera. I am available to anyone locally for in-person lessons or anyone anywhere with online lessons!
The photo below is the result of the lighting setup from the photo above using just one off-camera Speedlight. I used a Nikon 85mm lens (my absolute favorite lens!), manual mode, ISO 50, F4.5, 1/80 sec, flash at 1/32 power.
You can also add a reflector to the side opposite your Speedlight for additional light. This is one I use regularly and its priced right! The Neewer brand has been good to me and I recommend this one if you're budget is tight. It's quite versatile with 5 different light modifiers in one - Translucent, Silver, Gold, White and Black.
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