Workin’ The Off-Camera Flash

May 20, 2010

This one time at photo camp…

Well I’m not really allowed to divulge the secrets, so I’ll just show you a little of what we learned. The topic focused on off-camera lighting, a technique I absolutely love. Sure I admire natural light and still use it when I’m feelin’ it, but I just really dig dramatic lighting shots....and it ain’t easy!

This first shot was practicing the use of flash to look like natural light. I think her eyes are beautiful in this portrait, especially the catch lights, and yet it doesn’t look like artificial light.

Then we headed outside, thankfully on one of the days it didn’t snow! Our goal was to light a subject while maintaining a deep blue saturated background. I love blue skies!

This is my new buddy, Blake who was rocking it with his superman pose. This was in bright sunlight and yet the use of off-camera flash makes it look like dusk and much more intense. He’s such a natural… By the way, Blake’s wife, Danielle, decorates some beautiful wedding cakes so check out her website for inspiration!

Then the sun really began to shine, so what were we to do? Over power it with flash so the subject looked natural without ugly sun splotches on their face. Here’s Roberto (who by the way sports the most amazing upside down glasses I’ve ever seen when not in front of the camera, he seriously makes me wish I had poor eyesight) striking a perfect pose under our softbox. Afraid of direct sun shoots? Never again!

And of course I can’t forget Phil! I think this was the only time I didn’t see a smile on his face, but we both thought this photo made him look intense. Oh yeah!

It’s only been a week and yet I miss that goofy group of photogs snapping away in the middle of beautiful nowhere. If you’re interested in a fantastic value for photography training, check out Treehaven’s website and seriously, just book it!

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