On Camera Flash On Location
Ok I want to share these shots with you because this is a great example of how one can achieve very nice lighting that looks like it was shot with a very expensive set up like Profoto or the likes thereof. The reality is that I used my Metz 55 mz-4 attached to my Canon off camera shoe cord. So let’s go over how I accomplished this look.
First of all I was alone. Yes I had a make up person but this was an experiment that I wanted to do and I purposely did not get an assistant. Many times we can’t afford an assistant when we are just starting out. So we are left with having to be resourceful, otherwise the shoot cannot happen.
1. Attach your off camera shoe cord to your hot shoe on your camera then attach the other end to your flash unit. The underside of the end that you attach your flash to will have a threaded hole that will screw onto either a light stand or tripod.
2. Now you place the flash where ever you like and adjust your exposure accordingly. With these shots I back lit the model with the sun and used my Metz as my key light. I wanted to achieve a bright crisp look so I over exposed with the flash. I did use my lens hood as I was pretty much shooting straight into the sun. My camera settings were: 250th @ F/11.
Ok so at this point I am going to split this post into two separate lessons. I am still feeling this whole instructional blog thing out. If you would like to learn more about this shoot please say so. Without your feedback I can’t give you what you want or need.
Tags: camera flash, camera settings, Canon, flash unit, hot shoe, key light, lens hood, lighting, metz, profoto, sun, tripod
October 25th, 2007 at 8:30 am
With your Metz flash, did you bounce it off of something or was it a direct flash without any type of diffuser?
How is Metz different from my Nikon flash?
October 25th, 2007 at 11:06 pm
Hi Robert.
I did not bounce the flash. And no diffuser. I just aimed it right at the model. Now I did this because it was so bright outside and I needed to over power the sun. There are times when I will just tilt the flash head up 45 degrees and turn on the second fill flash head that is on the Metz. That is why I love the Metz as well. It has a small fill flash head on the front of the flash right next to the sensor. It is a very versatile flash head.
February 8th, 2008 at 4:23 am
Hi Jason - would love to learn more about this shoot. The results look great. I’m a hobby street photographer but have recently been asked to do a fashion shoot - have never done this before and I’m am looking for simple foolproof lighting effects to achieve a classy look. Assuming i have one external flash available, how could i achieve this ‘expensive’ look indoors?
February 8th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
Well indoors is a little trickier because you have walls that light will bounce off of. So that means we need to control the light. We can do that with a small soft box, an umbrella, beauty dish or even grids. Remember that the flash I used in this shot is a Metz similar to a canon or nikon shoe flash. With units like these, you will not have as much of a variety of accessories available that will work with this kind of unit.
In that case I use a monolight then you can try different accessories like a beauty dish, soft box etc.
April 1st, 2008 at 9:20 am
I have a shoot coming up for class that I may shoot outside if it isn’t raining. I was considering using the off-camera flash. I need to gain experience with it. We learned techniques similar to this in a lighting workshop I did for school, and the suggestions you give are similar to what th workshot taught. I usually use controlled lighting, and I think if a photograper can do it right, using an off-camera flash in a situation like this can be just as successful. I like the lighting of this image, especially with that bea of sunshine on the right coming through. I like how the shadows are coming off from the light source behind it, but the model, which you’d think should be in shadow, is still really well lit by your flash.
April 1st, 2008 at 10:00 am
Thank you Donny. What is great about on camera flash units today is they are made very well and powerful. I RARELY haul out a bunch of strobes and lighting attachments anymore. With an off camera shoe cord and a nice flash unit, one can create some beautifully lit photos.
The key is to know how the sun works and manipulate it to your liking. There is no right or wrong, only what looks good to you and the viewer.
As photographers we are observers. We look at everything and try to figure out how it works, INCLUDING human beings ! I observe feelings as well as objects. Look at light in every situation you encounter. Make mental notes and try to re create it next time you shoot.
August 25th, 2008 at 7:51 am
Beautiful…
Note to self: Google Metz 55 mz-4