Why I used an Off-Camera Flash in the Wilderness
In this blog & video, lets have a look at why I decided to use a diffused flash in the wilderness when shooting a model.
Watch this video…
Highlights of this video:
0:30 – Setup I’m using
1:12 – Shooting with the light-source
1:21 – Image without light-source (YUK!)
1:55 – Move the lights to a different place
2:16 – Explanation of light source and diffusor
Results Speak for themselves!
Why go to all that trouble to hike into the wilderness carrying an extra light-stand, off-camera strobes, umbrella with diffusor and radio triggers?
Well – checkout the difference here… (Remember to click on the images to see them LARGE!)
Image on left has no flash, image on right has flash!
Adding a touch of studio-lighting to an outdoor shoot
I love shooting outdoors, especially in a beautiful area like the blue mountains near Sydney. With this shoot I wanted to combine the control and lighting I get in a studio with the beautuful backgrounds I find in nature. See how I’m using the ambient light (shade) as the background light and then using the artificial light to enhance the model, so that she is a touch lighter than the background and really draws the viewers eyes to her?
Here is how I did it:
- Choose a beautiful location!
- Shoot some test shots with the model, posing in different locations
- Find the best spot for the final images
- Setup light source close enough to model – but not in the shot
- Balance the artificial light with the ambient light (this might take a few shots to get right)
- Shoot away, try different poses
- Be sensitive to your surroundings, tread lightly – take only pictures.
Take a look at these gorgeous images – click on the images to see them LARGE!
Which do you think had the fill flash added? (left or right?)
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Secrets to posing models!
There are more techniques for model photo shoots waiting for you!
Here’s the 3 Step Model Flow-Pose to start with full of great lessons for both the photographer and the model.
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Here is another image I really liked.
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Would love to know what you think? Please leave me your comments below. Brent
Fill flash adds a lot to your shots. I really like the umbrella you used. Beautiful location.
I have adapted a backpack to carry my camera, several flash heads and spare batteries and use a lawn chair sock to carry the light stands and umbrellas. It is easy to carry, doesn’t hang up on trees and I can take it quite a long distance if necessary.
There are videos out there that sometimes leave you confused and discouraged. Not this one. Clear easy to follow steps. You’re even using accessories that the average joe can afford. i’m left feeling confident and eager to try this.
Thanks Gary. Yeah, maybe it’s time to create that course I mentioned below? Brent
Nice shots Brent. Beautiful place and model. Thanks for sharing the info. I’m interested in the umbrella, it looks big enough to fit over the snout of the Profoto B1’s. That would be a good alternative for a light modifier instead of trashing high dollar soft boxes by dragging them around through the woods all day. Very good video.
I love that umbrella – I ordered 2 of them, at $25 each it a good deal. Brent
Love the video….. could you provide where you ordered the umbrella ?
Hi Brent,
Great video!
Great shots!
Using a tripod as a light stand is a great idea! Wider footprint makes it more stable and you can adjust the legs for uneven terrain. Most beginners probably have a cheap tripod and no light stands. You show how we can achieve spectacular results with very little investment.
Yeah – might be time for a course on how to shoot these types of shots with cheaper gear? Brent
very informative Brent, good work.
Thanks Phil. B