Do you want to learn how to use your flash for outdoor photography? You are not alone. Many new and even experienced photographers are curious about how to use a flash in an outdoor setting.
On an overly sunny or cloudy day, the harsh sunlight or gray cloud can make creating a well-exposed portrait a real headache. But by using a flash, you can overcome challenging outdoor lighting conditions and produce stunning pictures.
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Therefore, I will show you how to use a flash for professional outdoor photography in this article. I have also included some pro tips and ideas to help you master outdoor flash photography.
How to use Flash for outdoor photography?
Using flash for outdoor photography is a hotly debated topic in the industry. Some photographers don’t like to use it, claiming it can kill the atmosphere and mood of the picture; they prefer to use natural light. Others think it is a helpful tool and use it frequently to ensure their subject is well-lit and pops out of the background.
Portrait photography aims at capturing the personality, character, and emotions. It can either be candid or artistic. Portrait photography requires more than just the ability to understand your camera settings, lighting, and composition.
You must also possess the ability to connect with your subjects and capture their unique qualities. So, it is a difficult but rewarding genre of photography.
Click Below to read a comprehensive guide to learning and mastering the art of portrait photography.
Sure, you cannot use flash for every on-location shot, but it is a valuable tool that can help you capture well-balanced pictures, which you might not be able to create using only natural light. Below is how to use a flash when shooting portraits outside or in a public location, such as a park or beach.
1. Inspect and clean the flash unit
You might be wondering, what is a flash unit? It is a portable device that floods an area or subject with intense bursts of light, illuminating it for a few seconds. A flash unit is also called a camera flash or a Speedlite. In this case, it is the device you want to use outdoors.
Before leaving your studio, ensure you inspect your flash unit or speedlight for any physical damage. Make sure the batteries are charged and properly inserted. Furthermore, use a clean, lint-free cloth to wipe off any dirt or debris from the flash head.
2. Evaluate the ambient light
I do not recommend using a flash outdoors during the day when the sunlight is even and soft, except if the scene is not properly exposed. So, once you arrive at the scene, study the lighting condition for a few minutes.
On some occasions, you won’t need a flash. If the ambient lighting is already sufficient and well-balanced, you may not need to use flash. However, you may need one if your subject is backlit, under harsh shadows, or in low-light situations.
3. Attach the flash
Next, mount the flash onto your camera’s hot shoe. You can also connect it using a dedicated off-camera flash cord.
4. Optimize your camera setting
Thereupon, adjust your camera settings to work with the flash. You can start with the following recommendation:
- ISO100
- Switch to manual mode.
- Use a fast shutter speed (e.g., 1/250th) if you want to darken the background. Use a slow shutter speed (e.g., 1/30th) if you want to balance the flash with the ambient light.
- Aperture – between f/4 to f/11.
NB: The settings provided above may or may not work well for you, depending on the scene and your level of experience. Thus, I only recommend using it as a starting point if you are confused about what camera settings to start with.
5. Set the flash power
If you are new to outdoor flash photography, I recommend setting the flash to TTL (through the lens) mode. In this mode, it will automatically determine the appropriate power output for you. If you are experienced, you can set it to manual mode and adjust accordingly.
6. Take test shots
Finally, take a few test shots and adjust every (camera and flash) setting accordingly for the best results. Furthermore, I recommend you continue practicing with your flash in different outdoor scenarios. This will help you improve your outdoor flash photography skills.
5 Professional tips and ideas for outdoor flash photography
Below are some professional tips and ideas to help you master how to use flash for outdoor photography.
1. Choose the right flash
There are several types of flash units in the market. But not everyone is compatible with your camera. Some were designed for specific cameras.
So, consider looking for a suitable flash with features like adjustable power output, bounce/swivel capabilities, and high-speed sync (HSS).
2. Understand flash exposure compensation
When you shoot outdoors with a flash, you are mixing natural light and the light produced by the flash. To achieve a balanced exposure, you need to at least understand flash exposure compensation.
Flash exposure compensation is the feature that allows you to apply exposure compensation and control the brightness of the light produced by the flash. Flash exposure helps you to capture well-lit images.
You must understand this technique if you want to thrive in flash photography. Although it might appear complex, it is actually straightforward. You can go through the article below to learn more about it:
What is Flash Exposure Compensation? How to use this feature?
3. Be mindful of distance
Unfortunately, the light of the flash can only reach a certain maximum range. Some can reach a wide range of 20mm-200m, while others cannot.
So, consider the limitations of your flash and adjust your shooting distance accordingly. If your subject is too far, the final image may appear underexposed. I’m sure you don’t want that.
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4. Use flash modifiers
Consider using flash modifiers like reflectors and diffusers to control and soften the light from the flash. This way, you can reduce glare and produce more stunning photographs.
5. Consider your subject
As I stated earlier, you cannot use a flash for all outdoor shots. For instance, using a flash for landscape photography may not be necessary unless you want to create something entirely unique. But you can use it for portraits – depending on your desired effects.
Generally, whether to use a flash or not will depend on your creative intent, subject, and the ambient lighting condition. I do not record the use of a flash for outdoor photography when the ambient light is soft and evenly distributed. Nevertheless, I encourage you to be creative – always try out new things and be confident in yourself.