Lesson Title: Easy, Directional Lighting with Off-Camera Flash
Lesson:
The transition to digital photography has been one of the most exciting changes in our profession – ever! The result has been an explosion of enthusiasm for photography. One result of this digital revolution is that many more people are trying their hand at the craft. Unfortunately, another result is that wedding photography is starting to look pretty much the same again – candids only, flat and direction-less lighting with only the on camera flash. As this continues many wedding photographers are “trending” themselves right out of business.
Artists and photographers throughout the ages have produced images revealing both the subtle and dramatic use of light and lighting in their image compositions. It is that “direction of light” that creates the detail, depth, definition, and color saturation in the photograph. It is this “direction of light” that we need to rediscover and start incorporating again into our photography.
I try to incorporate a “direction of light” into most of the images I create for my clients on their wedding day. I use many different methods in the course of the event. We will be discussing only one in our lesson here. When creating beautiful portraits my technique is quite simple.
I use a Quantum FreeWire transmitter on my Canon 5D digital camera outfitted - most of the time - with Canon’s 24 – 105mm F4 IS lens. I also attach Canon’s 580EX flash to the camera, but in this case, it is left in the OFF position. It’s only purpose in this lesson is to be a resting place for the Quantum FreeWire transmitter. Yes, I could have “hot-shoed” the transmitter directly to the camera, but in the speed of a wedding shoot, I don’t have time to keep swapping flashes so I just keep it on the camera for overall ease of operation.
I use Quantum’s FreeWire receiver attached to their T5d flash head to trigger the strobe unit. To soften the light, I fire the T5d flash through a 36” translucent umbrella. This softens the light substantially, yet still gives me the portability and mobility to create that beautiful “direction of light” easily.
I think this lesson gives you a good indication of the ease in which we can create more interesting and beautiful lighting on our subjects – lighting that clearly sets us apart from most of the shooters out there these days. Remember, “It’s always the difference that makes the difference” in your photographic success.
Your assignment is to create wedding or portrait images (submit two) with the techniques demonstrated in this lesson. Let me take a look at your work – I will be looking at lighting direction, loop lighting patterns, contrast control, and composition.
Have fun,
David
Lesson Requirement: Submit two images using the techniques shown in the video. Naturally, you may use equipment that you have at your disposal.
Copyright & Rights: Please adhere to all the rules and regulations of copyright with your images and the copyright of others.
Also, listen to the audio interview on copyright with attorney Robert Cavallo in the Conference Room at Photoworkshop.com.
Visit the United States Copyright Office: http://www.copyright.gov/
http://www.photoworkshop.com/registered/pages/conference.html
