How to use the flash

Lead: In order to better shoot portraits, it is a wonderful experience to use external flash and TTL to complete the shooting. If you do this in some interesting places and places, the effect will be even more wonderful. Using external flash and TTL is very exciting. If you can make good use of flash photography technology, it will help you realize your rich ideas and highlight the personality characteristics of the subject and the surrounding environment. Let's see how to use the flash!

First, analyze natural light.

Natural light and ambient light are actually the same in direction, intensity, color and softness, which is easy to see in the shooting place. Take time to observe and think about the characteristics of these ambient lights, which will help you decide how to make good use of external flash. Think of your shooting place as a clock or compass, then put the subject in the middle and put the light source such as camera around the subject. The picture below is a portrait taken mainly by natural light. Natural light shines from the back of the subject and passes through the Woods, which doesn't look too obvious and stiff. As a background light, the effect is great.

Second, add external light sources-the location of each light source.

As shown in the picture below, in addition to natural light, I also used a silver reflector and an extra flash. These light sources are arranged in a circle around the subject. The external flash forms a 45-degree angle with the camera and the main body in a straight line.

Third, the flash position.

The use of camera flash is strict, which is not easy at all. Similarly, the light source comes directly from the back of the subject, which makes the light on the subject very strong. In the traditional way of shooting people, this way is not commonly used. As shown in the figure below, the angles of each light source relative to the subject are 0 degrees, 90 degrees, 180 degrees and 270 degrees respectively. These light positions are not dead positions, so you can use them flexibly according to your own needs.

? Fourth, adjust the light position.

As shown in the picture below, you can arrange your main light source at these angles, which can naturally create an image for the photographer. In addition, the model does not need to pose when facing the strong flash, and the action can be adjusted naturally and easily. For photographers, this kind of lighting will also feel more comfortable and can take photos that meet the theme. Photos will also be more interesting because of the obvious contrast between highlights and shadows. Generally speaking, this light distribution method is easier to control and adjust when shooting.

Five, add local flash or reflector.

If you have determined your ambient light conditions and placed your main light source, then you can decide which position is the best place to place the local light source (local flash or reflector). These lights will make your photos look more textured. But remember, these local light sources should not be too close to your main light source. As shown in the figure below, during the initial lighting, each light source should be at least 90 degrees apart, so that all light sources can complement each other and avoid reusing other light sources to affect the lighting effect.

Local lighting plays an auxiliary role relative to the main light. This is the most effective way to improve the creative style in photos. If you already know how all kinds of light sources work, how to use and arrange the position of flash, and use them to take the best portrait photos, then you can achieve creative photos very simply.

Six, lighting bitmap and effect comparison

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Light distribution diagram

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Light distribution diagram

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Light distribution diagram