Multi-angle single lamp shooting skills of flash lamp

Flash has a variety of applications. It can not only illuminate the image, but also match different lighting effects. However, it is not easy for users who are new to photography to master the skills of using multiple flashlights at the same time, and buying multiple flashlights also requires certain funds. So this time, I will introduce you to the skills of single-light shooting, from shallow to deep, and teach you photographers to master the basic skills of flash technology.

To understand the application of flash, we can start from different lighting angles. Generally speaking, we can plug the flash directly into the top of the machine to illuminate the main body. Although this has been able to shoot the subject with accurate exposure, generally speaking, such a light angle is easy to be too tough, and may even make the subject become dead white and look very dull. In order to make the lighting effect more flexible, this test is to let users know what effect different angles will have, so this time we also used the flash trigger to control the flash to leave the machine.

In the test, we used a soft umbrella to illuminate the model at about 0 degrees, 45 degrees and 90 degrees respectively.

Case 1:0: 0 Direct

In this way, the light on the face is very flat, and the outline of the face is not prominent.

Case 2: Horizontal 45

Slight shadows will appear near the model's cheeks to increase the outline lines.

Case 3: 90 side light

Strong shadows will appear on the model's face, highlighting the lines of the bridge of the nose.

It can be seen that different angles of light will have different effects on the feeling of the picture. When shooting from the front at 0, the lines of the model's face are not prominent, and when shooting from the side at 90, a strong outline line can be created, and the effect is centered when the oblique light is 45. In this test, we only used a flash, and we felt that the light on the model's face was more natural when it was tilted 45. However, photographers can flexibly use flash to take their own photos according to their own creative style.

Light weight affects strong hardness.

Light quality is light with different properties, and we can also understand it as different "textures" of light. After choosing a suitable lighting angle, the next step is to choose what form of light to illuminate the subject. In the above test, in order to be fair, we used a soft umbrella to test when shooting different angles. In fact, in addition to soft umbrellas, there are other light control devices on the market that can be used to adjust the properties of light. In this test, we used a soft umbrella, a reflective umbrella, a reflector, nothing, and directly illuminated the model with a flash to test different effects.

Let's put the flash at about 45 degrees of the model and see what is the difference between different light qualities. In the first test, we directly used the flash to illuminate the object. As can be seen from the test photos, the effect of light is very strong, even a little stiff. If you don't deliberately pursue tough light, the effect may not be ideal. Then, we added a soft umbrella and shot in front of the flash at the same angle. This time, the light came out very softly, the shadow on the model's face was not so strong, and the light was distributed more evenly, and the effect seemed more natural than shooting directly with a flash.

Case 1: direct flash

The lighting effect is strong, which will make the picture look unnatural.

Case 2: Soft Umbrella Effect

The light will be softer.

We shoot models with reflective umbrellas in the same position. From the photos, we can see that the light intensity on the model's face has improved, and the shadow on the bridge of the nose has become more obvious, but it is not as tough as shooting directly with a flash. Finally, in the same position, we hold up the reflector used to fill the light in front of the flash, so that the light source can reflect the subject to shoot. The results show that the effect of shooting with reflector is almost the same as that with soft umbrella, both of which are as soft, except that the light of reflector is slightly weak, but the distribution of light is more even than that of direct and reflective umbrella.

Case 3: Lighting Effect of Reflective Umbrella

The effect is similar to that of direct shooting, but not too strong.

Case 4: Reflection Effect of Reflector

The effect is as soft as using a soft umbrella, but the light is weak.

According to the light quality test, if you want to have a strong light contrast, you can directly illuminate the subject with a flash or shoot with a reflective umbrella. But if it is direct, sometimes the effect of Mitsudeki will be too strong, so if you want to create such an atmosphere, it is recommended to use a mirror to get closer. If you want to shoot a softer light effect, the effect of using a reflector is similar to that of a soft umbrella. But generally speaking, if you put a soft umbrella on the front of the flash stand, you can shoot, and the shooting process is relatively stable. Using a reflector may require one more person to cooperate with the shooting work, but the effect may be relatively flexible.

Single lamp calendering

Many photographers know that using flash photography can achieve a unique "calendering" effect. "Calendering" is the use of flash light to darken the scene environment, while maintaining the correct exposure of the subject. We often see photographers taking portraits in this way in the sunset. But the specific implementation method needs to understand the principle of "calendering".

When shooting with a flash, we should pay special attention to the camera settings, the aperture controls the exposure of the subject, and the shutter is used to adjust the brightness of the background. First of all, we use shutter priority or aperture priority mode, set different aperture shutter values, and aim at the sky to measure light until we get the correct brightness of the background in our mind. Then we use the aperture and shutter value of the photo we just took as a reference, then set the camera to manual mode to input the value, and then start flash shooting.

"calendering" effect

In this photo, we put the flash on the upper left of the model about 45 degrees. After the photo comes out, adjust it according to the effect. Finally, we come to the conclusion that the effect of f/4 aperture shutter 1/250 seconds is the most satisfactory, and different environments may need different shutter and aperture values to cooperate. When shooting, you should coordinate the position of the light in the background. As you can see, this method can darken the background of the picture while keeping the subject exposed correctly. The next time you see the sunset, you can take beautiful photos in this way.

Wide-angle lens low-angle shooting

Knowing the basic usage of flash, it's time to create actual combat! In fact, in addition to the different left and right angles, we can also arrange flashlights with different angles up and down. This time, we connected the flashlight with the soft umbrella and placed it at about 45 of the model. The difference this time is that we illuminate the subject from a low angle and shoot with a wide-angle lens.

Using wide-angle lens and low-angle flash to shoot the model can highlight the foot lines of the model and reduce the shadow of the flash directly shining on the ground.

Shooting in this way, we can see the light coming up under the model's body. The light not only highlights the lines of the model's feet, but also reduces the shadow of the flash directly on the ground. The effect is not the same as high-angle flash in peacetime. Of course, if you want to highlight the outline of the model's face, you can also adjust the flash to a higher angle, but this time it is purely creative. I hope everyone can understand different methods and effects.