One of my favourite models, helping me practice my on-camera fill flash techniques on the porch today.
I have been swearing for years that I would learn off-camera flash. I have taken at least two workshops, read many books and countless blog posts. I’ve bought umbrellas, gels, softboxes, and modifiers, all chasing the magic key that would unlock my understanding. I’ve tinker with the flash every now and then, but I have never come close to being comfortable with the technique. Everything I read said I needed to get the flash off the camera, but there were just too many variables for me to control to consider using it for a portrait session.
And yet, when I looked back at a lot of recent work, I was able to see that this is a technique I simply must master. I spent a couple of years learning exposure and composition inside and out, and most of last year teaching myself photoshop and lightroom magic. This is the year that I internalize how to use the flash, on camera and off. This is simple fill flash from an external flash mounted on the hot shoe. It helps add a little light to Lucas’s face and that sparkle to his eye, and helps balance the bright light behind him.
Is it the most creative lighting ever? Nope. Is it flat and directionless, like most on-camera flash? Nope. Is it a good place to start? Yep. 🙂
I like it!
I think this is a really nice picture!