RSS
 

Posts Tagged ‘Flash’

Godox to introduce Elinchrom mount version of AD600 TTL studio flash

08 Nov

Chinese flash manufacturer Godox has posted an instruction manual on its website that suggests it is about to introduce a version of its Witstro AD600 TTL battery-powered studio flash head with an Elinchrom mount. According to the manual, the AD600E head is exactly the same as its existing AD600/A600B other than the Godox or Bowen’s mount has been switched so the head will accept Elinchrom mount accessories.

There is nothing to suggest that the company plans to introduce a manual version of the Elinchrom-mount head, so all control will be TTL via the Godox wireless radio system.
No release date is given on the manufacturer’s website, but we should expect the head to cost around $ 750 like the existing models.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Godox to introduce Elinchrom mount version of AD600 TTL studio flash

Posted in Uncategorized

 

The Phottix Juno is a fully-manual transceiver flash that works with all major brands

25 Oct

Phottix has announced a new fully-manual speedlight that is compatible with all major camera brands, and also features the company’s radio control system so it can operate as commander or slave in a group of other flashes.

The Juno has a maximum guide number of 58m/190ft at the longest end of its zoom head and offers power settings of 1/128th to full power in 1/3EV steps across eight stops. As the gun is fully-manual, it only needs a basic connection to the camera to trigger, so it is compatible with almost all camera models that feature a hotshoe.

In addition, Phottix has built its 2.4GHz Ares ll system into the Juno flash unit so it can work with up to four groups of flashes across 16 channels, and can be triggered by both Ares and Strato wireless controllers, as well as by other flashes and certain Sekonic light meters. Juno also features optical slave sensors to ensure it works with older and non-radio systems, and offers a thread on its side for mounting it in the horizontal position.

Phottix says its radio system operates over 100m and full power recycling takes about five seconds.

The Phottix Juno is powered by four AA batteries or an external battery pack, and costs $ 130. For more information, visit the Phottix website or watch the introductory video below:

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on The Phottix Juno is a fully-manual transceiver flash that works with all major brands

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Godox XPro-N wireless flash trigger for Nikon boasts TTL, HSS and more for just $70

18 Oct

Godox has launched a Nikon version of the XPro-C 2.4GHz wireless flash trigger it announced for Canon last month. The new model—aptly titled the XPro-N—is equipped to control Godox’s X1 system, and is currently listed by online retailers as available for pre-order with shipping planned to start on October 31st.

This Nikon version will be joined by models for Sony, Fujifilm, and MFT throughout the remainder of the year.

As with the Canon version, the new XPro-N model sports a large dot-matrix LCD alongside five physical buttons. The display shows five groups, one group per physical button, as well as data pertaining to each group. The trigger supports HSS (up to 1/8000), TTL, and manual (1/1 – 1/256) control. There’s also support for TTL-Convert-Manual (TCM) functionality, which allows you to meter flashes in TTL, then switching to manual mode with the settings automatically adjusting to keep an equivalent output.

The XPro-N is listed for pre-order at $ 70 on Amazon.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Godox XPro-N wireless flash trigger for Nikon boasts TTL, HSS and more for just $70

Posted in Uncategorized

 

The Profoto A1 is the ‘world’s smallest studio flash’ and Profoto’s first on-camera flash

20 Sep

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_4235413921″,”galleryId”:”4235413921″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”standalone”:false,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”startInCommentsView”:false,”isMobile”:false}) });

As expected after last week’s photo and specs leak, lighting manufacturer Profoto has launched an on/off camera flash unit called the Profoto A1. But if you were expecting a simple speedlight, Profoto is definitely branding this as more powerful than that. In fact, they’re calling it “the world’s smallest studio flash.”

The new A1 is styled much like most on-camera flash units, but is equipped with the powerful features of a Profoto studio head. The 76Ws unit uses a lithium ion battery that is claimed to be good for up to 350 full power bursts and which charges in under 80 minutes. Profoto also says that the A1 recycles “four times faster than other on-camera solutions,” as it can emit a full power pop every 1.2 seconds.

A stand-out feature of the A1 is its circular lens, which is said to produce light that is “natural and beautiful with a pleasing soft-smooth fall-off.” The rim of that circular lens housing is also magnetic, and accepts a range of clip-on modifiers that can be changed quickly and easily. The head offers a manually operated zoom function and the rear display is large and easy to read.

The A1 heads are equipped with Profoto’s Air Remote TTL system so they can work in groups alongside other A1 heads or any other Air Remote studio heads from the Profoto studio head range. Finally, the A1 offers variable power over 9 stops in both standard and HSS modes, and includes an LED modeling light for previewing the effect of the flash or using on its own as a light source.

The A1 is currently compatible with Nikon and Canon systems, and will be with Sony models in the future… but it doesn’t come cheap. As previously reported, the Profoto A1 will cost you $ 995 USD… quite the pretty penny when you compare it to some of the full-featured speedlights other options out there from brands like Godox.

For more information on the Profoto A1, visit the Profoto website or watch the introductory video below.

Press Release

The world’s smallest studio light

The Profoto A1 might be the smallest flash we’ve ever made, but it’s still built to the same impossibly high standards we’ve set ourselves over the last fifty years.

Our focus with the A1 was to create a flash that delivers a truly high quality of light, which is why it features a round head which delivers light that’s both natural and beautiful with a pleasing soft-smooth fall-off, that blends seamlessly with the ambient light.

Thanks to a smart magnetic mount built into the head, light shaping tools and modifiers can be clicked on and off quickly and easily. Within seconds you’re being creative with light, shaping it. It also has a zoom function that allows you to make fine adjustments to the spread of light by simply twisting the zoom ring on the head, and for accuracy it has a modeling light built-in to the head – so you can see what you’re going to get before you press the shutter.

We made it our mission to make A1 the first on-camera flash that’s easy to use from the box. The user interface is simple and intuitive with a large high-contrast display at its center. The less time you spend learning and fiddling, the more time you’ll spend shooting. And that’s ultimately what counts. Despite its size, or lack of it, the A1 punches above its weight in a good number of key areas.

Battery life is key when a photographer is right in the thick of the action, because the last thing they need to have to stop mid flow to change the batteries. The A1 has its own Li-ion high capacity battery built-in which lasts up to four times longer than AA batteries with no performance fade. So, you can shoot for longer with confidence.

And this is a flash that can keep up with you because it recycles four times faster than other on-camera solutions – that’s every 1.2 seconds at full power. Put simply, you’ll never miss a shot.

And while it’s true to say the Profoto A1 is our very first on-camera solution it’s also just as effective off-camera as a standalone unit, and integrated into a larger system of lights. That level of versatility is possible because Air Remote is built-in, which means the A1 offers seamless connectivity with freestanding lights like another A1 or bigger Profoto lights like the B1X.

And with AirTTL you’ll get a perfect exposure super-fast. Better still, you can lock the exposure with a single ‘click’ while still being free to fine tune that exposure in manual, giving you even greater control.

So, this is so much more than our smallest flash yet. This is shooting on the move, shooting with confidence and shooting with light shaping excellence. This is shooting off-camera and for the first time with Profoto, on-camera. This is the Profoto A1 – the world’s smallest studio light.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on The Profoto A1 is the ‘world’s smallest studio flash’ and Profoto’s first on-camera flash

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Video: The pros and cons of natural light vs off-camera flash

15 Sep

Photographer Manny Ortiz took to the woods with his wife and model Diana during golden hour to film a comparison video that many amateur photographers on up will find useful: natural light vs off-camera flash. What are the pros of each setup, why would you choose one over the other, and how can off-camera flash make natural light photos look even better? Manny dives into all of this while performing a live shooting demo.

The video starts with a quick demo where Manny alternates between shooting natural light and off-camera flash to illustrate how each style changes his settings and the final product. Then, once he’s finished, he breaks down the pros and cons of each style.

Here are a couple of before and after pictures Manny shared with us from his demonstration, so you can see the difference between his natural light only portraits and the ones augmented by off-camera flash:

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_9493248343″,”galleryId”:”9493248343″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”standalone”:false,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”startInCommentsView”:false,”isMobile”:false}) });

After the demo Manny discusses the reasons he shoots both natural light and off-camera flash, and when he chooses to shoot which style.

Traditionally a flash photographer, shooting natural light only is ‘liberating’ for Manny. He also appreciates the ability to stay mostly incognito when shooting on-location in a popular area—nobody wants to draw a crowd or unwanted attention during a portrait shoot.

On the other hand, flash photography gives Manny the option to create his own light when mother nature doesn’t cooperate or the time of day isn’t ideal. And since so many portrait photographers start out shooting natural light, properly using off-camera flash can help you to stand out from the crowd.

To hear more of Manny’s thoughts or see him in action, check out the full video above. And if you want to see more of his work, don’t forget to follow him on Instagram where he’s most active.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Video: The pros and cons of natural light vs off-camera flash

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Godox announces affordable XPRO-C wireless flash trigger for Canon users

15 Sep

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_7481608220″,”galleryId”:”7481608220″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”standalone”:false,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”startInCommentsView”:false,”isMobile”:false}) });

Godox has unveiled the new XPRO-C, an affordable wireless flash trigger compatible with all of the company’s X1-series 2.4GH lamps and flashes, and built specifically for Canon cameras. The new trigger seems to be competing with both Canon and Nissin, whose Air 10s trigger features some similar features at a steeper price.

The XPRO-C supports manual, high-speed sync, and TTL control alongside TTL-Convert-Manual (TCM) functionality. The TCM function enables users to meter flashes in TTL and then switch to manual mode; the settings are auto-adjusted to maintain an equivalent output.

User control is simplified via a large dot matrix LCD able to display five groups alongside five physical group buttons. Selecting a specific group pulls up additional information on the LCD, according to Godox, and there’s support for multiple custom functions. High-speed sync ranges up to 1/8000, manual flash power from 1/1 – 1/256, and there’s support for X1/R2 receiver flashes in up to 16 groups.

The XPRO-C (also called Flashpoint R2 Pro in the US) has a retail price of $ 80 and is already available for pre-order online.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Godox announces affordable XPRO-C wireless flash trigger for Canon users

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Rotolight unveils the Neo 2: A portable LED HSS flash that doubles as a modeling light

06 Sep

Rotolight has announced the launch of Neo 2, an “industry first” high speed sync-capable LED flash that doubles as a continuous light source and boasts no recycle time.

The company says it designed the Neo 2 specifically for videographers and portrait photographers, and that it collaborated with Elinchrom to build its Skyport 2.4GHz HSS wireless flash receiver into the model. That Skyport receiver, in conjunction with the Rotolight HSS transmitter, enables photographers to wirelessly control up to four groups of 10 lights at ranges up to 656ft / 200m.

The Neo 2 light itself is powered by AA batteries and is capable of 85,000 full-power flashes on a single charge. This model’s shutter sync can be set at fast as 1/8000th of a second, and it offers 500% flash output.

Compared to the original model, the Neo 2 is 85% brighter when used as a continuous light, and there’s a built-in kelvin display for adjusting both flash and continuous light color temperature. Rotolight used its AccuColour LED tech with the Neo 2, the result being “perfect color rendering,” according to the company.

The Neo 2 is available now in a £250 (~$ 325 USD) bundle that includes a single light, the power supply, an accessory shoe, belt pouch, and a 4-piece filter pack. Rotolight is also offering a £1,125.00 (~$ 1,465 USD) bundle that features three lights, stands, balls heads, and a hard flight case.

Press Release

ROTOLIGHT UNVEILS NEO 2

A revolutionary all-in-one High Speed Sync flash and continuous light for photographers and filmmakers

The dawn of a new age of on-camera lighting

Pinewood Studios, London, 4th September 2017: Rotolight, award-winning British LED lighting manufacturer, has announced the launch of an industry-first, all in one High Speed Sync (HSS) Flash and continuous on-camera LED lighting innovation, NEO 2. Unlike traditional on-camera flash, NEO 2 has no recycle time, which ensures users never miss a shot, making it the perfect light choice for today’s modern high-frame-rate-capable cameras.

NEO 2 can be simultaneously a continuous ‘modelling light’ and HSS flash, allowing the photographer to easily acquire focus in dimly lit situations and optimise composition. Designed for portrait photographers and videographers on the go, NEO 2 provides the ‘shoot what you see’ benefits of continuous light, and the flexibility of HSS flash (1/8000th sec.) with 500% flash output, whenever users need more power or to freeze action. HSS also enables users to shoot with wider apertures to create beautiful separation between subject and backgrounds.

Rotolight has collaborated with Elinchrom to integrate its ‘Skyport’ 2.4Ghz HSS wireless flash receiver into NEO 2, eliminating the need to purchase a standalone flash receiver, whilst providing rock-solid reliability, range, flexibility and control for multiple off camera lighting setups. Skyport enables users to wirelessly control up to 10 lights, in four groups at up to 200m(656ft) with the new Rotolight HSS transmitter, optimised for Rotolight by Elinchrom. It is available on launch for Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Panasonic, and, shortly, Fuji camera systems, and compatible with all other Elinchrom Skyport devices.

“The NEO 2 is going to revolutionise how people use light, and eliminate the need for external flash. If you have those moments that you just cannot afford to miss, this is an incredible light for you. You’ll never miss a shot,” says Jason Lanier, a Sony Artisan of Imagery and professional photographer.

“I tested NEO 2 on a Sony A6500 at 11 frames per second,” explains Lanier. “It fired every single time. There’s genuinely no recycle time, no light loss, no power loss. That is just a game-changer, there is no other light in the world that can do that.”

Featuring electronically adjustable colour temperature in both flash and continuous modes, with a built in kelvin display, NEO 2 enables photographers to easily adjust white balance or match ambient light settings to create more natural looking shots.

Lightweight and portable, NEO 2 can be mounted both on or off camera for ultimate creative control. Delivering the longest battery life of any speedlight or flash, ever made, NEO 2 provides 85,000 full power flashes on a single set of rechargeable AA batteries, compared to the 200 flashes of a typical speedlight. Now 85% brighter in continuous mode than its predecessor, NEO 2 is a small light that delivers big results.

“It enables photographers to spend more time composing the perfect shot, rather than spending time on cumbersome lighting setups. For those shooting both stills and video, it entirely eliminates the need for two separate purchases,” says Rod Aaron Gammons, managing director of Rotolight.

Packed with innovative features for video users, NEO 2 is ideal for interviews and filmmaking. It includes an updated suite of CineSFX™ effects, Rotolight’s award-winning feature set for video productions/ filmmaking, (fire, lightning, TV, gunshot, paparazzi and others), as well as Designer Fade mode for custom in-camera fade FX.

NEO 2 also features Rotolight’s AccuColour ™ LED technology that delivers outstanding colour rendering for perfect skin tones. The unique circular shape provides a naturally soft, flattering light output, with Rotolight’s signature catchlight effect.

Rotolight NEO 2 is available as a single light, including a belt pouch, accessory shoe, power supply and four-piece filter pack including diffusion, skin tone and magenta, or as a three-light kit with hard flight case, stands and ball heads. Optional accessories include softboxes, raincovers, and 10-piece colour filter pack.

For more information visit www.rotolight.com

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Rotolight unveils the Neo 2: A portable LED HSS flash that doubles as a modeling light

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Lexar acquired by Chinese flash storage maker Longsys

03 Sep

Lexar will live on. Two months and a few days after parent company Micron announced that they would be discontinuing the Lexar band, Chinese flash memory giant Longsys has acquired the Lexar trademark and branding rights. The new owner promises that “the solutions and support they have come to expect from Lexar branded products will continue to be available.”

News of the acquisition broke yesterday on the Longsys website, and according to tech site Tom’s Hardware it’s a boon for both brands. Longsys has told the site “on a number of occasions about its desire to enter the U.S. market,” and Lexar was in need of a savior.

“We are very honored to acquire the Lexar brand,” Longsys CEO of Electronics Limited, Huabo Cai, said in a statement. “Lexar has built a great brand name and our vision is to make it even greater. Existing customers can rest assured that the innovative solutions and excellent support that they have experienced from Lexar will continue.

According to Cai, Longsys’ mission in acquiring the Lexar brand is to make it “the go-to brand for high-performance removable storage,” expanding on the brand’s offering with “even more compelling solutions as the age of wireless an big-data impact the consumer storage markets.”

Neither Micron nor Lonsys have shared any financial details about the acquisition, but for now, it sounds like Lexar will not only continue to exist… it’s about to start growing in a big way.

Press Release

Longsys Acquires Lexar Brand, a Leading Brand for High-Performance Removable Storage Solutions

Strength of Lexar Brand Combined with Longsys’ Consumer Storage Dedication Enables Continued Support to Existing Lexar Customers as well as Exciting New Growth Opportunities

SHENZHEN, China and SAN JOSE, Calif (Aug. 31, 2017) – Longsys, a world leader in consumer flash storage, today announced that it has acquired the Lexar trademark and branding rights from Micron Technology, Inc. The Lexar brand has long been recognized as a leading brand for high-performance, high-reliability removable storage solutions for a wide variety of applications, such as the professional photography market. This acquisition provides assurance to existing Lexar customers that the solutions and support they have come to expect from Lexar branded products will continue to be available. Additionally, the market reach and product breadth provided by Longsys promises to expand the Lexar customer experience into new market segments and geographies.

“We are very honored to acquire the Lexar brand,” said Huabo Cai, CEO of Longsys Electronics Limited. “Lexar has built a great brand name and our vision is to make it even greater. Existing customers can rest assured that the innovative solutions and excellent support that they have experienced from Lexar will continue. The mission to make Lexar the go-to brand for high-performance removable storage continues, and we will expand upon it to offer even more compelling solutions as the age of wireless and big-data impact the consumer storage markets.”

Longsys has been focused on flash storage for over 18 years and provides a broad portfolio of solutions. Its embedded storage brand FORESEE® is leading in the market in China and growing rapidly on a worldwide basis. The company develops complete solutions, including software and hardware, which is key to innovation and deploying leading-edge flash technologies, such as 3D NAND. Longsys currently sells over 100 million flash-based products to the market on an annual basis. Lexar customers will benefit from the strategy and company culture of Longsys, including innovation, stability, strict quality control, localized and customized support and services, and a consumer storage focus.

Longsys envisions continued growth in the removable storage market, as many industry trends impact the consumer, including big data, wireless, and Quality of Service (QoS). Virtual reality, 8K video, automotive infotainment, video surveillance and drones are all examples of emerging applications expected to drive demand for high-performance, high-reliability removable storage. Longsys, with its focus on consumer storage, innovation, quality and reliability, is uniquely positioned to offer Lexar products and services to help solve these complex problems and provide solutions the market will demand.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Lexar acquired by Chinese flash storage maker Longsys

Posted in Uncategorized

 

How to Understand the Difference Between TTL Versus Manual Flash Modes

01 Sep

It is no secret that the popup flash which comes built-in to your digital camera simply isn’t enough in most situations. For a variety of reasons, shooting using just the popup flash is not a feasible option. That is why you will find photographers everywhere you look, going for an external flash and using it increasingly during their shoots.

External flash, also known by the term “speedlight” provides many benefits and advantages to photographers, even while shooting in extremely low light conditions. They allow us to have a far superior control over the lighting of an image. Flashes are available in the market from a variety of manufacturers including camera makers like Canon and Nikon, or third-party companies like Godox, Yongnuo, Nissin, etc.

How to Understanding Your Flash Settings: TTL Versus Manual Mode

If you step out in the market to buy your first flash, you will come across two variants, a fully manual flash, and a TTL (Through The Lens) flash. You may end up getting confused over which flash will suit you the best and which one you should invest your money in. Both the Manual and TTL flash have their own plus and minus points which appeal to photographers. What is important is to properly understand their systems, functionalities, advantages, and disadvantages.

Understanding Manual Flash

On a fully Manual flash, there is no control (d either by the camera or the flash) over the intensity or duration of the light emitted from the flash. Instead, it is the photographer who controls the output of the flash by adjusting the settings, either in-camera or on the flash itself.

While using a manual flash, there are four controls you can use to set your flash output manually as per your requirements:

  • Adjust the ISO on the camera.
  • Raise or lower the level of output from oyur flash (½, ¼, 1/8th power, etc.)
  • Alter the distance between the subject and the flash (light source).
  • Adjust the aperture value on the camera.
How to Understanding Your Flash Settings: TTL Versus Manual Mode

Manual mode – check the user manual for your flash to see how to set it.

Not all flashes are equal

An important point to remember and consider is that the majority of flashes can shoot in manual mode, but not every flash can shoot in TTL mode. A manual flash also gives you specific control over the light and exposure, and allows you to set it exactly to your requirements. You do not have to use exposure compensation while using a manual flash as your composition, frame, etc., does not have any affect on the overall exposure and lighting of the scene.

Pros and cons of manual flash

In situations where the distance between the flash and the subject is constant and fixed, you can opt to use manual flash settings. A manual flash is extremely useful in situations where you have to fire away a series of shots of the subject repeatedly, under similar exposure conditions. E.g., in food photography, product shoots, and more this is the case. The power level is fixed, and it remains the same, which ensures that the exposure does not vary from shot to shot.

How to Understanding Your Flash Settings: TTL Versus Manual Mode

Manual flash works best when the subject is not moving like this setup, posed shot.

One of the main drawbacks of using a flash in manual mode is that you still need to figure out the optimal power output needed to obtain the correct exposure, which can be a time consuming process. And thus, a manual flash can mainly be used while shooting portraits, headshots, and fine art. In other words, in situations where you can take time to setup the scene.

Many also believe that manual mode is the best to use to learn about external flash photography. You choose the output, click the picture and then review it. If it does not come out the way you were expecting and wanted it to, then you can tweak the settings and try again. So you end up learning more in the process.

Understanding Automatic or TTL Flash

When the flash output is directly controlled by your camera, it is called Through-the-Lens metering or TTL. In the case of an Automatic or TTL enabled flash, the flash output is directly controlled by the flash or by the camera’s exposure metering system. Thus, using a flash in TTL mode will give you varied flash output.

How to Understanding Your Flash Settings: TTL Versus Manual Mode

Flash in TTL or Automatic mode.

The only method to control a TTL enabled flash is to use the flash exposure compensation function on the flash or through your camera settings. Also, while using a TTL flash, your chosen Aperture and ISO levels do not affect the flash output because the camera tells the flash to emit a particular output based on the camera’s readings. If the settings change, so will the output to compensate automatically.

When you half-press our shutter release button on your camera to focus, your camera not only focuses, but it also takes a metering of the scene and its exposure. It measures the amount of ambient light which is being returned “Through the Lens” to the sensor.

How to Understanding Your Flash Settings: TTL Versus Manual Mode

How it works

A TTL enabled flash fires a “pre-flash” before the actual shot is taken. The camera then measures the pre-flash with the ambient light level to calculate the power needed from the actual flash to make a correct exposure. This pre flash happens really quickly, only micro-seconds before the main flash, and thus cannot be seen by the human eye. Based on the model of your flash, this pre-flash can be an actual white light flash or an infrared one.

Using a TTL enabled flash is extremely helpful in situations when you are moving around a lot, shooting in different or changing lighting settings, etc., and do not have the time to fire a series of test shots before the shoot.

How to Understanding Your Flash Settings: TTL Versus Manual Mode

One of the drawbacks which accompany the use of a TTL flash is less control and less precision over the lighting. If you get an incorrect exposure while using a flash in TTL mode, it is really difficult for you to know the power setting which was used for that shot.

Conclusion

If you have recently purchased your first digital camera and plan to buy an external flash, then you have two options.

Either go for a manual flash, as it will urge you to learn more about how to control and adjust the lighting in various situations. But if you want to take up professional assignments and cannot afford to experiment with a manual flash, then go for a TTL enabled flash.

Which do you use? Do you have a flash that does both? Which do you prefer for different situations? Please tell us in the comments below.

The post How to Understand the Difference Between TTL Versus Manual Flash Modes by Kunal Malhotra appeared first on Digital Photography School.


Digital Photography School

 
Comments Off on How to Understand the Difference Between TTL Versus Manual Flash Modes

Posted in Photography

 

How to Use a Small Softbox With Your Flash to Transform Your Portraits

26 Aug

Typically I prefer to carry minimal photographic equipment when I am out to make a series of photos or portraits. If I’m on assignment for a client or creating new stock photos I will take more gear with me so as to better cover any challenging situations that may arise. One of my favorite accessories I have come to rely on is a small collapsible softbox for my flash.

How to Use a Small Softbox With Your Flash to Transform Your Portraits

Day time use of a small softbox can help to even out shadows on your model’s face.

Unmodified flash tends to be pretty harsh. A strong burst from a small light source produces some ugly shadows and extreme highlights. Whether your flash is on or off camera if the light is direct and unfiltered the results you see will be unnatural looking. I’ve experimented some with various small flash modifiers and not found any that produce pleasing light, mostly because of their size. They are too small to produce a reasonably even, soft light.

Pop-up Softbox

My pop-up softbox is just 60cm (about 2 feet) square, lightweight, and very portable. Having someone to assist with it is helpful, so it can be easily positioned just where you want, but I have often used it on location mounted on a light stand. Placing the flash in the mouth of the softbox effectively increases the output size of the light and softens it with two nylon diffusers. The light from your flash will be scattered, resulting in softer shadows and reduced highlights.

Night Portraits

How to Use a Small Softbox With Your Flash to Transform Your Portraits

Adding a soft light to night time portraits can create evenly lit photographs.

Photographing portraits at night can be challenging, especially if you have to rely on available light. Adding a light source you have some control over, will make night portraiture a much more enjoyable experience. Often at night, available light sources will not provide a pleasant, even light for your subject and direct flash will produce unflattering results. Using a softbox to spread and soften the light will avoid hard edged shadows and blown out highlights.

Often at night, available light sources will not provide a pleasant, even light for your subject and direct flash will produce unflattering results. Using a softbox to spread and soften the light will avoid hard edged shadows and blown out highlights.

Indoor Portraits

Looking down at a woman standing next to traditional northern Thai sausages at a market. How To Use A Small Soft Box With Your Flash To Transform Your Portraiture

Adding a soft light to one side of my model has helped brighten up the scene.

Likewise, when photographing indoors and relying on available light, it can be challenging to achieve pleasing results. By adding a soft light to your subject you are able to create natural looking images.

The slightly larger surface of the softbox throws light over a wider area so more of your subject is affected and also some of the surroundings will benefit from a little more illumination.

How to Use a Small Softbox With Your Flash to Transform Your Portraits

Careful flash output and exposure setting have enabled me to capture this traditional Thai new year blessing activity effectively.

Outdoor Daytime Portraits

Outdoors, during the day, is when I enjoy using this softbox the most. Having an additional light source that’s powerful enough without being too harsh can help you make portraits that look natural. Being able to reduce shadows by adding a soft fill light will produce a much more flattering result than if you are using an unmodified flash or relying only on available light.

Balance is the Key

I have found manually setting my flash output gives more consistent results than setting it on TTL or other automatic settings. Being in control of the output will allow you to balance the nice soft light from the softbox with the available light. This is important if you want to produce natural looking photos. If your flash produces too much or too little light it will overpower the ambient light or have little to no effect.

I used to use an external light meter to measure the ambient light and then set my flash so it was producing an equivalent output. Now it’s easy enough to just use the information your digital camera provides on the screen, the histogram and blinkies. With a little trial and error, it does not take long to find a setting that gives you a good exposure.

Asian woman taking a photograph - How To Use A Small Soft Box With Your Flash To Transform Your Portraiture

Using the flash and softbox to balance the back lit subject with just the right amount of filtered light.

Light Position and Background

At times you might want to balance the flash so that the background remains very bright and your subject is still pleasantly lit. Dialing in the flash output to slightly less than the value of the background illumination will achieve this when your camera’s exposure is set for your model’s skin, (which is being lit by your flash).

Think of your softened flash as a second light source. Position your model so the brightest ambient light source is behind them and place your softbox to one side in front of them. This can result in studio-like portraits. Again, in this situation, balance is the key. Too much or too little output from your flash will create an unbalanced light and an unnatural looking photograph.

How to Use a Small Softbox With Your Flash to Transform Your Portraits

Filling in with a strong, soft light when the light behind your subject is strong can provide very natural looking portraits.

The softbox was positioned to camera left for this shot.

Modify for Success!

Many of our students avoid using their flash, mostly because they have failed to achieve good results in the past. A small, direct light source is rarely going to provide pleasing light. Using a small softbox to modify the light from your flash and learning to balance that with the ambient light, will help transform your portraits.

As always, when you are trying some new technique with unfamiliar equipment make sure you can afford to make mistakes. Making mistakes is a great way to learn, but you don’t want to do that when you have someone relying on you for the photos. Practice when the only consequence of messing up is that you’ll learn from your experience and not let someone else down.

The post How to Use a Small Softbox With Your Flash to Transform Your Portraits by Kevin Landwer-Johan appeared first on Digital Photography School.


Digital Photography School

 
Comments Off on How to Use a Small Softbox With Your Flash to Transform Your Portraits

Posted in Photography

 
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »