STEP BY STEP HOW TO SPEED UP YOUR FLASH

Set up your Canon dslr and flashgun to high speed sync mode for improved results

01 Dslr & flash manual modes

Set Manual exposure mode, in bright daylight we picked 1/1000 sec, f/2.8, ISO100. Set your flashgun to Manual too, and enable HSS mode – this varies between flashguns, on our Canon Speedlite 580EX II it shares a button with Second Curtain Sync mode.

02 What flash Power?

HSS mode dramatically reduces flash power as it fires a series of pulses of light. We started at 1/4 power with the flash on a stand two metres from our subject for a good exposure in bright sunshine. Avoid using diffusers as this reduces flash power further.

03 making fine adjustments

If light levels drop, such as the sun dipping behind clouds, drop your shutter speed to around 1/500 sec for your background exposure. If your subject is too bright, decrease flash power (or move the flash a little further back). If they’re too dark, increase flash power.

04 high-spec remote controls

You’ll need specialist triggers if you want to fire your flashgun off-camera for more creative lighting. We used Pocketwizards as they work with HSS, using a Mini TT1 transmitter on our DSLR’S hotshoe, with the flashgun on a Flex TT5 transceiver on a stand.