10 TOP TIPS

Quick tips to keep in mind when using speedlights in place of studio flash

“Increasing the ISO or slowing the shutter will allow more ambient light into the image”

1 USE MANUAL MODE

Take control of your flash and therefore your image by shooting using manual mode rather than TTl.

2 GO OFF-CAMERA

Taking your flash offcamera can help you to shape and direct the light much more precisely than when used on the hotshoe.

3 DON’T OVER-COMPLICATE

sometimes using the built-in bounce card or a simple attached one in white or silver can be enough to soften the light.

4 USE THE AMBIENT

increasing the isO or slowing the shutter will allow more ambient light into the image and will both create depth and balance the flash.

5 MULTI-LIGHT SETUPS

You can use more than one speedlight to add a rim light to the shot. set up the rim first then add your key light last.

6 UNDEREXPOSE FLASH

To create subtle flash try exposing the flash a few stops below the natural light, as this will make it much less perceivable in the final image.

7 SPLASH OF COLOUR

Adding coloured light is easy, just ensure the light head is covered by the coloured gel sheet.

8 SOFTEN THE LIGHT

Diffused light is much more flattering than a hard, small speedlight used unmodified – softboxes or umbrellas can be used to soften the light.

9 BOUNCE OFF SURFACES

You can soften light by bouncing it off white walls and ceilings, pieces of card or reflectors. remember that the direction it’s bounced from will determine the shadows.

10 WATCH YOUR SHADOWS

Whether shooting on or off-camera, soft or hard light creates shadows, so pay attention to where and how they fall so you can modify as desired.