Off-Camera Flash and Portrait Photography
In portrait photography, a flash is an indispensable device. The role of the flash is not only to illuminate the subject but, more importantly, to control the light ratio between the subject and the surrounding environment. Off-camera flash, when used, can create more three-dimensional images, avoiding flat and uniform lighting.
As the saying goes, when shooting landscapes, it's crucial to focus on the foreground, while shooting portraits requires attention to the background. This is a common oversight for novice photographers. In addition to using off-camera flash to control lighting ratios and create three-dimensional images, it's essential to pay attention to the choice of the background for the subject. This is a key factor in capturing a great photograph.
Backlit portraits during sunset are my favorite. The warm sunlight creates a beautiful rim light around the model, but it also casts severe shadows on the model's face due to the backlighting. This is where an off-camera flash with the right orange gel filter becomes crucial, as it helps eliminate facial shadows, resulting in a more three-dimensional image. This is essential for capturing a stunning backlit portrait.
NOTE：
CTO=Color Temperature Orange
When I use “@ 10 o'clock”, the clock hand refers to the direction of the flash, with the model standing in the center of the table, @10 o'clock means placing the flash to the left front of the model. “@ 2 o'clock”->placing the flash to the right front of the model, and so on.
There is a fairy tale called “Autumn in Toronto”
Location: Guild Park & Gardens
Camera: Nikon D5@1/200; Lens: Nikon 85/F1.4G@F1.8; Strobist info: ELB 500+Softbox+1/8 CTO@10 o'clock@1/16; ISO100
The afterglow of the setting sun scatters on the tennis players, creating beautiful silhouette light. A tennis match is about to begin, and the players take a group photo to commemorate the moment.
Location: Markham Tennis Club
Camera: Nikon D5@1/250; Lens: Nikon 50/F1.4G@F2.8; Strobist info: ELB 500+Reflector+1/4 CTO@10 o'clock@1/16; ISO100; Tripod: RRS TFC-14+BH-30 Head
Girls under the sunset smile like flowers
Location: Milne Dam Conservation Park
Camera: Nikon D5@1/320; Lens: Nikon 70-200/F2.8G@F2.8; Strobist info: ELB 500+Softbox+1/8 CTO@2 o'clock@1/16; ISO100
Backlit cherry blossoms are very beautiful. In the case of backlighting with the model, fill light is needed with a flash. The long and distant sound of the guitar floats under the white cherry trees, captivating passersby
Location: High Park
Camera: Nikon D5@1/640; Lens: Nikon 85/F1.4G@F2.8; Strobist info: ELB 500+Reflector+1/4 CTO@1:30 o’clock@1/4; ISO100
In a cool-toned environment, a distinct cool-warm contrast is formed with the warm-toned model, making the image more vibrant
Location: Milne Dam Conservation Park
Camera: Nikon D750@1/200; Lens: Nikon 85/F1.4G@F2.0; Strobist info: ELB 500+Reflector+1/2 CTO@2 o'clock@1/16; ISO100
Dense primeval forest, warm afternoon slanting sunlight, coupled with soft diffused lighting, makes the model look even more stunning
Location: Bluffer's Park
Camera: Nikon D750@1/1000; Lens: Nikon 70-200 F2.8@F2.8; Strobist info: ELB 500+Softbox+1/4 CTO@10:30 o'clock@1/4; ISO100
In the summer evening, the sunflower field, illuminated by the setting sun, gleams brightly. The air is filled with a joyful atmosphere
Location: Sunflower Fields of Markham
Camera: Nikon D5@1/320; Lens: Nikon 70-200 F2.8@F2.8; Strobist info: ELB 500+Reflector+1/2 CTO@1:30 o'clock@1/8; ISO100
The bright and warm sunshine of early summer, the lush green parks, two little girls playing harmoniously with teddy bears and toys
Location: North Maple Regional Park
Camera: Nikon D750@1/1250; Lens: Nikon 85 F1.4G@F2.8; Strobist info: ELB 500+Softbox+1/8 CTO@10 o'clock@1/4; ISO100
it's challenging to capture vibrant photos on cloudy days, but with the help of Off-Camera Flash with proper CTO during outdoor photography, you can simulate the effects of a sunset
Location: Sunflower Fields of Markham
Camera: Nikon D5@1/250; Lens: Nikon 35 F1.4G@F4; Strobist info: ELB 500+Reflector+1/4 CTO@1:30 o'clock@1/8; ISO100
The golden sunset casts a layer of golden contours on a happy family, and the backlit reeds add to the vividness of the scene
Location: Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park
Camera: Nikon D750@1/800; Lens: Nikon 35/F1.4G@F2.0; Strobist info: ELB 500+Softbox+1/4 CTO@10:30 o'clock@1/4; ISO100
Long-exposure portraits with waterfalls can also be a challenging subject to shoot. To create a silky smooth effect on the waterfall, the camera shutter speed is typically set to several seconds (depending on the flow of the water). However, this presents a challenge as the long exposure may cause the subject to blur due to movement. To address this dilemma, I use a 1-second exposure with the flash set to rear-curtain sync. This way, the flash freezes the image of the model, resulting in a pleasing and effective shot.
Location: Smokey Hollow Waterfall/Hamilton
Camera: Nikon D750@1s; Lens: Nikon 20/F1.8G@F16; Strobist info: ELB 500+Reflector+1/8 CTO@1:30 o'clock@1/8; ISO100; Tripod: RRS TFC-14+BH-30 Head