Flash Photography: TTL vs Manual Exposure. Which is Right for Event Photography?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 มิ.ย. 2024
- In this video, I discuss the differences between TTL and manual exposure when using camera flash, and which one is right for event photography. In truth, shooting in manual will be impractical for most situations. I have heard arguments in favor of it - one such argument being that it gives you more control over your flash - but in reality it can severely limit your creative control on top of giving you inconsistent results as you adapt to the dynamic conditions of a live event.
As always, I'd love to hear your take on flash photography. Do you shoot in manual? Do you shoot in TTL? Are you a working professional photographer or an amateur?
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#eventphotographer #eventphotography #losangeleseventphotographer #flashphotography #ttlvsmanual #flashsettings #eventphotographyflashsettings
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Went back and forth between TTL and manual at show last night, and going TTL definitely keeps it simpler for me to focus on just getting the composition and catching the moments without worrying a ton about the lighting.
Any pros to shooting in manual for you?
@Josh Valdez I'm assuming you mean you still shoot in manual mode with the camera, not the flash, yeah?
@@MikMilman I used ttl with camera in manual at an event and i remember it was lighting the place up like a nuclear bomb. Is there something I was doing wrong? I always try to make the room like it does in real life.
Hahahahhhahah🤣🤣🤣
I couldn’t stop laughing as soon as I saw Bricks 😂😂 that calm on the chair is insane 🤣
Brixton was a fabulous model! Thank you for demonstrating and explaining these features for us. 😊
I definitely agree with shooting in TTL for 99% of the events I go to. It’s the most sure fire way to get consistent exposure in a rapidly changing environment. Great video!
I used ttl with camera in manual at an event and i remember it was lighting the place up like a nuclear bomb. Is there something I was doing wrong?
Love your channel, been doing a lot more event photography this year and advice you have given has given me so much more confidence in my use of flash and my consistency is 100% improving.
this is very helpful too. makes sense to simplify the process if you want to catch moments. Similar to why I don't shoot street photography in manual. I think ill test out TTL before my event and see if it feels better, thanks!
Man, thats the BEST VIDEO ON TH-cam explaining what ttl is. In 10 minutes you explained everything, simple and with examples. Really well done and thank you 💪
I'm surprised to hear that but really happy it helped.
Overall great explanation and example. I’m new to strobe photography and still experimenting with modes, diffusers and lighting environments. TTL is certainly a can’t lose strategy if your not static shooting.
Wow 👏🏽 you save my day, thank you so much!
I was watching tons of videos today, but nobody explains this like you, excellent video!
I'm surprised by that but thank you.
Very helpful, thanks Mik! One thing that I would find helpful is showing all four photos together (e.g. in a grid) to see the different exposures better.
Noted. Thank you.
Great video, l just shot my 3rd wedding yesterday & realised that I am wasting too much time in full manual, halfway through I swapped to TTL & it was much faster to tweek. Thanks for confirming my suspicion on using TTL v Manual!👍😀
Great video, man! You've really added to the discussion.
When I started shooting for huge groups in restaurant and bars, TTL is so important because you don't have time to think about the flash settings. It's all about capturing the right moment as much as you can. TTL is perfect for that.
Thank you very much for your time to help us with your patience
This was such a helpful video! Thank you for your time and explanation.
Happy to hear that!
Points well made. My dynamic subjects (e.g. street festivals) tend to be under fairly uniform lighting conditions, but will definitely experiment w/TTL. Better to have “pivotal” images than “pitiful” ones 😁. Love how you amped the “model” appearance before Winston’s big reveal - nice. Look forward to follow-up flash vids.
Last wedding I shot was in a tent outdoors. Flash in the back of the tent. Flash in the front of the tent. I set them on manual and just moved around bouncing off the ceiling. I had two studio strobes, cross cross, outside the tent on the patio (dance floor) as well. No matter where I wandered or which direction I was facing I had a fill and a rim light. I could be out of the tent and using my 200mm to get candids iknthr tent and my lighting was always great. Worked great. This was a time when manual worked out just fine. It comes with the territory of being familiar with your gear and also the look you want. Knowing how to achieve what you need in your surroundings goes a long way to differentiate a pro from a hobbyist. In a roving situation and in a very large room with areas that had different levels of light, I'd shoot in TTL with an On Camera flash as well.
You always have the answer I am looking for man! Congratulations! I'm going to be asking some questions soon! Event photography, here we go!
Hello, Mik! I'm a neophyte photographer, and this video provides a straightforward explanation.
It aids in my comprehension and selection of the speedlight I'm going to buy.
I appreciate it. More subscribers.
I'm really happy to help. Thanks for subscribing. I'm happy to help!
I recently came across your video and you are doing extremely good work .pls keep it up. Thanks for sharing all your experience
Thank you for saying so. I'm planning on it!
I’ve always shied away from ttl, thinking I’ll get inconsistent exposure akin to shooting auto/av/tv, but you really helped me understand the importance and why I should trust my gear more. Your dog is so cute and well trained. I have the same kinda pup and she is the smartest dog I’ve ever had. Thank you!
pic of your pup?
Shooting an event tonight for Max Mara, I normally shoot in manual going to give TTL a go after watching. Thank you!
Only recently discovered this channel and love the content, great stuff and REALLY helpful. I have shot mainly outdoor events and festivals in the past but have been asked by a local charity to shoot an indoor event in London next week which will be attended by a member of the British Royal Family. I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to flash and so I am desperately trying to get as many tips for indoor event flash as possible!
I shoot events in ETTL, studio and/or a consistent light source relative to a stationary subject then I shoot in manual. Like you I like to keep it simple and as easy as I can with good results. Great video and really good information. I shoot a lot of models, glamour, etc. too, but have never had a model quite as charming as Brixton, and who works for treats--does he have a website? Can I hire him?
Your lighting and explanations are crisp 🔥
Thank you for this video! Been doing my research on this flash and yours gave me all the information I was looking for!! Very simple thorough and straight forward
Hi Mary,
I'm very happy to hear that! I have some follow up videos coming as soon as I get an opportunity to film them.
@@MikMilman definitely subscribed
Very useful video, thanks! I am about to shoot at an event tomorrow, this helped a lot.
Thank you SO MUCH for this! Explaining between the two and finding TTL is BEST for me has REVIVED my joy in food photography ! 😂
Wow. I'm so happy to hear that!
a flash is something I am looking to buy soon so great video!
Great vid Mik - the overwhelming majority of the time I shoot in TTL. As you said, all that calculating guide numbers, power, distance, blah blah takes too much time. On those rare occasions when I shoot manual, it's when I'm not under pressure to get the "perfect" shot.
This was very helpful to me thank you. Im a video guy just starting with flash photography now.
I love how Brixton’s face lit up when you mentioned ‘treats’ and how soon he jumped off the stool when he realised there was going to be a longer wait! 🤣🤣🥰 but he’s a great model! 🥰
Don’t know how the heck I managed nighttime events on manual when I was taking pictures for clubs when I first started out! I’m not even sure my camera had the option 🤔 .. but definitely think it’s a good idea when one doesn’t want to mess up / miss a moment that you wouldn’t be able to get back.
Were you using an external flash mounted to the hotshoe?
@@MikMilman Yes, I was.
He did a great job!
Thank you so much...love your easy to understand explanations...and yes, love the gorgeous Brixton too!!! Just started out on my camera flash journey and have been having lots of fun with a second-hand Neewer NW565 (using TTL) that came in a camera bundle. Never had one before and will never be without one again. Can't believe the difference it has made to my photos! Just subscribed! Love from the UK! x
wicked tutorial and easy to relate to. Thanks
Very helpful video - many thanks.
Great thoughts!
Braxton said next time he will add more treats in his contact! 😀😀😀 Great video and thanks for teaching on the subject of Flash in Event Photography. I use TTL but I really need to learn more and feel more comfortable with Flash. Thanks again for all that you do for the community, ❤️👍😀
I meant to type Brixton! That darn spellcheck!!!😀
I am just learning this stuff and this is a terrific clear explanation. Thanks. Sub'd.
I LOVE THIS VIDEO AND YOUR LITTLE SWEETIE PIE BRIXTON, HE IS TOO ADORABLE!!!😍
THANK YOU FOR SAVING ME FUTURE HEADACHES.❤
Great point. Thanks.
That's super helpful, thank you. I am shooting my first wedding on New Year's Eve in the UK so it's going to be be dark and probably gloomy until the evening reception! I have been practicing with manual flash (a single on camera speedlight) but figure TTL is going to make my life much easier! Can I ask what metering mode you generally tend to use the most at events? Thank you 😊
Brilliant tutorial Mik . I shoot about 90% TTL ,works great getting that must have shot.Nothing worse than asking the Groom to kiss the Bride again because you messed up the setting. Looking forward to seeing more of your videos down the track, thanks again.Also Brixton is one cool dog.
i use manual on 1/4 power mostly - using a diffuser - partly as i want to use it to brighten the shots, not necessarily ensure everything in view is brightly lit. also it saves so much battery power - since i stopped using TTL I find they last much longer during an event, and recycle faster.
Great video!
VERY good video sir! I always ran manual in my events also but I am now going to try TTL and see how the flow is. It def makes so much sense to use TTL like you said if you're going to be all over the place vs use manual if its a single subject in one location.
Have you had a chance to try it?
@@MikMilmanNot yet! next week 🙏👌
Can we just another moment to love on that dog. Look at the dog knows how to respond when he says look at the camera. And tht face...OMG. You better make sure that dog is being spoiled rotten and cared for like royalty. TOOOOOOO freakin cute!
Thank you! I’m an amateur with flash photography and tried shooting in manual at an outdoor event with ambient light changing quickly on me the event was moving too fast with no chance for second shots or making changes my pictures were all over the place I got frustrated and switched to TTL success rate was so much better I was shooting with Sony A7IV with Sony HVL-60M flash I learned the hard way that manual is better but you better be experienced and know what you’re doing to make changes on the fly. Sub
I actually do not think shooting manual makes sense even for the most experienced photographers, actually, if we are talking about general event photography situations.
So interesting… I struggled SO much with inconsistent output using TTL when I first started over a decade ago. It was either way too much or way too little light, so I made myself learn manual. Making manual adjustments on the fly is now second nature, though admittedly cumbersome. Might just give TTL another try. Thanks!
Let me know how it goes!
@irjaelisa Could you pls tell me the result of ur (promised😂 )trial on ettl?
@@a_commonman For sure! It was a mixed bag.
If the subject was equally, or at least somewhat, illuminated with ambient light (event lighting: colored floor wash, the reflection of an uplight off the wall), then it worked to wash out the event lighting and evenly light the subject vs. the space.
If the subject was standing in darkness compared to the rest of the event, it WAY over exposed them.
In that scenario, I tried dialing back the exposure compensation, but that didn't help much, so I switched back to manual. It was fun to try tho! I can see using ETTL in some situations, so that I'm not constantly adjusting the manual setting.
@@irjaelisa big thanks for ur response 👍 😍👏
This is good timing. So far, I've been keeping my flash on manual and getting good results. I always wondered when shooting with TTL that the exposures would change to much to have a consistent editing experience.
Great video thx
Great video,love the model👍
One thing I like to do is shoot manual mode on the camera, and TTL on the speedlight. If I know I'll be taking several photos from one location and the subject isn't moving, I'll take a shot or two in TTL, check the exposure, and then quickly hit the "TCM" button. This switches the flash into manual mode, but with the last setting that was used for the TTL shot (basically, the flash saves the power value from the last TTL shot). The reason I do this is because when trying to capture particular expressions from a subject, sometimes TTL is too slow, and by the time the main flash fires and the shutter releases, it may be just a hair too late to catch that expression.
However, one must remember to make sure to press the "TCM" button once your distance to the subject changes significantly, or if you're moving on to the next subject. Not that I've forgotten to do that myself, or anything! 😉
yeah thats like the AEL option on cameras. I like it, A little mix of auto and manual.
Great tutorial thank you. I'm going to try this :)
How'd it go?
I'm quite pleased with the results thank you. Camera was in Manual Mode and I adjusted the flash exposure to my desired level. Definitely feeling less daunted with on-camera flash after this :)@@MikMilman
Great tips again... As you know I have only had my flash for about 3 weeks... And I am enjoying TTl.... As I I mainly shoot rabbits and cats i normally use auto iso and auto white balance as they do move around a lot so what you said makes a lot of sense.. So yes TTl for me I like simple and I don't want to miss as perfect shot as I am normally in very uncomfortable positions to get the shots i Iike as I use a 50mm lens in small rooms or in full boat pose lol..
Just now learning about flash.
Your tutorials are so good I finally had to subscribe. What metering mode do you use for event shooting?
I stick to evaluative.
very helpful. i considering buying ttl flash for my 3rd flash because in event i need ttl :).
great class and great model
Very good presenter. No rambling. Well done.
Thanks!
Dude I loved your dog
Nice video. Very informative. The model is adorable by the way.
Thank you kindly! Yeah, Brixton is the best.
I appreciate your explanation! And love your dog ! Amazing you have your own model at the cost of some treats 😂
New sub, I like the content 👍 would be to show the results and difference between the TTL and cam modes. I always shoot with fixed ISO an Av . But have been trying to get the correct flash look where the background is full of colour and a little darker with the subject well exposed
What an awsome Buddy!!!!
Nice and Helpful video.
Happy to hear that!
Mik, good evening. I found your video very helpful. Yet I didn't understand that much when you are shooting an event like a wedding, your on camera speedlight will be on TTL but the second speedlight as a fill light, would this fill light be as a slave II so that it can fire at the second flash? I don't have flashes that can be triggered by remote, and in 15 days is my first ever mayor event. Thanks in advance for your help.
Outdoor night event this Saturday..im give TTL a try
LOVE you Brixton kudos
Great video. I’m new to flash photography. With my camera, I shoot manual with auto ISO. How does TTL act if shooting in auto iso? Do you have take the camera out of auto iso for the flash to compensate properly in TTL mode? Thanks
Hi Mik. These are great videos. Thanks. Any tips if you are taking shots in a massive ballroom or exhibition space and no walls or ceiling to bounce off? Is this where you'd use the speedlite off camera hand held?
Yes. You could also diffuse your flash (not a super attractive look) or use a flash bracket.
@@MikMilman Thanks a million!!
Oh my god i'm in love with the model
Great model :D
Just beginning the vid but I definitely shoot manual mode in camera, so I assume I would enjoy manual flash, but do you think ttl would be best for a sparkler exit? Or best to do manual and test the flash and get it right, then start the exit ?! I am getting my flash in a few days I have always shot without one but people are asking for direct flash photos more and more!
Mike, I have my first event on Saturday using flash and I'm using it here at home. The problem is I don't understand how I set my exposure. When change change it I don't see any changes in the view find and the histogarm and the exposure meter does not change at all. I can't see the changes I have constant preview on but still. Please help. I'm using a GH5 TTL mode with Auto zoom mode and its a godox for panasonic.
I, Usually, shoot in TTL but the camera setting is Manual. Thanks for the share, great job.
Yes. Same.
@@MikMilman I believe the TTL works for me AND it save lot of time. Beside, I am shooting Manual so I am pretty content with it... Thanks for your response.
Cheers,
So I’m old school coming from my beloved Hasselblad where all was manual. I used a Metz flash with a huge battery for weddings. Again all manual no TTL. I had a great career with over 300 weddings and thousands of portrait sessions. I photographed everything manual even when I switched to digital. When I retired I only took photos on our adventure trips. I sold all my studio equipment and my last full frame Nikon. Now I’m involved with our church so I’m getting ready to photograph Easter photos outside. I purchased a Fuji film X-H2 and a Godox TT685 TTL flash. Sorry for the ramble. My question is simple. Do I set my camera to manual and pick the aperture and shutter speed while setting flash to TTL? Again my setup will be out side but may be a cloudy day or not great lighting. I’m not setting up the location so I do not have control. Thanks for any advice. I never shot in TTL.
@@MrRains2008 From one old school, to another, well not that old but yes, I've been shooting since the 35 mil and at that time, my camera of choice was Pentax.
In the modern day DSLR, I started with a Canon and used it till Canon 5D Mark II. Due to certain restrictions with the glass, I had a shoot to shoot one of the very prestigious hospitals in Kuwait. Due to the superior glass on Nikon, I moved to Nikon. Nowadays, I use Nikon D850, D800 E as a back-up camera and for my travel shoot, I use the Nikon D500 with the "Holy Trinity" full frame lenses and I am happy with that.
Here's what I would do, I would use the Flash reading from the TTL and tweak all my settings accordingly. The other option is, to use s Sekonic for the light reading and then change the camera settings accordingly, but surely shoot in RAW.
Good luck with your shoot. I would appreciate if you would share your final decision so I too can learn from a Photographer of your caliber.
God Bless
Shot a wedding with only a manual yesterday and that is why I am here today and buying a ttl tmw lol especially after fighting the clouds all day, too much of my time was spent adjusting and tinkering with settings etc never again lol
I am gonna just say that beside the great content...I love the interaction of the two of you...I fell in love 🙂
You get a thumbs up and a heart for that.
Adorable!!!!!!! Brixton boy. 🥰
Hey Mik, Im new to your channel and your videos really helped me a lot as I am new to event photography. As a student, I want to invest in a good speedlite. What would you recommend?
What brand?
@@MikMilman Nikon, sir. Thanks.
Thank you, this is a great informative video. And you have such a professional model haha!
My experience with TTL has been very different. It's so much more inconsistent for me. One moment it's exposes perfectly the next it's very dark the next it's over exposed. Manual allows me to put in a constant output and the only thing i have to worry about is iso and the angle of the flash.
Are you utilizing exposure compensation?
@@MikMilman no not really. should i try it on the flash or camera?
@@spear-_ I would try through the camera first. Seems that would notify the light. These things are brainiacs now. Then try some manually. See what you like.
thought ttl was for when the speed light is seperate from the camera or on another tripod. didnt get any of the info i needed. but the video was very insightful
What information are you looking for?
I know you’re supposed to put the flash on on TTL but what are the settings on the camera itself?
Shooting with TTL in Matrix or ETTL metering modes, would it make a difference to flash exposure if I were to use centre weighted metering?
Hi Mik, I'm happy I came across your vídeos, they are very helpful! I have a question if you don' mind... I'm going o shoot my first event in a month and I'm going o use TTL as you explain, but my question is: Do you ever use flash compensation when you're using only one Speedlight on camera in TTL??
Hey Ana,
Could you please clarify something for me? In this video I am using an on camera external flash. Do you mean using a built in flash?
@@MikMilman Hi Mik, I'm talking about a Speedlight like yours (in my case a Godox V1). I always use mine off-camera but because it's an event I will use it on-camera! When I use mine, I use it in Manual, not TTL because I'm never in a rush, but at an event, I guess I will be moving and shooting non-stop.... That's why I asked if you use flash compensation when in TTL to adjust the exposure if necessary (flash exposure, no ambient! Thank you so much for answering, you're very kind!
Then yes, when necessary.
@@MikMilman Thank you so much!!!!!
Hey mik! 1st off, your dog is freaking awesome! My dog would be all over the place as I never trained him properly..lol. 2nd off, I have a wedding to shoot Saturday in a hotel ballroom and as I typically shoot manual for real estate and portraits, I think I will be more at ease and focus on capturing those moments I need to capture if I just slap it in ttl and throw on a mag sphere from magmod. I most likely will use the 24-70 over the 70-200 as I'm worried if I'm at 200 will the light on my flash even reach the subject at that distance or how minimal would it be? I never really played with that. So my thought was to stay relatively closer to all the key components I need to capture within the 24-70 range. I don't shoot too many weddings and I see alot of folks setting up off camera flash in manual mode with it comes to ceremony and reception. I just don't have patients to go that route and wonder if its really necessary. Yes, I understand you can create some nice 3 dimensional images that way but I'm looking for the easiest solution without constantly checking my exposure..let me know some of your thoughts on that approach as it typically is an event type shoot..great vid!
Hey Chris,
TTL will be the way to go for consistency.
The modifier you mentioned is a viable option, but If an option (and it should be), bouncing your flash will create images with more depth, due to it having more direction to it and look more natural due to the way it will cascade across the environment. I am currently working on a video explaining this.
One thing to note is that you may need to use the flash's exposure compensation depending on what you are photographing. Lots of black = use about -1 compensation. Lots of white = use about a +1 compensation. If this is not something you want to worry about, then don't worry. Being a stop off is easy to correct for in post.
As far as using your 24-70 vs 70-200 goes.... I would not worry about your flash having to work that much harder using a telephoto. It won't have the impact you're expecting.
Hope that helps. Good luck.
@@MikMilman awsome advice mik! One question though, doesn't the mag sphere typically bounce the light around and spread it in all directions? I could be wrong as I haven't used it too much. I planned on using flash pointed straight up with the sphere because I noticed the ceilings were pretty high and access to the walls would be difficult in a fairly large room when the party is in the center..Anyways, i love your teachings! always straight to the point with raw material of real life situations. Keep it coming mik!
Yes, some light will bounce back from walls and the ceiling. Distance and wall color will matter. But regardless of these variables, the majority of the light will be frontal. You can see sample images in this video:
th-cam.com/video/qlSWPSpSL-I/w-d-xo.html
how do you get the flash to only go off 1x in TTL? I have mine attached to a sonya74 and it meters 3x before flashing when the actual shutter closes. I tried Shutter mode/ Aperature mode and Manual on TTL the only way i can get it to fire the way i want is Manual mode on camera and flash.
I agree with shooting in TTL, but the info I can not seem to find on you tube is, what mode should I have my camera set in? I personally love shooting in aperture priority mode. Is aperture priority and TTL a good combination?
You can use aperture priority, but I recommend manual for more control.
Well, I am new in flash photo. I was doing an event past weekend, and TTL didn't do what I thought it would be. First of all, it takes quite long - before the actual pic is taken, flash pre-flashes few times (I'm guessing because is meassuring the lights) and the second thing is, it always was waaaaay to bright. I have a godox V1 and a sony alpha 7III
Thank ypu for your comparison and demonstration. Brixton is a super model. What was your ISO setting(s)? Thank you.
Oh I have no idea at this point. It would not have to have been set very high since the walls were so close.
@@MikMilman Thanks.
I'm just a rookie at it but this is very Informative in case I plan to shoot in manual but this is just a pass time for me nothing more...not yet anyway..
Manual if your in studio with flash other than that TTL ! Events always use TTL because all lights change and nobody has time to keep adjusting the flash during an event !
Thanks
I shot at an extremely dark night club and had to resort to TTL and it saved my beacon
Awesome.
how would you have the on camera flash pointed if the event were outdoors with the occasional group shot?
If you're unable to bounce your flash, I recommend using some sort of defuser.
I have my first paid event corporate gig this weekend. Anyway I can quickly quick your brain via DM or anything? Running a7iii, and lens I wanna use are either 85, 35, or 24-70. Probably will use 24-70 so I don't gotta fumble with lenses. Have an on camera flash and plan to TTL my way through. I'm... newish to flash however. I understand how to bounce the light but that's about it? Like minor tweaks in settings I'll need is what I'm worried about. I shoot manual in my camera, if I shoot manual and ttl the flash, once I make adjustments In aperture or SS, will the flash change its setting automatically? Same with focal length?
I would be happy to answer your questions here, but I have to reserve additional help for my Patreon supporters. I would love to help everyone one on one, but unfortunately I just don't have the time.
Yes, your ttl output will adjust to whatever your camera settings are. If you change ISO or aperture, it will adjust. Shutter speed, however, will not impact flash exposure, just ambient exposure. Your focal length will be relayed to your flash and the flash will adjust to that too. I talk a bit about that in one of my recent shorts that you could check out.
I shoot my woodworking, so completely static items, in my workshop. Tend to want harsher, directed light to show off specific surfaces and darken others. Would ttl work with that or just want to equalize the whole frame?
Yes TTL would work but since it sounds like everything will remain consistent, setting your flash to manual exposure might make more sense.
It's hard to evaluate with such a handsome model 🐶