Event Photography: How to Use Flash and Make it Look Natural!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 พ.ย. 2024
- In this video I discuss how to use flash at an event. I get into a lot here, including some more advanced flash techniques. But I also discuss when to use flash, when to use flash when you might not necessarily need it, how to make your flash seamlessly blend in with your available light, and so much more.
(one correction I need to make: you can wirelessly trigger an external flash if your camera has a built in flash. But otherwise, you will need some sort of trigger)
If you have not already watched my video on using flash in TTL mode vs Manual mode, then I strongly recommend you check it out:
• Flash Photography: TTL...
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#eventphotography #eventphotographer #flashphotography
I’m so proud that I got to a stage where this all makes perfect sense 🎉
I was literally thinking the same thing
I also just had that thought 😅
same bro same lmao
Amazing
Would have liked it if i saw samples instead of just talking
Came here to say that too!
me 2!
Thank you for saving my time with this comment❤️
Agreed.
I've been an event photographer for over 15 years, and this is probably the best video on real-world on-camera flash usage I've seen.
I agree…. He nailed it and presented it very well.
So glad I found you as someone who doesn't want to use flash but realised I need to for event photos. Thanks.
I have just bought my first external flash and this is a start for me to learn more how to use it. Thank you Mik.
VERY nice tutorial. I've been taking pictures of evening/night events at f2, 1/125, IS0 320-400 for the same reason. People always enjoy how the background and the venue's warm golden light etc. show up nicely in the picture, instead of just dark black. Because I don't like high ISO noise, I use the above fixed setting most of the time, and let the flash fills in. I realize I am using more flash light this way but in general I've found the depth and atmosphere of the room are still very nicely captured.
I like your advice very much. God bless your generosity.
That f/2 is your secret sauce.
I know this is an old comment, but what lens are you using in this scenario? Thanks.
The new variables is what makes this so alluring! This is the most exiting time of my life.
I love that cranking up the ISO pass what I'm comfortable or my camera can do without too much noise + flash would definitely reduce the noise still getting that good lighting in dark situations
I’m very impressed with the way you put the video content together, it’s very useful real world information of how to see and use flashes to get the most out of them and take your photography to a whole new level.
It's good you told people about the default 'midtone' exposure of the flash (with no fec ). It seems not many people are aware of it. Mind you not many people are aware the camera does the same thing either...which is no surprise if they lear from other youtube videos. Your's is one video that actually tells the truth...
Hi Mik, your video popped out on YT with event photography advice and I've been binge watching ever since. Your videos are smart, interesting, with no fluff but real thing. Great teacher you are. Thank you for your help, best of everything and greetings from Croatia!
Glad you like them! Croatia, huh? That's on my list of places to visit someday.
@@MikMilman You'll see, the most beautiful coast and the sea in the world :)
Ah yes, unexpected lighting situations are 'exciting' ... when the photos were for my personal use, such situations were 'interesting'; but when I had to do it for a paying client? Well, a very different word would spring to mind ;)
STREEESSSSSS lol
Wow, this was so helpful. I was just bamboozled into doing an event and this is my crash course lol!
I'd check out my full playlist if that's the case!
Speaking as a beginner: a lot of pages describe iso, exposure, shutter speed while talking. Your video was affective and informing, but Ive yet to see a video where they talk about these subjects while filming the camera its self. Even if you have a different camera, that visual representation could still help people digest the information better.
Honestly the best content period from a working professional!
Thanks, Jenna.
Regarding putting gels on flash to balance color temperature with ambient tungsten, I, too, didn't like a perfectly balanced look, so I used a 1/2 CTO, which warmed the flash a bit (around 3800K) but not as much as the ambient, keeping the background warm but not orange while keeping my subjects from looking blue.
THIS WAS SO HELPFUL!! TY,, now off to watch more of your vids!! so east to follow!
Thanks for leaving the bloopers in - those are awesome 😎 Great video thanks
Thanks for explaining it this way, very simple to understand and even for us to want to test out!
A few times I entered a large room and there were mirrors EVERYWHERE. That's was very interesting to shoot.
Your content is *chefs kiss* Please create a lighting fundamentals series 🙏🙌✨️
I'm not sure when it will be done, but I'm editing a video on low light at this very moment. Did you have any specific questions?
@@MikMilman I'm interested in the science of lighting, first steps to master light and really understand how it works in photography
Love the advice. Low light event photography is challenging especially with flash and so hard to make it look great.
Like I say in the video, it's about learning the basic principals and being able to adapt is what it is all about.
Enlightens content. Thanks bro
Some image samples showing the settings would help a lot!
Excellent video - I love photographing Events. I photographed an event last week in a very nice Wine Bar. The Lighting was low but I knew my Speedlight would make a big difference to the look and feel of the images. My Client was happy with her images. I am glad I found your video, it has added to my data base of knowledge.👍🏽
Because I cannot give another like, I'm liking the video again by commenting here :)
THANK YOU! Supposedly that helps!
Shutter speed does affect your flash output. When you are shooting HHS, your flash output changes significantly.
Who mentioned HSS?
Just found the site and liked it. I think Mik is very honest and really explains how to .
I like this guy is very honest and hes a good Tutor 💯
Spectacularly helpful to hear your approach in a way that is not specific to a particular set of gear. I can actually apply this to get better. Thanks!
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. So easy to understand!
Glad it was helpful!
Just yesterday went to shoot an event... Learnt in the last part. Iso 1000 , flash 1/16, shutter between 125-200.. I wish I had know those earlier . But this is how we learn.
Yeah, shooting flash in manual is impractical at an event. Did you watch my videos on using TTL properly?
@@MikMilman have to check that out. Just want great photos to take for people.
Great tutorial !!! Saved it, so I can study it !!! Many thanks !!!
Thank you for the honest sharing from your experience! Great video
Great tips. I love using checklists -- calms me down. Especially good advice to double your commute time to the event. For me to get to downtown Seattle, I'd probably use one of three bridges...all are drawbridges that can go up unexpectedly!
thanks for this, this was a really helpful. I'm mostly a videographer but have one job that asks me to do flash photography, so having you run through ideas like what how you think about when you are setting exposure made me look at it in different way, and makes total sense. Same things go into thinking about how to light interviews, but I wasn't thinking that was applicable when using flash etc. Anyways, thanks!!
FYI - You "Open up or Close down" the Aperture of the lens and you "increase or decrease" the speed of the shutter.
Nice man! Would have been cool to show some examples of your work too?
I mainly use ambient light for my gig photos. I used to shoot a lot of social events and the bounce flash was much better. I have shot in the same venue that had very poor lighting and it was much better with the flash in that case.
Nice work!
Well done tutorial... keep them coming!
Thanks for the tips
Very welcome.
Clear explanation sir
Appreciate the insights sharing your techniques. Looking forward to trying them out.
Time to get a camera of this century
You or me?
This was very helpful. Thank you
Thanks Mik for another great video! 😀
For the most part you are on point. I think you left out one of the best event set ups which is the flash straight up with a fill card behind the flash. My SB-5000 comes with a built in fill card, I don't like the third party things you strap on. This set up gives you flattering soft light on your subject with a little kick to fill the shadows (which you can adjust depending on card hight). I do also however bounce for direction like you but most large events this isn't an options. Plus you have to take into account the color of the walls or ceilings you are bouncing off of.
One last point, if you are a pro, you should be in manually. mode, you want complete control of your results and for those to be constant. It only takes a second to check to see if you are where you want to be by checking the frame and adjusting. The only time I use any type of flash mode other than that is when I am outdoors at night and photographing a moving subject. I prefer aperture priority, because it is algorithm based setting that takes into account your distance from subject and aperture setting. If your exposure is off you know it out of focus, because the algorithm doesn't miss.
What about softbox attached to camera?
Good explanation. Thanks from the Philippines.
This was super helpful, man! Thanks!
I have a really cool bracket that Manfrotto has discontinued. It allows me with a turn of a knob to go from landscape to porterait..
I don't like people only speaking... U should show some practical work buddy
Thanks.
3:34 what modern day camera has the flash trigger built in?? I just called my local camera store and they had not heard of this either. I trigger with a wireless trigger 🤔🤔
Great video! Subscribed! 👌🏼
Glad to have ya
Hey bro , Could make a video on how use the flash unmounted of the camera without needing a trigger. Thank you
solid conversation. thank you for the effort and the sharing. i am an appreciative subscriber. thumbs up.
Thank you!
Nice video. Thanks bro
Thanks so much Mik. Loving seeing that you really know what your talking about.
Subbed.
Thank you. I appreciate the comment.
Amazing, educational videos! Thank you !
From 6:21. I am doing that in low light photography for events.
Definitely need that R6 flash settings video 🔥
Hmmm. if your shutter speed is higher than the sync speed of your camera, usually around 1/200th of a second, then your shutter speed may not occur during the time when the shutter is open and you will lose the complete exposure of the flash, which may well exceed 1/10,000th of a second. Thus, you will only capture a fraction of your flash out put. Thus, your shutter speed can impact hour flash out put. Moreover, flash duration is a function of the flash output, and at 1/16 of the maximum output of many flashes, the duration of many flashes is about 1/8000th of a second, which is about the maximum shutter speed of most SLR. This means that a fill flash of less than 1/16 will probably faster than most shutter speeds of SLR cameras.
Great stuff man. Any tips on working in venues with high ceilings or outdoor evening/night events? Though I would imagine using the flash and camera one-handed.
For high ceilings, I just raise my ISO to allow for faster recycling times. For an outdoor event, at night, without walls or ceilings, I will hand hold my flash. You can also get a flash bracket to offset your flash, which I'm personally not a fan of using. Setting up light stands with strobes and creating a cross light is also an option, but now we are talking about quite a big setup.
great explanation...
I use TTL matrix metering with dedicated flash it gives perfect exposure.
Excellent! Thank you
Very good video, it has really helped.
Thanks Mik, this has to be one of the most succinct, no fluff instructional flash vids on TH-cam to date. Straight to the core. Question for you, what are your thoughts on something like the cheapy USB portable Pro-Master strobe. It looks interesting and even has a colour grade adjustment wheel. Thoughts? I'm a Fuji XT-2 guy who is coming off a Godox 685 (too big for me) and Fuji EF-X20 (small but weak as) - Cheers!!
I'm not familiar with it. Sorry, I wish I could be more helpful!
What do you mean “your shutter will not have an impact on your flash output”? Maybe not if you’re using it in manual mode, but it certainly will if you’re using ETTL. That’s kind of the point; the flash syncs with your shutter (depending on if it is within the flash sync speed).
I wish you could of shown different photo examples of the effects you are describing…..you know….before and after kind of thing.
Thanks❤
Nicely explained.
Sir is there is technic for camer metrring for flash photography
Do you mean do I recommend any specific CAMERA flash settings?
Amazing guidance - so many tips here
Thank u - thumbs up and subscribed
Very glad to have you!
Already subscribed ❤
Very well explained. But I wish you used example photos
Hey Jeff,
I hear you. When I made this video, this was the absolute best I could do in the midst of a very busy period of work. I wanted to add visual examples, but just didn't have the time. But I listen to feedback and do have future content planned with lots of examples. Stay tuned.
Thanks!
Thank you, David!
So informative and helpful. Thank you! 🙌🏻🙏🏻💡
Great video!
Great video, man.
Appreciate it!
When you say you expose for the ambient light does that mean the camera and flash are in manual?
Great video! For me personally, my main takeaway from this video was learning how adjusting your cameras shutter, etc. affects the amount of ambient lighting. For so long I was shooting with flash in clubs and wondering why the DJ was exposed great from the flash but I would lose all of the light from the led screens and other club lights. 🤯
You can get away with a pretty slow shutter speed; if you're using flash it will freeze the action.
Well Done. Thanks.
Great job!
Grateful
Really helpful, thank you! :)
About halfway through this video the light dawned! I’ve been setting my flash to M and using exposure compensation. Never thought to use ETTL this way!! I’m an idiot 😮
You're not an idiot. Glad you figured it out!
What do you think about this speedlite from canon 430EX? Or what fash do you recommend for canon 5D?
Hi Mik, could the godox PB960 reduce the recicling time in a godox V 680 II ( events)? or doesnt help so much?
I don't know enough about those specific products, but a battery pack does help with recycling.
I hate when someone says they made a video on something like I’m here already
Great video. Thank you.
awesome video!! thanks a lot!
Great video... I'm a wildlife photographer but I want to learn more about studio photography.. This helped a lot.. Thanks.. Subscribed..
The settings difference i believe had to do with the quality of your equipment ok
Need some more pictures for all those different scenario as an example as well mate
Nice video.
Brilliant!!!
glad you enjoyed it!
You are welcome.
amazing video, thank you for such a good explanation. a suggestion as a viewer and as beginner: don't open that big the aperture when you film your videos, made me dizzy trying to focus my eyes to see better your face
Noted!
Awesome video!!!!!!.. You covered tons of info. I have an old and possibly stupid question, but can you please tell my why nobody use flash brackets anymore?. I'm old school. I love my CB bracket. I shoot on low light conditions and I rely heavily on my flash. The only reason I've dont use my bracket is because I don't want to be embarrassed. What's your thoughts. Thanks in advance.
Do not be embarrassed, just use your bracket, then you can concentrate on taking photos. I don't use a bracket, but I do use the flash hand held off camera, with a battered and obviously home made bounce reflector. I'm not at all embarrassed; I just use it. Quite a few flash brackets still in the online shops, so somebody's using them!
I used to have an old Braun 370BVC hammerhead flash. That had its own bracket but there was a quick release mechanism so the 'gun could be swapped between hand held and bracket mounted in a couple of seconds; the best of both worlds.
Good video, Mik; plenty of sound advice.
I don't personally use one because I prefer to bounce my flash whenever possible and flash bracket is useless in that situation. Plenty of people do still use them. If you check out a busy step and repeat, in which a sea of photographers are fighting for the attention of their subject- they're just about all using one.
Which canon full frame camera triggers the flash wirelessly without a trigger placed on hot shoe ? 3:30