- Going off-camera Speedlite tips by Daniel Linnet
-
Although using the Speedlite on-camera can give you some nice results, the real fun doesn’t really begin until you take the flash off the camera and away from the axis of the lens. Just one Speedlite is all you need to start experimenting with different lighting effects and directions.
Triggering and Controlling
The new 600EX Speedlites have built-in wireless radio capabilities and can be triggered and controlled by the STE-3 Controller unit, which sits in the hot shoe.
Above image - Two Speedlites gelled warm and evenly placed and hidden inside the van. Triggered and adjusted wirelessly using STE-3 Radio Transmitter
Light Shaping
Light shapers for off-camera Speedlites come in multiple forms and sizes making it as versatile, and more portable than the some of the larger studio based flash lighting systems.
Hardly there
Due to their compact size Speedlites can be hidden in a greater number of places within the frame, giving you greater control over where you throw the light.
Get some direction
Mounting the Speedlite on a simple lighting stand, tripod or C-stand enables the flexibility of directional placement.
Above image - Single Speedlite positioned to camera left, just out of the frame. Silver reflector was used on the right to reduce the contrast on the subject.
ETTL or Manual
On or off the camera, your Speedlite retains full ETTL capability for fast accurate on the fly flash exposures, which is great for shooting in rapidly changing lighting conditions or where constant location changes are required. For greater exposure consistency in more controlled lighting scenarios, try switching your Speedlite to manual power control and adjust up or down to match with lens aperture.
Daniel Linnet is a Sydney based commercial, fine art photographer and educator, specialising in portrait, automotive and the environmental photography. A master of photography with the Australian Institute of Professional Photography, Daniel also founded and runs Sydney Photographic Workshops (SPW).
Click here to find out more about SPW and don't forget to check out Daniel’s portfolio.
Content creator, Ellie Watson, is here to put our lightweight mirrorless EOS R100 through it's paces, shooting family photography, video content and more.
Prime lenses ideal for producing high-quality, sharp images with better low-light performance making these types of lenses perfect for portraits and travel.
Unlock the secrets of stunning product photography with pro tips from photographer, Reuben Looi. Master lighting, composition, styling, editing and more.
The CR-N100 remote camera takes video production to new heights and makes an excellent new addition to your team. Here are five reasons why
Telephoto lenses allow you to zoom in close on subjects in the distance, making these types of lenses perfect for wildlife, sports, and vehicles.
Professional astrophotographer, Larryn Rae, gives us a comprehensive look into his best tips and techniques for taking incredible astrophotography, including top locations around Australia, his editing process and the gear and settings he uses.
Learn the basics of photography with your DSLR camera.