BUDGET LIGHTING
Elevate your photography with flash. Callum McInerney-Riley is your guide
Callum McInerney-Riley has been a Technical Writer at Amateur Photographer, reviewing cameras and accessories. A keen photographer for over 15 years, he now runs a company that creates photography and video content for a host of large brands. www.primecreative.io
We’ve all been out on dull days and struggled to get a decent photo, haven’t we? A beautiful sunset, streaming beams of light, misty mornings and reflections on rainy ground are the stuff of dreams for photographers. Good light is a gift we should all relish. One of the biggest things that helped take my photography to the next level was learning how to work with the light you have, and the light you can create – either through flash or continuous lighting. In this feature we’ll show you how to get started with flash, including what kit to buy and how to hone the skills of crafting your own light while working with ambient light to get incredible images. We will cover the kit you need, the techniques to try, and creative ways to elevate your images without breaking the bank.
What to consider when buying off-camera flash kit
In recent years, off-camera flash kit has massively improved in technology and is now more affordable than ever. One of the best technological advancements is battery power. Gone are the days when flash units need to be plugged into the wall to work, and it’s truly liberating having a powerful flash unit on location.
Another big step forward is there are now transmitters available for more than just Canon and Nikon cameras, which is good for Sony, Fujifilm, Olympus/OM and Pentax users. There are many flash units you can fire with multiple camera brands using the corresponding transmitter. Using these transmitters often allows you to boast features like high-speed sync and TTL Mode for automatic flash exposures.
Other than brand compatibility, the main thing to consider is the flash power output. As a general rule, flashguns – often referred to as speedlites – have enough power for indoors, events and outdoors too. If you need to light subjects from far away, or overpower bright sunlight, use large modifiers such as big softboxes or if you need to light large subjects, then you may need more power. 100Ws-200Ws flash units are a respectable step up from a standard speedlite.
For a small studio or regular outdoor work, this kind of power is perfect. Going up to 300-500W power gives you the ability to shoot large groups, use even the largest softboxes and blast light great distances should you need to. To overpower midday sun, you will need 500W unless you can get cl
