5 steps for better flash photography portraits

  1. Use the Right Equipment: First, make sure you have the right equipment. You’ll need a camera that allows you to use a flash, a flash unit, and a light modifier, such as a softbox or umbrella.
  2. Position Your Flash: Next, position your flash. If you’re shooting indoors, aim the flash at the ceiling or a nearby wall to bounce the light and create a softer, more natural look. If you’re shooting outdoors, consider using a reflector to bounce light onto your subject.
  3. Set Your Camera Settings: Set your camera settings for the lighting conditions. You’ll want to use a low ISO to minimize noise, a wide aperture to create a shallow depth of field, and a fast shutter speed to freeze any motion.
  4. Focus on the Eyes: As with natural light portraits, focus on the eyes. Use a single autofocus point to focus on the eyes, and consider using a wide aperture to create a shallow depth of field, which will blur the background and draw more attention to the subject’s eyes.
  5. Experiment with Lighting: Finally, experiment with different lighting setups to create different moods and effects. For example, you can use a single flash for a dramatic look, or multiple flashes for a more complex setup. Don’t be afraid to try different things and see what works best for your subject and the mood you’re trying to create.