Off-camera flash basics: the fastest way to level up your lighting
Moving the flash off the camera gives shape, direction and drama. Learn the gear, setup and settings for your first off-camera flash portraits.
On-camera flash pointed straight at a subject gives flat, harsh light. Simply moving the same flash off to the side changes everything: faces gain shape, backgrounds can go dark and you control the mood.
What you need
- A flash such as the Sony HVL-F60RM2 or a Godox flash
- A wireless trigger like the Godox X3 Pro-S on the camera
- A light stand and a modifier such as an umbrella or softbox
A simple first setup
Place the flash at 45 degrees to the subject, slightly above eye level, pointed down at the face. This gives classic portrait light with a soft shadow on one side.
Settings to start
- Camera in manual: ISO 100, f/4, 1/200 second.
- Take a photo without the flash and adjust shutter speed to set how bright the background is.
- Turn on the flash and adjust its power until the subject looks right.
Two exposures in one
The shutter speed controls the ambient light; the flash power and aperture control the subject. Once you understand this, you can darken a bright sky while keeping a perfectly lit face.
TTL or manual?
TTL is quick for events where distance changes. Manual flash is more consistent for portraits and products.
