1-Light Off Camera Flash Setup for Weddings

[@KatelynJames]

Want to see my off-camera flash setup on a real wedding day? Try KJ All Access and watch me behind the scenes! geni.us/kj-all-access-trial

[@anthonyckevlin2490]

Hi pretty How are you doing over there today!! Nice meeting you here!! What a charming eyes and lips!! My name is Anthony and you?

[@Rene-cm6go]

Katelyn James, Hi I have one problem.. I try to use on camera flash and my eyes start to pain. And that last long time and I not feel good. Like I'm sick because of it. Any advice? Thanks.. Rene

[@mthesse]

Hi Katelyn, I so far have never used off camera flash in a wedding situation where I have to move around a lot. So that is a really good technique. Thank you so much for that. In those cases where I have to be close to the couple, I tend not to use the bounce card, but instead I use small soft box diffusers that you can just put on the speedlite.

[@yourlifephotography]

So thankful for the ease you present when explaining things that can seem so complex to some of us. It's a breath of fresh air!

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@mb-bc9qs]

as a new wedding photographer, these videos are literally advanced my career forreal

[@QLFProductions]

I've been watching youtube videos all day and I subscribed within the first 30 seconds of listening to you. You explain things very well and are very through without over complicating things.

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks and welcome

[@Third13]

I don't shoot weddings but love photography and your videos are so helpful. Also, I love the way you present the information and these are a joy to watch. Thanks for the content!

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@alexgrant2721]

This will be the third video I’ve watched today. I just came back from Best Buy because I was looking at canon r6 from your video. You literally are so good at explaining everything and make me feel less stressed. I’ll def look into your courses. Thank you

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks so much Alex!

[@dakotaumass]

Thank youuuuu! I knew this was going to be a great tutorial when you mentioned the different "tiers" of OCF. You explain things very well... in an extremely relatable way, and I can't tell you how appreciated that is!

[@JK-jl1bf]

I feel inspired. Thank you. I really like how you encourage beginners to start with one light and to be okay with a basic setup and grow from there.

[@FastPawz]

Thank you! My first wedding is booked for October, but I’m starting to get many inquiries and it’s making me nervous! Haha this helps 🥰

[@KatelynJames]

Good luck!!

[@AlexNoel100891]

Did it happen!? How'd it go?!

[@PawanKamrani]

😊

[@FastPawz]

It went great, especially for my first. It rained from the start of the ceremony until the couple left 😂 but I was prepared

[@wcsdiaries]

@@FastPawz How'd you get your first paid clients? I am just getting started and having a hard time booking!

[@elenaspraguerphotography]

Those diagrams crack me up! haha. Thank you KJ for another great video! xoxo

[@tylerherrinton2597]

HAHA I was hoping someone would notice 😂 I had fun making them!

[@KatelynJames]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@abbyjoystudio]

Thank you, Katelyn! Finally got a second speedlite and am excited to try this! Shooting at a barn is a challenge!

[@KatelynJames]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@haileynorth8003]

I would love to see your more advanced flash system you use now! Can't wait for more videos!!

[@KatelynJames]

Great idea!

[@Mairimmc85]

love how you explain things...thank you!

[@daniellestephenson8077]

Oh, I needed this! Perfect timing, thank you!!

[@KatelynJames]

You're so welcome!

[@korinneluchies4439]

This video is so helpful! The diagrams were both funny and helpful- love it!

[@KatelynJames]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DocMatthews0311]

Just starting to experiment with off camera flash. Thx for sharing.

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@Christina_De_Melo]

Wow!! Your content is outstanding. I am very experienced using multiple off-camera flashes in my studio for headshots, but I've always "chickened out" using OCF at weddings. I have always played it safe with on-camera bounce flash. Your video has inspired me to try and be a bit more bold and brave at my next wedding! I'll be checkin out your all access video!!

[@KatelynJames]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@victoriafowler7537]

Thank you so much for this and the breakdown is simple to understand.

[@KatelynJames]

Glad it was helpful!

[@skydivejw]

Excellent video Katelyn. Thanks for sharing ur knowledge!

[@donovanj8840]

I listened to you for five seconds and hit the subscribe button... awesome presentation, great voice, so much useful information in such a short time.

[@KatelynJames]

Awesome, thank you!

[@danieldonovan9090]

I do love the videos . very informative. would be nice to consider letting your followers/watchers know how you trigger your flash's.

[@lalotong]

A lot of very useful information. Thank you so much for sharing with us, is so valuable! Takes me time to understand it all, I have watched your videos and when I watch it again I understand even more!

[@KatelynJames]

Glad it was helpful!

[@AadidevSooknananNXS]

Absolutely love the explanation and the reasoning behind the setup, question: what's the advantage of using Canon-branded flashes as opposed to Godox/Profoto, etc?

[@Grasseatereu]

I do not do weddings, But your channel is so nice - I love how you explain stuff - and I will definatly be able to use your tips at events.. :D

[@karlweb1]

Good stuff I bought the 600’s they first came out I recently switched to profoto and have not looked back. Thanks for sharingn

[@KatelynJames]

Glad you like them!

[@fangbifxx]

This is so helpful. It's like magic!

[@KatelynJames]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jambon37074]

So you use both off camera flash and on camera flash at the same time? How do you trigger both of them?

[@Cristobal_productions.]

Thank you!! You explained this so well!!

[@KatelynJames]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JHJohnson]

Your videos are the best keep them coming I love it

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks so much!!

[@banasreekunal]

Loved your tutorial and you too

[@KatelynJames]

Thank you so much!

[@matthoffman6962]

Depending on the situation I think I’ve given up off camera flashes for weddings. Especially when the areas are tight. Dancing happens and guests knock over your lights. Not only that but you have to be very aware of which way your shooting. It doesn’t give you much flexibility. Just use on camera flash and point it up, sideways etc for bounce. Granted there are venues like barns where you don’t have too much choice and it’s either white card the flash or softbox off camera flashes.

[@peeweebarney]

You are correct. Especially when guests have too much to drink at the reception and knock over your flash stands, even though you have it off to a corner. You can use a small white round reflector to hold it with your other hand to bounce the light when no walls are available to bounce the light to..

[@joshuagharis9017]

I usually try to backlight with ad200 but bounce it back on the subject....I love the look

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for sharing!

[@AlexPower]

Nice information Katelyn! It can work for some photographers. My style is different however, I don't like to kill the dancefloor vibes. Sometimes when videographer will set up their lights properly you don't have to use speedlights at all.

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@peeweebarney]

But you don't get blurry pictures because of movement of subjects?

[@petrolabkilla]

I normally only use the bounce card if there’s no overhang/ceiling. I really prefer using the pivot head and bouncing the flash back and to the side. It works especially well in a tent, where you’re now turning that massive white surface into a soft light source. I use a profoto a1 for that, and use b1xs for the directional off camera lights. (Normally up about 7/8 feet sometimes more, and crisscrossed around the reception area/dance floor) gives me consistent lighting towards the crowd, and the stage so I’m not glued to one direction

[@petrolabkilla]

Great content! I love your perspective on the wedding Photog game, and your work is lovely.

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for sharing!

[@hunterxhunter6957]

I use magmod scoop on top with filter its awesome

[@KatelynJames]

We have it, I just never put it on...

[@mgshn]

Great explanation... so Katelyn!

[@KatelynJames]

Glad it was helpful!

[@isabelle7029]

Ooof. Just shot a big wedding a few months ago and really wish I had this knowledge 😅😅😅 next time!

[@MrRashel007]

Thank you, Katelyn ..

[@KatelynJames]

You're so welcome!

[@joemoss8106]

Are you using the on camera flash as your “master” and off camera flash as the slave? If so, are there distance limitations for the master to trigger the slave? Nice video and thank you!!

[@rafaelgonzalez9960]

Hi Katelyn, just want to clarify that in this set up the on camera flash is not being used until you get to the speeches and the cake ? You don't use the on camera flash for fill light during the first dance ? Thanks for the video :)

[@Princeton_James]

I like your editing and your explanation of flash. I'm going to sub. I just got in to flash and I'm loving it especially outdoors in harsh sun. Thank you!

[@KatelynJames]

Awesome, thank you!

[@marioorlandino4109]

hey kaitlyn do you use high speed sync and do you think it’s even necessary?

[@caitlincastellini9589]

This is great! This is the set up I use. How do I know how high to have my flashes?

[@KatelynJames]

It really depends on the room. We typically put ours as high as they can go. You just want to make sure they are high enough that peoples heads aren't casting shadows.

[@lukebaker4399]

Great video. Thanks for the diagrams!

[@tylerherrinton2597]

Haha, thank you for appreciating my diagrams 🤣

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@jpwildcatdaddy]

Great informative video! The placements of the flashes and setting saved me for first quinceanera. BTW what lens were you using in some of the shots you took in the video. If answered please accept apologies. Thank you.

[@jasonmalwitz8044]

Good post katelyn. One of the downsides of shooting this way is that the entire mood and feel of the dance is kind of lost. It’s definitely still “light and airy”, but it just doesn’t look right to have light spilling all over like this. I would recommend attaching grids to those speedlights in the bg at the very least. Preserve the ambiance as much as possible.

[@KatelynJames]

This is definitely one opinion! Thanks for sharing! Our clients love their bright images!

[@NinoAmerica]

Great video. Thanks

[@ingenusselderphotography2216]

Hi, Love love love your video's. I have a question. Your OCF which power do you use in general?

[@KatelynJames]

Hey there normally I start around 1/64

[@bethengelhart9039]

What do you use for an umbrella? and also do I need two flashes correct?

[@ultimatetruthteller4169]

Very entertaining ✌🏾

[@travelingtrekez7034]

Very Helpful, thanks!

[@KatelynJames]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ejvillalobos8511]

i love your session. Thank you so much we learned a lot.

[@KatelynJames]

You are so welcome!

[@caseysmith4437]

My husband and I are doing wedding videography and starting to do photography together. I am wondering what you think about us utilizing this strategy but with my Torch LED lights that I have been using for videography? Would there be a difference between the flash versus Torch LED lights? Thank you for this video, it is very helpful!

[@KatelynJames]

For photo I can only recommend Flashes. Thanks for watching!

[@peeweebarney]

LEDs will not freeze the moving subjects, flash will.

[@NatalieWatson-b5e]

Love your Channel!

[@delissacharity1838]

Thank you for this video I have a wedding at the end of June! I have a question the video seemed to start out with using one flash and setting it up as off camera flash but then it seems you start talking as if you have two. Can what you said to do apply when you only have one flash ?

[@KatelynJames]

It really helps to have at least one off camera flash that is connected to the one on camera!

[@milesgommeimages]

Hi, have you considered the Godox series of speedlights? The V1c and the XPro controller are way better than what Canon offer!

[@KatelynJames]

I haven't thanks for sharing!

[@bluexp123]

You most the time use the speedlight nake without umbrella o modifier?

[@stevemccarthy4713]

Thanks for the great video. I have 4 Canon 600 EX II-RT flashes and had purchased 4 Godox V1's as well as 2 AD300 Pro's. My intention was to replace the Canon units with the Godox. I like the round head, magnetic adapters and the fact that they can trigger the AD300's which I use outside when I need to light that wedding party in the mid day sun. I still have not sold the Canon units as the Godox still have not pushed me over the edge and I just think the Canon units are better quality. While they have the lithium batteries that last all day and I find the menu system is easier for controlling off camera flash and the AD300's have great power, I have found issues. The Godox are not weather sealed like the Canon's are. The Canon's are built like tanks and a little smaller, but heavier. I never have a trigger issue with my off camera Canon flashes, but have had some issues with the Godox units going to sleep and not waking up, or a Profoto unit of another photographer being triggered by my V1's. One last thing though, is that the Canon units are nice and solid in the hotshoe. The V1's tend to be a little loose and move around some and that too has caused the occasional misfire. I was all ready to sell the Canons and their AA batteries and keep the Godox, then with the issues was thinking of keeping the Canons and selling the Godox. I am looking for reasons to just keep the Canons and I know you use the Canon Flashes in your videos. Do you find them powerful enough for using it outside for wedding party photos when competing with the sun? Do you think that recycle time is too much with those AA batteries? Am I over thinking this? Why do you stick with the 600's instead of going with Godox or something similiar? Thanks

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for sharing Steve! We are natural light photographers so I can't speak to comparing their power or recycle times. We love the ease of use for receptions. I wish I could be more help!

[@ked5567]

Should you point the ocf directly at the subjects or bounce it from the ceiling?

[@fnulnu13]

Yes I had the same question. It’s really unclear in the way the flash is drawn on the diagrams and the entire video she has the flashes at a 90 degree angle and not pointed at the ceiling!

[@andreagrowsthings]

This was my question too! Commenting so maybe she’ll see it and answer ;)

[@KatelynJames]

Most times the off camera is pointed towards the subject. I will bounce my on camera off the wall or ceiling! Sorry for the delay in responding!!

[@andreagrowsthings]

@@KatelynJames thank you for the answer 😍

[@stacysavage4187]

Hey Katelyn, How are you controlling the 2 flashes? Are they in the same group & are you controlling flash power for both on camera- Manual or ETTL? I'm shooting a wedding this weekend (alone) & I'm trying to decide the best way to control both flashes (Ive got 2 of the new EX RT 600, the 430 ex rt 3 & the canon transmitter that can control them all - just trying to decide the SIMPLEST way to get control & get the best lighting in a generic ballroom with one wall of windows (evening) reception. I'm in All Access was going to ask this in last weeks call but had to drop off to meet with the bride & groom! 😊

[@chani2411]

First off, your video is ‘buttery smooth’ Love it! Could you please share your lighting setup, lens & camera used? Easy subscribe 😊 secondly the flash tutorial was premium thank you.

[@KatelynJames]

That would be a Tyler Herrinton question haha

[@onlyfacts4me]

Do you use TTL or manual for your off-camera flash?

[@jacquelinejackson5191]

I'm going to watch your FREE TRIAL, I have a wedding tomorrow..........how many times can I watch the free trial and how much is the "All Access" I know I'm going to be a member, hopefully I'm able to subscribe I love what you do you truly inspire me.

[@KatelynJames]

You will get a replay link and can watch it again! All Access is $29 a month!

[@sikskillsproduction]

Hey Kate what kind of bounce card do you use? im a newbie to flash Thanks

[@KatelynJames]

The one built in!

[@icanmakeyoulol19]

I needed this! Thank you. Do you have a video using ocf outdoors?

[@KatelynJames]

Not yet!

[@steveharrowingphotography4629]

really appreciate this video.

[@KatelynJames]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Pitonium]

Hello Katelyn, Thank you so much for your precious video guidance. I have a quick question for you. Usually, what's the best and professional "Aspect Ratio" for taking pictures?( 3:2, 4:3 or 16:9)? I have a Canon 5d Mark III that I still love working with :)

[@peeweebarney]

3:2.

[@igiranezakevin9908]

I love it your presentation 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@Eklipze]

Thanks! Is the second video in this series on your more advanced flash setup already up?

[@KatelynJames]

No it is not … one day!!

[@Eklipze]

@@KatelynJames Subscribed :D looking forward to it. Thanks for the tips!

[@wichadaw]

Katelyn, I desperately need help with outdoors flash with some minimal lights in a backyard. (No walls or ceiling) Would you use the same setup?

[@KatelynJames]

Yes it is the same set up

[@TooGood79]

Thanks KJ

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@videosbyeddie9023]

Thank you for this video! I have a question. When you say to have an off camera flash are you referring to have one flash on camera and another one as off flash and shooting simultaneously with both flashes?

[@peeweebarney]

I think so.

[@taylormoulton613]

Ahhh I love this! I wish it had come out before last weekends wedding though :(

[@KatelynJames]

So sorry!! Thanks for watching!

[@erandymendoza8487]

Can you use the flash off camera without a flash on the camera? or in that way you need a transmisor?

[@iamfyrus]

and the off-camera one is pointing directly to the subject? not bouncing it?

[@alisonwong1983]

So thankful for your channel Katelyn and for this video! I have a question, if you were shooting a large family photo at reception with flash, around 30 people and probably 2-3 rows. Would you keep your aperture wide open or would you shoot around 5.6 or higher to get everyone in focus? Thanks so much!

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@peeweebarney]

I would use f8-11. Focus in between. the rows.

[@basiclick]

Profesional level education ... here's my course 😆😆😆😆

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!!

[@photosmarika1460]

Thankful

[@MusphyOfficial]

i learn something. a good idea.

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@eddyalmaguer1758]

KJ, any thoughts on a MagMod Sphere to combat that harsh on camera flash effect?

[@longliveclassicmusic]

Those sorts of things are great to diffuse the light some and more than anything kick light off the ceiling and floor and walls more to get more fill, but harshness generally comes far more from the size of the light source. A large or extra large bounce umbrella will get you far more flattering light that's not harsh.

[@eddyalmaguer1758]

@@longliveclassicmusic Thanks! I'm new to the flash world and have seen some photographers (mainly John Branch IV) deliver some real nice results using only on camera flash. The allure of packing really light is appealing as someone who's trying to switch from video to photo!

[@KatelynJames]

We have a magmod but don't use it. I normally just bounce my on camera flash. Thanks for watching!

[@michaelcrawfordphotography1086]

Any tips for positioning ocf for reception intros into a ballroom from a hallway or from an overly exposed outside into a tent or barn? Wedding is Sunday 😬😕

[@KatelynJames]

You want to set up the flash for once they are in the ballroom. Not for while they are coming in. Does that make sense?

[@michaelcrawfordphotography1086]

@@KatelynJames 🙌🏻 Yes so plan for shots once they are in the ballroom/barn/tent

[@ElBoyoElectronico]

Great video! For someone that is using the R6 (and R) and learning to use a flash (on- and off-camera-flash) for event photography, would you recommend buying a used 600EX-RT II? For off camera, which transmitter would you recommend?

[@KatelynJames]

We love these lenses. The transmitters are built in!

[@peeweebarney]

I bought mine used, saving me money. Just make sure it works and nothing broken.

[@tomtracy5396]

I like to put a Gary Fong diffuser on one or both of those two speed lights when working that situation you described there and it gives you a little bit more of a 360° of coverage as you and the subjects move around the room at different angles

[@KatelynJames]

That will work!

[@peeweebarney]

I use a white sock.

[@EaglesVideosNamibia]

great video

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@deannekanehann2589]

Do you set the flash power the same on the off camera flash as the on camera flash? Love your tutorials, so helpful!

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@daniellehobert2470]

@@KatelynJames So, is the power the same on both flashes?

[@peeweebarney]

I would set it the same. So, it would not over-power the natural light.@@daniellehobert2470

[@jmalcodray]

Another excellent post, thank you KJ. I've never used off-camera and wondering if you could answer two things: The height setting of the light stand (is it eye-level, 8 feet angled downward?) and the settings for off-camera flash to synch to the shot. Not getting how the camera knows the second flash exists. I shoot with Canon R6. Thanks Katelyn.

[@korinneluchies4439]

I'm also wondering about the height of the stand!

[@photo803]

and whether the ofc is with straight on, or bounced?

[@KatelynJames]

I normally have our stand as high as they can go around 8-10 ft high firing straight out not downward. And the off camera flash is pointing towards the subject. The flashes link and I can control the ocf settings from my camera. hope that helps! sorry for the delay in responding!

[@barneylaurance1865]

Generally the further from the subject the flash is the higher you'll want to raise it, to maintain the angle.

[@TanerAcarPhotography]

GOOD EXPLAINED

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@clarkconway8796]

Hi Katelyn! I have a question about the on-camera flash during the KJ All Access section @ 13:53 in the video. It appears the ceilings in the reception area are made of lumber and are very high up. So what good was the flash doing being you had it pointed straight up to bounce the light off the ceiling?? Thanks!

[@peeweebarney]

Use the flash pointed straight up with the white built-in bounce card pulled. I would use a small white reflector and hold it with my other hand to bounce the flash to.

[@ashleycoby661]

Have you ever had an issue where they wont go off? My last wedding they would not go off consistantly. I changed the channel thinking it was that, but still had issues. I had the camera on ISO 800 like always, and the one flash 45 degree from my other on my camera. Never had an issue before, but for the life of me, they would be so random when it flashed. Made for a very stressful night. Any tips?

[@xKellogsx]

Katelyn this was so helpful to me. I am terrified of using flash but have a wedding coming up to photograph that will be in the dark with candles for light. I feel a little better after listening to you talk about your advice on set up. One quick question, for the off-camera flash that you recommended putting off to the side in the background for cake cutting shots and similar, how do you know what setting to have it at? Is it on full power?

[@KatelynJames]

It is synced with my on camera flash.

[@peeweebarney]

She said to 1/64 power. I would use TTL mode.

[@JSHFilms]

If you are using a second speed light that is slaved to work with your on-camera flash, how can you disconnect the slave speed light from the on-camera flash to use a separate flash? This will allow the second photographer to use it with their camera. I am having an issue where the slave speed light wont engage its flash on the second camera.

[@matthewsussman7043]

What you don't mention here is how you trigger the flash when it is off-camera. What triggers the Canon speedlite when not using one on the camera as well?

[@jumbojayHTX]

I’m Team Godox. Got rid of my Canon speedlights once I bought my Godox speedlights.

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@ir0nm0nkey123]

Godox v1 is better in every way, even the batteries 😂😂 and it’s half the price🤣🤣.

[@MusphyOfficial]

how to setup that 1 speed in loght stand. and 1 on Camera.? do i need trigger?

[@KatelynJames]

The one on camera is the trigger

[@marklazarus974]

Hi Katelyn, you mentioned having 2 flashes but I don't recall you saying when or if you use the 2nd one. "1 flash off to 45deg..." etc. is it for backup or do you suggest having it elsewhere so you don't have to move flash stands around?

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@rameshvirat8320]

good stuff

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for watching!

[@michaeljacobs8449]

It's all your fault I am now trying off-camera flash 😆. The first time I tried it, I had the wrong settings but I managed to get away with it in post. The second time was a little better. I can really see the benefits of this method. Thank you so much and it's still your fault 😉. I am using two flash units.

[@brucestapleton2768]

Can you shoot with no on camera flash and just use an off camera flash?

[@JoeBodego]

thanks for this, how do you adjust the lcd screen of the 800, i find mine hard to see

[@KatelynJames]

I am not sure! Ours has always been bright enough.

[@jasonbodden8816]

That tiny built-in bounce card that comes standard with most speedlights doesn't soften the light at all, though. By the very size of the card, it physically cannot soften the light. It's actually smaller than the speedlight's head. That built-in bounce card's only real function is to push a little light into your subject's face so her eyes aren't completely dead without some semblance of a catchlight (which are very tiny at that). The only time this even LOOKS like that bounce card is softening the light is when you're bouncing off white ceilings but it isn't really softening the light. It's just diffusing it ever so slightly but definitely not softening it.

[@KatelynJames]

Thanks for sharing!