Direction of Light: Your Key to Better Portrait Photography

* Click the show more button below for more info and links*
I was asked the following question in an interview:
Is there a single thing that you can tell us that would improve our flash photography instantly if we were to do this one simple thing?
My answer came from a simple realization that took me years to really grasp:
It is all about the direction and the quality of the light. Whether you use natural light, on-camera flash, off-camera flash, multiple light setups or video light -- it all comes down to exactly that - the direction and quality of light. Once you recognize this aspect of photography and lighting, then the door is wide open for you to be able to comfortably use any light source.
Neil van Niekerk's Site
neilvn.com/tangents/

[@shadyninja1]

This guy has the best illustration of flash photography on KZbin.

[@Bevieevans8]

I actually purchased Neil's On and Off Camera courses on the Craftsy platform - the best £25 I've ever spent. I love the way he explains everything and after watching this video and those 2 courses, I also got the 'light bulb moment'. Neil is the best teacher out there on lighting.

[@eddietang68]

Neil must be the Bruce Lee of wedding photography. Simple, fast, efficient and very effective. Love this tutorial. One of the best from B&H.

[@danielrussell2190]

That was probably the best lighting tutorial I have seen yet, and I've been consuming them at a voracious rate. His pictures are so, so, so much better than most of the other professionals giving advice. Just absolutely beautiful. Must get a good video light!

[@r.toddgibson1233]

I loved this video because he answered so many questions and was very clear in his teaching. I laughed out loud a few times throughout the video. He made lighting easy to understand and fun to learn.

[@christimothy12]

That was fantastic. Interesting, informative, yet not arrogant. Its rare this kind of information is shared for free. Thanks

[@douggottlieb]

One of the best instructors I've seen -- emphasizes thought over gear, but also demonstrates a variety of tools and how to app,y them for a consistent vision. Really impressive show

[@Isotope1213]

The only workshop I have seen with truly great photographs. Not one picture was ordinary. Great work. Plus he answered questions sensibly

[@its4harish]

Wow!! one of the best lecture on the subject... Normally professionals do not share their knowledge especially in this field.. He is an exception and he knows his area pretty well !

[@TomKaszuba]

Neil has been pumping out the best most helpful info about lighting anywhere on the web. The man is a genius. This is pure gold. Thank you.

[@DanielFazzari]

A fantastic video! Neil really knows his stuff, and is very generous with sharing his tips. If you think this video is a waste of time, you are probably the type who wants the "fix-all" lighting solution, or you don't have the patience to really learn something.

[@staj]

9mins in and I've learnt a Great Deal already. Shoutout to Neil and B&H for this !

[@DannyMolyneux]

Every time I watch this I learn something else new. Superb stuff.

[@efik.977]

Thanks Neil for sharing and thanks B&H for uploading this fantastic session !

[@nicejungle]

This vid is pure gold. Full of information, tips and guidance. It's so rare when a profesional can explain his beautiful work in a simple way. I like his "keep it simple" approch. Thanx !

[@BandH]

Most welcome. Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you all for watching.

[@gentlegnt]

Most likely THE most informative video about lighting I have yet to see. Simplistic approach and easy to understand with accompanying sample images. Now, I look for his books.

[@staj]

BEST LIGHTING VIDEO TUTORIAL ON THE WEB, OUTSTANDING !!!

[@old4004]

I have watched this before, and I learn new things each time that I watch it. Thanks for this splendid video.

[@ShandizS]

I've been following your blog for years. This video put all your tips together for me. Great work Neil.

[@1995Benzo]

This is the best lighting tutorial I've ever seen! Neil Rocks!!!

[@noynic]

I learn something each time I watch this vid. Awesome job!

[@dadnoonan]

“I shoot in manual. I tell the camera, what it needs, to be”. (So artistically emphasized). Well said.

[@lesliesmith7626]

The most helpful and simple flash tutorial ever, hands down. Used this technique at home right after watching it. Amazing and immediate results! Thank You so much Neil, B&H!

[@BandH]

Most welcome and thank you for watching.

[@Micantropo78]

Amazing lightning tutorial. Really clear explanation and amazing pictures of course!

[@tmewborn1]

Thank You Sir, Your knowledge of Flash Photography, and unique ways of using Speed Lights is fascinating. I have learned so much about using flash, direction of light, and very appreciative of your knowledge & teachings.

[@BandH]

Very welcome and thank you for watching.

[@seppvt]

This was honestly a pleasure too watch and so much good information to use

The best lecture about light I've ever seen. Thank you

[@plaidmom]

Another great teacher, B and H. I learned a lot and liked his presentation and teaching! Learned a ton!!!!! :)

[@noynic]

Understood so much more this second time around. Watched it last year and it made sense but this time around I had the "ahh ha!" moment. Great vid!

[@1984jtk]

Thank you so much for this I can't believe how much I've learned. Kinda felt like a college class where everyone else in class is 2 yrs behind you with these questions!

[@heatherweston6360]

thank you! so much information. very, very instructional. love his sense of humor, too!

[@StevenScholten]

I LOVE this workshop (and the other one form Neil) excelent stuff and very inspiring. Thanks Neil for sharing his knowledge and thanks to B&H for putting this on youtube.

[@ChristianoDebarry]

This guy knows what's he talking about! The best tutorial I've watched!

[@Needacreate]

My first reaction to the beginning of this video was, Gee, this breathless guy is so full of himself, he uses his pointed finger way too much. But, boy, I'm really glad I kept watching, because I can't think of another video that helped me as much in understanding how on-camera bounce flash, off-camera bounce flash vs. video light works. Here's a seasoned master of light who really knows what he's talking about. Thank you, B+H, for making this available.

[@weddingbells100]

Excellent tutorial, very informative and straight to the point.

[@ChrisBoland]

One of the best videos - packed with great info and well presented.

[@davidreichstadter8587]

One of the most informative presentations I've seen and very professionally communicated. Many thanks.

[@CristianruboniPhotography]

Best tutorial! Thank you Neil!

[@rpavich]

Thanks for posting this...I'm a huge fan of Neil's..he changed the way I handle flash.

[@NECHOLA]

Just came across this fantastic video. I can’t wait to try the bounce flash technique he described.

[@clark7894]

Really enjoyed this! Excellent information. It was a great supplement to Neil's outstanding books.

[@Larrythebassman]

The best explanation of why one must shoot raw when photographing events , where there are 💥📸multiple cameras💥📸 going off in the room …completely understandable ✨👏👏👏👏👏👏👏. Thank you sir, now I truly understand why everybody is so excited about raw

[@9mak]

Wow!.. Neil is great, and his lesson is just amazing!!!

[@Strnge1957]

Thank you Neil....and thank you B&H! I learned so much!

[@jfelixgs]

Great! Thanks B&H. And thanks, Neil. His first book is so good and so "illuminating"...

[@zkristeenify]

Excellent. Got the 'light bulb' factor after watching this video. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@SheriJohnsonPhoto]

Neil, you did a fantastic job on this, thank you for sharing!

[@ChrisAuditorephotography]

Very Nice! Learned a lot from a fantastic communicator and photographer ! Outstanding !

[@AnthonyBurkephotography]

That was awesome and i hadn't really thought about the possibilities of directional lighting with on camera flash.... it seams so easy now it has been explained. Great job and thank you.

[@neilvn]

Jay ... this will depend on distance / aperture / ISO ... and what light modifier I have. The aperture and ISO, in turn, usually depend on the ambient light to some extent. So there are just too many variables to give you one specific answer.

[@alexzuniga8671]

2021 and I learn from this video, thank you : )

[@gyalbobhutia2825]

He makes the seemingly complex very simple. Thanks I am beginning to understand the Lighting.

[@Killzone2You]

Love this video, Thank you so much for uploading it.

[@andreafine439]

Fantastic video. What a great explanation of style.

[@Athreehourtour]

great video man... love the one book i own of yours.... also love how this tweeks peoples paradigm ... oh and thanks BH again for a great presentation

[@lavernewhite8]

Great lighting tutorial full of information, Thanks for sharing

[@MrFullframefotos]

This is a great video. I learned a ton from the information. I can't wait to get out and experiment with many of the new techniques. Thanks for sharing this valuable information!!!

[@buttershugg]

Hey Neil...as you would say, YOU ROCK!!! Fantastic presentation. I love his style. I had several, "AH HA" moments...

[@mackeymedia]

I learned allot from this enlightening video and took lots of notes. Very interesting points like ISO settings and histogram reading (aim for the brightest point), black foam to direct the bouncing of the light and avoid direct light from hitting the subject, skimming the light, orienting the subject towards the natural light, using trees, corridors and otherwise to control how the light falls on the subject, metering from the brightest point then increasing the exposure compensation higher etc

[@ArtSmalley]

1:06:06 "That is just stupid - I know that is the technical explanation!" Almost spit my coffee onto the screen laughing. Great work Neil as usual. Can't wait for the new book to come out. Appreciate the time and effort you put into this and your outstanding website.

[@Reactor10k]

Thanks Neil (and B&H), that was great.

[@medo6067]

Neil van Niekerk, I loved you. Thanks a lot.

[@Stuclinton]

i learned loads from this got to be the best video/presentation i'v see to date, your approach is great in every way keep up the good work many thanks.

[@ezdariz]

very professional, awesome presentation. really open my eyes about flash, once again, awesome !!! four thumbs up !!

[@valletlydie]

I love this video, an excellent tutorial, tanks a lot for the photographer too, thanks BHP

[@BandH]

@Leslie Smith, @aellah1, Most welcome. Thank you for watching.

[@afalco54]

Brilliant! I just love your videos.

[@AKINGzhu]

Love this guy, very informative

[@nailntoothfairy]

This was amazing.

[@brandonkapana2453]

Dam its few days away from 2018 and I'm only now discovering this video. It's simplified and explained from one of the best in the business. And when Neil just whips that dudes flash on the camera is hilarious at 1:04:00 lol

[@annm8073]

Absolutely awesome lecture.

[@fragino]

Thank you, thank you! Very informative and a great speaker.

[@onlinephotocourses2154]

Useful stuff, we need more of that.

[@fallyhag]

I feel like I should be paying good money to receive such valuable lessons. Huge thank you for sharing :)

[@babakbaradaran107]

This guy is amazing ! Great job B&H !

[@atheintun]

Truly amazing teaching on Flash !!! I better get video light now !!!

[@blossombogart2]

what a great learning experience!...thank you

[@Fotomanafrica]

Very informative. Great video.

[@alokshr8317]

liked the class..nice guy..interesting topic..lots of information..quite helpful

[@R580NZ]

Great presentation Neil. Already bought and read your latest book but picked up a lot from watching this video. Thanks.

[@lehnrry79]

Extremely helpful. Thanks.

[@heipuntnl]

coooollll, Its Neil. Thanks guys.

[@neilvn]

Noor ... I reply to all the questions via my Tangents blog.

[@atheintun]

Blow my mind away !!!

[@rc2011ish]

fantastic!! i had major A-HA moments!! thx!!

[@witchking1810]

That was indeed an inspiring video!

[@sthiv]

Great way to simplify the light. Loved it I am a much smarter photographer after this hour and a half. Keep then coming B&H!

[@SimonPageVideo]

Very very interesting and informative. Thanks for sharing.

[@AlanPlatt]

Have just watched 2 youtube video's .............light bulb moments galore Ahhhhh some pennies drop. I enjoyed the laid back lecture

[@RicardoFerreira-mp5iq]

learned a lot with this vid - greetings from Lisbon

[@eupraxis1]

Outstanding.

[@safeharbor7]

Much enjoyed... Big thumbs up...

[@GoodIntended]

Great video, thank-you for sharing!

[@AtlanticPicture]

Liked it. Thank you!

[@pieceofdebri]

He's like the Christopher Hitchens of photography. Enjoyed your wit, Sir...

[@franciscohestnes]

This is probably the best masterclass in these b&h series. 5*

[@HasanNYC]

excellent presentation.