Direction of Light: Your Key to Better Portrait Photography

[@shadyninja1]

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

[@christimothy12]

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

[@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.

[@BandH]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@BandH]

Very welcome and thank you for watching.

[@BandH]

Most welcome and thank you for watching.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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 !

[@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.

[@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!

[@DannyMolyneux]

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

[@ShandizS]

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

[@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.

[@efik.977]

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

[@BandH]

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

[@1995Benzo]

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

[@ChristianoDebarry]

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

[@old4004]

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

[@plaidmom]

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

[@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.

[@dadnoonan]

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

[@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.

[@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.

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

[@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.

[@ChrisBoland]

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

[@rpavich]

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

[@davidreichstadter8587]

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

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@noynic]

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

[@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.

[@ezdariz]

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

[@clark7894]

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

[@jfelixgs]

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

[@seppvt]

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

[@Micantropo78]

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

[@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!

[@gyalbobhutia2825]

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

[@ChrisAuditorephotography]

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

[@NECHOLA]

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

[@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...

[@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.

[@zkristeenify]

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

[@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

[@weddingbells100]

Excellent tutorial, very informative and straight to the point.

[@R580NZ]

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

[@lavernewhite8]

Great lighting tutorial full of information, Thanks for sharing

[@medo6067]

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

[@fallyhag]

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

[@SheriJohnsonPhoto]

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

[@tacatube]

very helpful presentation and his website is also full of great info!

[@AlanPlatt]

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

[@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

[@BandH]

Please contact Neil directly at [e-mail]. Thanks for watching!

[@9mak]

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

[@Strnge1957]

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

[@andreafine439]

Fantastic video. What a great explanation of style.

[@tchacheee]

Absolute Greatness!! Love this video. The information is priceless.

[@heatherweston6360]

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

[@atheintun]

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

[@franciscohestnes]

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

[@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!

[@alokshr8317]

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

[@Reactor10k]

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

[@pieceofdebri]

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

[@drewnetwork]

This was interesting. Thank you! I request a similar program about constant light for video production (interviews, events, dramatic) -- with emphasis on affordable constant lighting solutions (multiple CFL rigs, LED, etc.) and techniques. Again, thanks for this interesting program.

[@ts70337]

I've seen many photo guides but after this one, my flash photos are 1000% better. No more washed out flat lighting. Now by thinking about and controlling the direction of the light from my flash, all my images are so much better. When shooting among mainly tungsten lights, are orange gels created equal and does the TTL metering on a Canon 430EX II need compensation when using a gel? Thanks for the tip about shielding the subject from direct flash light when using bounce flash. So simple yet so effective.

[@BandH]

If you obtain a full CTO filter, then they should typically have equal filtration, and most popular manufacturers may have a guide that lists Equivalent MFR Numbers to compare a particular filter from one brand with that of another (with Rosco, GAM, and LEE Filters being the most popular options). However, you can also check the specifications of the filter to see its exact color temperature usage. If you are looking for a recommendation, I use and recommend the Rosco E-Colour #204 Full CT Orange (21x24" Sheet), B&H # ROE204S, which converts 5500K daylight/flash balanced light to 3200K tungsten balanced light. It is rather inexpensive and may be cut down to size, depending on the size of your strobe head. In rely to your second inquiry, no compensation is needed if you are using Canon's E-TTL II automatic flash exposure. E-TTL stands for "Electronic Through-The-Lens" metering, meaning the camera emits a pre-flash and measures the light through the lens at the sensor. As such, if you have a filter on the flash, the camera's pre-flash would still measure the flash's output along with the filter's filtration, and will adjust for any difference to attempt to create the correct exposure. bhpho.to/2lP3Soa

[@CristianruboniPhotography]

Best tutorial! Thank you Neil!

[@alexzuniga8671]

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

[@babakbaradaran107]

This guy is amazing ! Great job B&H !

[@valletlydie]

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

[@RicardoFerreira-mp5iq]

learned a lot with this vid - greetings from Lisbon

[@eldorado5960]

If you use an incident light meter properly, you won't have to worry about the zone system and can expose properly for a bride's white dress etc. Just my two cents. Otherwise, this tutorial has been excellent and I still learned a whole lot! Just be sure to calibrate your light meter for your model of camera as Neil suggests!

[@jaymack9442]

I know I heard him say he uses TTL. What I wanted to know when he uses off flash what is the power setting of his flash?

[@fragino]

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

[@SimonPageVideo]

Very very interesting and informative. Thanks for sharing.

[@annm8073]

Absolutely awesome lecture.

[@azimian2010]

Thanks so much for posting. Is there anyway to have people hold off on their questions till the end of a presentation? he is about to start sharing amazing tips but people repeatedly ask....should I shoot in RAW? It's a total waste of this brilliant man's time...just a thought, maybe it's best to answer questions at the end of a presentation.

[@neilvn]

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

[@onlinephotocourses2154]

Useful stuff, we need more of that.

[@blossombogart2]

what a great learning experience!...thank you

[@reacherstudio]

Is there a type of gel that would work good with really high powered CFL lights? Was hoping to simulate a white background "on the go" with basically a bigger spread than the small handheld film light your assistant is using

[@JoeVargheseOrlandoFL]

When using ETTL on Canon Flash, do you point the flash head at the subject and then turn the flash head to bounce off walls/celeings or is it pointed to the walls/celeings for bouncing with ETTL?

[@BandH]

When using a flash you can point it anywhere you want and maintain ETTL metering with your camera. If you have a low white ceiling I recommend pointing the flash at a 45 degree angle to the ceiling and you will get a nice fill with the flash. This method works very well.

[@Killzone2You]

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

[@uffordjohn]

So basically, black piece of foam and... I'm awesome! j/k :) Wonderful video, Thanks B&H. Video's like these will keep me subscribed and keep you guys in my thoughts next time I go to buy gear.

[@chrisestonia4218]

Does anyone know what kind of, or brand of video light he is using. It look very compact, but I could not find it on Google.Very informative video.

[@BandH]

Please contact Neil van Niekerk directly at [e-mail]. Thanks for watching.

[@donnaphillip8345]

+B and H

[@donnaphillip8345]

+B and H

[@afalco54]

Brilliant! I just love your videos.

[@Fotomanafrica]

Very informative. Great video.

[@S.D1010]

i love it when the best photographers share their expertise in such a way !! thanks !! but i have a question how do you use on camera flash when holding camera in portrait ?? it always gets one side of the subject

[@BandH]

The most common way to combat this issue is to work a flash bracket into your equipment. A flash bracket mounts to the tripod thread on the underneath of the camera, and has an articulating arm on the top of the camera that will allow the flash to be tilted/rotated above the camera when you turn it to horizontal orientation. See the following link for recommendations/examples. bhpho.to/153Rl6f Yossi

[@S.D1010]

oh really thanks... i appreciate it

[@donnaphillip8345]

+B and H z

[@4444Sami]

Really appreciate your video was quite helpful thank you, but I have equation please what is the best lens for portrait ( outdoor \ indoor ) photography. Thank you B&H.

[@stanrogers5613]

This is a very, very late reply, and you've probably already found an answer that works for you, but I'm answering for anyone else who comes across this in the future: the lens that puts you the right distance from your subject while giving the framing you want. There is no "magic" focal length. Sometimes you want a more intimate physical connection with your subject, and that means getting closer, and sometimes you want a bit of separation. You may not be able to articulate the reason for choosing one or the other, and just go on feeling. That's cool. Sometimes you want just the person, or part of the person; sometimes you want more of the environment. There's a pretty good chance that you'll want something between 24mm and 200mm (35mm/full frame equivalent), and if you want to use a wide angle lens you need to be aware that things at the edges of the frame are generally distorted/stretched and anything pointing towards the camera is going to be severely foreshortened (which can result in some weirdness if you're not careful with poses, etc.). But it's all the right tool for your picture, not the "best lens for portrait photography". If you are only shooting one kind of picture (headshots or half-length school/business "portraits"), you can pick one lens and go with it. If you want environmental portraits and tight headshots, you're going to need more than one prime lens or a decent zoom (or set of zooms).