Do THIS to soften your FLASH when doing wedding, event, or club photography!

Weddings? Clubs? Receptions? Event photography? TODAY we discuss how we can soften the light that comes from our speedlight flashes.
My 5 minute flash lesson
• 5 Minute On Camera Fla...
Find Neil here:neilvn.com
Links to things discussed:
Modifier. My video on this • My Portrait Lighting S...
and modifier amzn.to/2RkFCfz
The BEST light stand ever: bhpho.to/2KdaCuc
The bracket I use: bhpho.to/37xc2c2
That big mama one: Parabolic Impact
bhpho.to/2FyA5O4
Flash used: bhpho.to/2ZnG8eJ
Flashbender bhpho.to/2QGYeWF
first time here? Hi, I'm Omar Gonzalez, a professional portrait and event photographer in the NYC/NJ area. On this channel, we talk cameras, lenses, and techniques to improve our photography.
My business:
www.omargonzalezphotography.com
Gear I use for business: • The Event Photography ...
Social Follow/Contact me
Instagram: ogonzilla
ogonzilla
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*Purchases using the affiliate links above help support maintaining the channel at no cost to you, so thank YOU!
KZbin Gear
This one filmed ON: bhpho.to/3zGbFuR
Mic: bhpho.to/3ttMoSY
Light: bhpho.to/3evKjhO
My favorite vlogging camera: bhpho.to/3ikTm6r amzn.to/3F3nLQj
Camera I use for KZbin:
Main camera: bhpho.to/3nbygKx
Lens 1: bhpho.to/2OnBcp7
Lens 2: bhpho.to/3b4W6Cc
Tiny Vlog camera: bhpho.to/3ikTm6r
My Gopro: bhpho.to/31Ilabw
Vlogging Mini-tripod: bhpho.to/3h3JICi
Shotgun Mic: amzn.to/3kXjAuc
Wireless Mic: bhpho.to/3qB7FVL
Small Vlogging Mic: bhpho.to/2Kbd9VG or bhpho.to/3yLHVKw
Cheap Podcast or Voiceover Mic: bhpho.to/3tfZwrH
Podcast Audio Recorder:bhpho.to/3qKkJZe
Main Light: bhpho.to/3evKjhO
Light I use for color: bhpho.to/3jnevxr
Camera Mounted on: bhpho.to/2ImRSWI
SD card of choice: bhpho.to/30ywUP9
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[@ogonzilla]

THANKS FOR WATCHING AND SUBSCRIBING!

[@oc2phish07]

Thanks for posting!

[@brentmiller3250]

Omar, the lighting in your event photos is STUNNING! Thanks for the great tips. 🙂

[@williammarino3366]

Omar’s videos are the best real wedding/ event photography channel, he explains everything in real world scenarios! I feel like no one goes into wedding, reception/ event photography on adn off camera flash well enough with real world scenarios! Keep killing it Omar!

[@jonphebus6720]

Every video is so valuable, and you take your time but you get to the point! So easy to follow you, thank you so much!!

[@magoit]

I love your explanations - so concise and clear. Thanks for your work!

[@tmhart43]

Cant tell you how much i enjoy your videos! Just the right blen of humor and terrificly helpful information!

[@theearthling5865]

Omar's generous sharing of knowledge is always pithy and value-filled. He also comes across as very humble , reachable and without any air of superiority complex. Newbie or pro, you're just comfortable listening to his solid tips.

[@MarioSargeant]

Direct, easy to watch and incredibly helpful. Thank you for this video.

[@neilvn]

Hi there Omar! Thank you for the shout-out. Much appreciated. I think you're also in North New Jersey? We should meet up over lunch sometime. Drop me a note.

[@juliettemansour]

I used to shoot events as a paid photographer. Wish I had seen this beforehand! It would have saved me a ton of edits in Lightroom! Thanks Omar.

[@billyjeanfiles8408]

Thats some otherworldly superb result,, a borderline hyperrealistic fantasy pics!

[@user-do4he1zg1o]

I never comment on videos, but have to thank you for this one. I had my biggest event to date and the tips from this video helped me nail my shots and increased my likelihood of booking additional similar events in the future.

[@tonygreenwoodN10]

Omar - that was an 11 minute masterclass - really great - many thanks!

[@motrini903]

Masterclass! I'm amazed I get this for free. Thanks Omar!

[@dunnymonster]

Absolutely love your event flash work Omar! I often try to emulate your style myself, your images always have that saturated but clean looking pop. I've been using the Kobra Flash modifier system and in my opinion it's the best modifier I've ever used for handheld and on camera event flash, you should definitely try one ( they aren't easy to get hold of sadly, always on backorder ). I think you'd love not only the results but the usability. I use Godox flashes and just pop the remote commander into my hotshoe and hold the flash out with my left arm. Gives beautiful light in my opinion 😊

[@MarcoACasco]

I really enjoy watching your videos !!!! so professional and well explained !!! Many thanks Omar !!!!

[@94slingshot]

Who ever came up with bouncing the strobe straight up? Back in my freelance newspaper work, we all bounced our Vivatar 283’s at 70-75° with a nice white 4x6 card rubber banded (we were cheap to) to push some of the into the faces. I do like using the Rogue Flashbenders as a bounce card better than just a white card.

[@geofft4628]

I'm a racoon and was offended by some of the things you said

[@jasonbodden8816]

Lmao.

[@jaysonmarquez1389]

😆😆😆

[@silvisuns]

Incredibly helpful, clearly explained and exemplified. Thank you truly 👌🏼📸😊

[@colin-4794]

Super helpful Omar, just what I needed for an upcoming event, thank you 👌

[@neww0lf611]

Omar your videos are very informative. Couldn't thank you enough ☺️. How awesome your videos are.

[@cesarm8811]

Nice tips Omar. I am hobbyist photographer, so most of photography is when I travel. But on family holiday event's (Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.) I will use a flash, so this video comes in handy.

[@2triangles]

your tutorials are awesome. I always learn a lot. Thank you. When you're not too busy, I'd recommend that you offer a seminar. I live in the DC area but would happily drive up to NJ and pay to learn from you.

[@paulthomas8986]

I just bought the Godox 860 but with the AA's, and a generic flash bender off of amazon. Results so far are great. Thanks for the awesome tips, so helpful. Btw, saving this video to my fav list. 👌

[@IvanMezaK]

Used last night your exposure technique balancing "ambiance" light with th flash. Absolutely fantastic. Settings iso 3200, shutter 1/125 f 1.8 Flash power 1/64.

[@TouchLifeStudio]

These are great suggestions Omar. I loved your black foamy thing. I got to try that.

[@Luigi13]

Omar you definitely have the party personality and what you do fits your style very well. You are an entertainer yourself and when photographing at events you should feel at home? The photographer has a lot of activity by making the people comfortable and at ease, beside just taking photos.

[@sisekelokhuzwayo384]

Thank you for an awesome video bro. Your tips and “hacks” are very helpful.

[@SummersSnaps]

Great video. The only thing I would emphasize is that the intensity of the flash can really exaggerate the quality of light as to whether it is hard or soft. I quite often use just a Magbounce (not a fan so much of the sphere), and just whacking that on the flash (handholding often) can give a surprisingly decent quality to the shot (with minimal fussing around) IF... IF... the shot is erring more on the side of Fill than Key. Once you go too hard on Key then the harsher lines begin to become way more apparent. So it's not just about modifiers per se, but whether you act in a manner of key or fill. People are often surprised at how soft some of my shots have been with just something like a magbounce, and the 'key' to this is to be chill on the power. Harsh shadow lines that are faint are way easier to pass off as overall pleasing shots than deep black harsh shadow lines.

[@andyphillips5162]

REALLY good Omar! My first time with your videos. Very useful tips, easy to understand and execute. Loved the "black foamy thang" :)

[@ekofotoz8260]

Wow! Great shots!

[@old4004]

Thanks for so much information in such a short time.

[@tonyfoulkes9289]

That was. Great information. One thing I found out shooting flash, especially on females in summer, or light weight dresses, be aware that what they are wearing or not under dress will show up rather clearly in photo. This was while doing film shoots. Watch back light as well. Maungaturoto New Zealand.

[@tourinojacks5844]

Another great vid indeed by you, Bro. Omar!

[@fernandochapa]

Great channel!! I hate when youtube hides cool content like this one.

[@izgil7541]

Another great video.

[@sophsaund304]

Really helpful as always, thanks 😊

[@JuanLopezmusica]

I love your work, my inspiration!

[@HayleyCowlardPhotography]

Thank you, this was very helpful.

[@uptownphotography]

Excellent video Omar...Really enjoyed it. I was actually looking for a video on shooting a ceremony without a flash and your video came up and caught my eye. Even though not what i was looking for, glad I came across it nonetheless. I use many of the techniques you use (large bounce card, bounce flash off walls and sometimes Neil's Black Foamy Thing) and it was kind of cool to seeing a local photographer talking about it. (I am in NJ, Red Bank area). Now back to my search shooting at a church without flash and other church rules... Phil Jersey Shore Area

[@michaelajoseph6856]

Thank you! Very helpful!

[@PIXELvoiz]

wow beautiful photos!

[@LuisSerrano-oy2zg]

Lovely, amazing and so helpfull video for everybody. Thank you. Keep on! Greetings from Poŕtugal

[@deroux]

I add velcro to my speedlights and the flashbender can stick onto the speedlight more solidly in addition to the strap.

[@ronald7482]

Great video and helpful. Thx bro ,📸

[@MoeMorales]

Great Class Professor

[@SCArtandGrafts]

You can also DIY Neil's BFT to have a white interior like the flash bender. 2 birds with one stone kind of.

[@prios61]

Nice, thanks Omar 👌👌

[@ceesvanmiert3808]

Great info Omar

[@boomersoutdoors8898]

Thank you! Great info

[@shadedshotsphotography]

I like how you threw your own picture in your photo slide...😂 I have an event to shoot tomorrow. Thanks for the help!

[@gustavomorales6553]

Awesome video as always. I'd be cool a video about editing photos with flash. All the best!)

[@jakilahmoulien9070]

Amazing work bro 😮😮😮

[@mickue]

Great Video!

[@jairolopezlopez4589]

El mejor Video que e visto! muchas Gracias Omar! yo también estoy en NJ me encantaria poder acompañartete a uno de tus eventos y poderte ver trabajar! yo te llevo las maletas 😅 saludos

[@jolatunde]

You're nuts lol. I love it. "Back to you Omar"

[@melodyphillips2388]

I used the black foamie thing and got terrific light from it, and it also kept flash out of peoples' eyes.

[@dlands1]

Great insight as usual Omar! When using the speedlight on camera with a modifier, I noticed in the example photos you showed that there seems to be a bright light in the background pointed toward the camera. Are you also using the larger flash to backlight your subjects? Also is there ever a situation where you would use the magsphere? Thanks again.

[@robmcd]

My RF 14-35 F4 will be unreal with this setup

[@paulasimson4939]

Great video. I really appreciated you showing the unedited and edited photos, so we could see realistically what the starting point was.

[@KingNidus]

6:14 Rogueflashbender for black ceilings

[@stewartvill5410]

Make a video on how to create the cool spinning effect/light trails. A video on cool effects with flash perhaps?

[@EkheEntertainment]

Amazingyy

[@seasideshutterworx]

How Omar. Thank you for the video. I've always set my camera's white ballance to the flash. Do you advise using a grey card for white ballance when using a flash?

[@robertgrenader858]

Excellent Omargtron explanation of the ins and outs for flash modifiers. -. Do you ever work with a second shooter for video?

[@alvarob17]

Hello Omar and thanks for the tips. I need to try that Flash bender. For the black foamy thing, would a grid or double grid on top of the flash serve the same purpose? I have a Good V1 and two grids

[@abadjoseph]

Amazing content! Thanks for sharing! Do you have any notes on the MagBounce, versus the Flashbender? (Just wondering, seeing as though you already have a MagGrip!)

[@Chr.1995]

I would love some canon content Maybe about the r system? Or the 430 AI Flash from canon?

[@matiasluzuriaga]

GRat video Omar, thank you very much! Do you think the speedlights with zoom are OK to replace the foamy accessory?

[@veselinvasilev9362]

Thanks!

[@chrisconner1811]

excellent

[@The-Tall-Photographer]

Great advice as always. so, where does one obtain the black foam thing you mention?

[@marclabro]

nice tuto ! I am going to look theother ones with settings. just purchased a a7IV (lot of settings to digest, perhaps for a sony flash) with V1S flash. I am using magmod magsphere but also in same idea than your rogue, the magbounce 2 (and magnetic mag gel) looking like a schtroumpf (smurf ?) hat. what do you think of it to enlarge the flash size to the front ? I like the idea bouncing to the side walls but I cannot imagine the light is strong enough to find a wall and come back in the face of the guy in front of me. should be 1/1 power for flash with high iso isn't it ?

[@caleidoo]

The amount of times I wanted to post a comment on a KZbinr giving bad advices about using flash in & outdoor.... I mean, last week some guy told his viewers to use a (tiny) omnibounce on the flash "to create soft light"... wait for it, .... outside. It just amazes me how so many people don't even get the basics. You're clearly not one of them - although that flash bender makes you shoot 80% of your flash light (and battery power) into the sky (or black ceiling). Because the white fabric only gets some of the edge of your beam of light, obviously. The majority of the light is not obstructed and just shoots up... And the rubber band was a nice touch, but if you set your flash to manually zoom fixed on 180mm or 200mm, you get the same effect. And even better: have more power if you have high ceilings of dark walls. Because of the tighter beam. Best shots are indeed the nice side bounced ones. Some of my favourites shots ever were with that technique. If you get the balance with the ambient light perfect and the background is great (maybe some bokeh or nice colors), you get an almost studio like shot. With just one flash. It's magic. In other news, my Godox V860II & V860III underexposes (TTL) when bouncing, compared to my Nikon SB-910. I almost always have to dial in +0.7, while on the Nikon I was bouncing at -1.3 or -1.7 and got great exposure (I always prefer to underexpose a bit to prevent shiny faces - but the Godox is overdoing it) I also miss the consistency of the SB-910. The Godox is sometimes too dark or too bright. My SB-910 sits loose on my Z6II and loses connection with the hotshoe if I press the front of my head too hard into it - which you always do when you use the viewfinder and use a flash on camera.... the Godox are much better, they are rock solid on the hotshoe (and less than 1/2 the price). Just a shame about the exposure. I also wish they had a solution for the AF assist light not working on Z cameras. I used to be able to focus in pitch dark on nightlife events with my SB-910 & D750 and take excellent candid photos of people dancing. Not anymore. Either I have a 20% focus hit ratio or I need to bring in a small LED light - which kills the candid part of course. It's frustrating.

[@juanrmartinez6598]

Great video, I'd like to know if you used ettl or shot manual, that's important

[@rickkremer0525]

Great video. I might try to create the black foamy thing. What is on the inside of it?

[@xosemusic]

what are you thoughts on flash brackets? are they worth it? do you suggest to use some sort of modifier for them?...I want to be able to flash the subject nicely while not spreading behind or the sides, giving the softbox look while keeping the colors of the background vivid

[@markglenday7291]

Hi Omar, just a quick question have you used the Large Flash Bender on a Godox V1? thank you Mark from Australia

[@Dontpickatthat]

Niiiiiice! Are you using manual flash mode exclusively with these techniques and modifiers? At an event, is there one (or more) of your modifiers that could help a flash virgin hobbiest use a TTL flash setup to improve the look of spontaneous grab shots? If you have any ideas that will give a neophyte a sense of success as they learn might whet their appetite for more hands on manipulations. I’ve read about some very accomplished photographers who are scared to use flash. Nobody likes to take crap pictures, especially people who are accustomed to getting praise for their work. Anything that could ease the fear could feed their desire to learn more. Just a thought. I really enjoyed this video, thanks.

[@Artur..L]

Omar - the last flashbender :D

[@sahdirellis4901]

Hey Omar, what method would you suggest for a bowling company event?

[@arthurlbn]

Have you ever tried to use a polarize filter to cut this specular light in the skin ?

[@nawar9261]

❤❤❤❤

[@JessieLeTV]

Can you please make a similar video for the fuji xt4?

[@spenceandretti5135]

Do you have a class strictly on event photography like the photos that look more like a nightclub/reception?

[@owczarzaknorman9994]

On what apertures do you shoot on events and dance floors?

[@johnson20050]

Thanks for your nice sharing, how do you adjust WB if the flashlight is 5500k but the background is 4000k?

[@ernesto_creativo]

Just one word: Ambience!!! 👏👏👏🤣🤣🤣 P.S.: Shit! Now I have to buy another gadget! 🙃

[@alfrede.neumann5044]

Great Video! Could you do more on that topic?

[@ogonzilla]

I’m mostly a gear channel but we’ll see. 🤓

[@davemil716]

I love your event images... I am curious, what shutter speed do you usually use? I use GODOX adapters for the 860's, dome and back card splash. But you feel you better spread with the large flash bender? keep making these great videos!

[@ogonzilla]

Check out my lesson in the description. Generally 1/100-160th. I like the flashbender as well due to having the black foamie thing always on. Both get used at times.

[@randypipper92]

Does the black foamy thing work for clubs (black walls/ceilings)????

[@emyoswald]

do you ever use the foamie thing with the flash bender?

[@likedontcostmoney5595]

did you ever test (i believe you did) a soft box for flash? can it work as well ?

[@Jackourd]

the cheapest part of godox 860 flashes is their white reflector, I face this problem with all 860 flash, used many of them....and its not easy to push them inside again.....

[@youareslick]

you should use your flashbender configured as a tube (snoot) instead of the black foamy ting.

[@sarahmizrahi8823]

Omar! como estas? I have a problem. hopefully you can help me. I do Bar and bat mitzvahs, when the party and dance start, my pictures are kind of blurr and ghosty. With speed of 200, Good aperture, perfect exposure, everything is fine, but with a ghost effects. I don't know what is happening.... :( I have a couple of speedlights Off camera And one in my camera as a master. This problem never happened to me with my canon MARK 4, but now that I switched to the R5 I ALWAYS get this problem with the minimal movement of the subject. thanks in advance!!!!

[@ericthestone]

in terms of white balance, do you keep it as day light balance? Or do you use any CTO gel to match the ambient light?

[@ogonzilla]

Depends on the ambiance color

[@87dinab]

I have to ask, Niel just has the foamie thing under the flash. Is there a reason you wrap it around completely?

[@martintolley9234]

Orange wall. Green carpet. Pink ceiling.... 1 hour event. 18 days in photoshop.

[@jasonbodden8816]

Which is why something like the Flashbender is great for many run and gun type events. You can control the light spill in any direction while pushing light forward on to your subject. No 18 days in Photoshop needed.

[@manugeee]

I have the urgent need to make the following very intelligent and well educated joke: Fleshbender! Gnihihihihihi :-D