Easy On Camera Flash Portraits | Take and Make Great Photography with Gavin Hoey

There are lots of reasons why attaching a Speedlight to your camera is the best way to work. Maybe you need to work very quickly, perhaps you don’t have access to off-camera flash gear, or possibly there just isn't the space to set up a flash, softbox, and a light stand.
In this video, photographer Gavin Hoey shares some of his top tips for getting studio-quality portraits using just a bare, on-camera flash. The secret is bouncing the light off a ceiling or wall but as Gavin demonstrates, there’s a bit more to it than you might think and plenty of potential pitfalls to avoid. Unexpected shadows and odd color casts are just two of the problems Gavin covers along the way.
Finally, Gavin finds the smallest space to shoot in his already small home studio. Going "undercover" he shoots something that's a little different but also almost impossible to do without on-camera flash!
Timestamps and Chapters
0:00 Intro
1:02 The camera settings
1:38 Direct on-camera flash
2:24 Bounce flash off the ceiling
3:45 The vertical bounce shoot
4:15 Bounce flash off the wall
5:39 Flash off the wall shoot
7:06 Bounce the flash backward
8:20 Backward bounce shoot
8:50 Small space flash shoot
9:48 Summery and Subscribe
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✘ PRODUCTS USED:
Flashpoint Zoom Li-ion R2 TTL On-Camera Flash Speedlight
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Olympus E-M1 Mark III
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Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro
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#oncameraflash #flashtutorial #adorama
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Follow Gavin on
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Model: Chloe Kerley
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Take and Make Great Photography with Gavin Hoey
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THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING!

[@RalfWeyer]

Who else would wrap his model in a rug other than Gavin Hoey 😉? Brilliant idea 😊👍

[@GavinHoey]

Thanks Ralph but to put it into context, there were three of us in the room but only one of us thought it was a brilliant idea 😏

[@RalfWeyer]

@@GavinHoey let me guess, it was you 😉

[@ErikJMeadows]

This is one of the finest photography tutorials on KZbin.

[@rcfalcon56MkII]

This was awesome! I appreciate that no fancy strobes or soft boxes or other light modifiers were used. This is more in the realm of the person who is new to the hobby/profession on a limited budget. Great as always.

[@FronbondiSkegs]

I swear that I have never learned as much as what I get from watching and listening to your videos. What a great inspiration you are. I've never really been interested in portraits until I watched your video on "Rainy Day " pics in the studio. I was so blown away with the results achieved that my entire perspective and attitude toward portrait photography has now changed forever - hey I'm 50+ :)

[@GavinHoey]

I'm glad I've been of help to a fellow 50+ photographer 👍

[@kenzito101]

@@GavinHoey you don't look a day over 50 but your tips feel like you have more than 60 years experience taking images

[@rony.jean.boutousse]

Every beginner photographer needs this little video in their life. This is amazing.

[@24_7devon]

Gavin Hoey produces top tier videos and photos. So much information about the process of making photos explained to a point with no filler.

[@jer3006]

Gavin, What a finish: "The skill of working in a studio is choosing the right tool at the right time for the right job." Thanks for the beautiful lesson.

[@MichaelCarroll631]

Absolutely Brilliant. The rug idea and results were just amazing.

[@srb980]

That was amazing, thanks Gavin. Very enlightening, love the illustrations.

[@adrianwilliams763]

Brilliant. One of the best instructional videos for using speed lights I’ve seen.

[@jlopez7596]

Great as always. I love the idea of the rug. That turned out fantastic and I agree i liked the color ones better. I look forward to seeing whats next in two weeks

[@supermario1348]

The pictures of her wrapped in the rug were awesome. Both color and the BW I’m going to have to borrow that technique, thanks

[@tomkolour3947]

I've been watching your tutorials for quite a few years, always informative and to the point, thank you I have learned so much from you

[@ammierivera32]

Absolutely loved the diversity with flash in this video! So helpful!

[@jdanishevsky1]

Amazing. Some of the techniques I already knew, but it was a nice refresher, but some were great reminders and also enhancements to what we know to use differently or pay attention to. Great video and thanks for sharing.

[@andy1or2]

This guy is really a great ambassador for photography and Adorama....super instruction .... beautiful young lady as well ...have learned a great deal from Gavin Hoey for sure....thank you....

[@camouflage2525]

Thank you so much for creating this tutorial! Really learned a lot. Been watching a few videos but I find it complicated. This one's just on point!

[@sara9643]

Thank you!! This is just what I was looking for! Without any fancy materials.

[@thankjeb]

It was so hard to believe that those backward bounce shots created such a soft beautiful look! incredible tutorial.

[@collincourtois8587]

Another brilliant video, packed with ideas that are original and inspiring. Thank you M. Hoey and please "keep 'em coming" !!!

[@loihpatli]

This carpet idea looks really amazing! Thank Gavin!

[@lisasimpson9343]

Thank you Gavin, I feel a lot better about speed lights now. I have my first wedding to shoot in September so really need to get one and start practising. Thanks again that looks pretty straightforward.

[@tptrsn]

Gavin Hoey content is THE BEST!!! Thank you Gavin!

[@fredex147]

Thanks Gavin. Very usefull. I'm going to use it tomorrow and practice with these pragmatic tips.

[@roseannachavez2165]

This is by far the best video for on camera flash. Loved all the examples.

[@maik723]

Thanks Dude. You just filled in the gap by demonstrating the answer to all my questions concerning on camera flash. Thanks a million.

[@bar_288]

Wow. The exact video I need ... Just recently got a flash and been struggling to use it. Thank you

[@suzetteanthony5181]

Thank you both, as usual I’m inspired.

[@paulduan1848]

THANK YOU!! out of the many clips this is the best one I can learn for using speed light, demonstrative, straight to the point with great comparisons. Great Job!!!

[@montsergirl]

This was really good! The carpet shots look incredible! Thank you for this video!!

[@curtisclement]

Excellent tutorial. I’ve watched tutorials like this before and I thought ho hum something I already know. NOT you taught me one thing that makes a difference!

[@DanielMG97]

Thanks for a great video! Perfect for beginners that need to see not only how to do things right, but also what can go wrong - and how to adjust. Also, showing that you don't need expensive equipment is very comforting and inspiring!

[@thats_mr_b_]

Amazing as always

[@martinmathieson3418]

Brilliant, so down to earth. Straight to the point. Lots of info. Best video I've seen. Thank you Gavin.

[@iankellam6440]

Another excellent video Gavin. Informative and succinct as well as entertaining. Thanks.

[@canucklehead28]

Always excellent video Gavin.

[@yvesthibault7128]

Gavin you are the best relax and teacher ever !!!

[@jlesterhealthcare6555]

One of the best on-camera tutorials on youtube... Thanks, Gavin.

[@bobrosberg55]

Great video; one of that type of info, on-camera flash advice, that I'd been looking for. Thanks so much! (love your videos!)

[@matthewkeisling2776]

Really terrific video for on-camera flash. Very good information for small studio spaces and also newcomers to flash photography who have a speedlight but don’t yet have light stands, mounts and modifiers.

[@DanushaMadusanka]

one of the best on camera flash photography tutorials I ever watched on KZbin. Short and simple, yet detailed. Thanks Gavin.

[@AliasJimWirth]

This is really worthwhile. Excellent tutorial, Gavin. Thank you, and thank you Adorama

[@cameracameras]

Thanks Gavin, I love photography and you're inspirational.

[@alvinbartolome1239]

Always loved a Gavin Hoey tuts! Thank you for sharing your skills.

[@GavinHoey]

You're welcome Alvin 👍

[@ecruzpinto]

Excellent! Learned so much.

[@michaelschmitt5413]

Thanks for another helpful video. Keep up the good work. I am always happy when I see another new video of yours pop up in my notifications.

[@kevinmichener1914]

You never cease to amaze!

[@haiderhusain9964]

Hi Gavin... you have done a nice simple .. practicle presentation... it clear almost all questions regarding on camra flash..stay blessed

[@marcomark8]

Gavin, you are one of the greatest instructors of this industry. Thank you!

[@johnleighdesigns]

This is fab! Since I got into off camera flash a few years back I have'nt used on camera flash until recent experiments for interest bouncing off foamboard or through diffusion instead of formal softboxes and umbrellas. My home studio walls have a slight green tint but can work ok and have used the white ceiling bounce but often adding an umbrella on axis fill too. I spent out on too many different light modifiers over the years and its good to go right back to basics as an option in our toolkit of solutions.

[@murimi_kamau]

This was so incredibly helpful. I am just getting into on camera flash.

[@AethilEpicMusic]

Very good video Gavin Hoey, excellent demonstrations, just as we need them!

[@johnchedsey1306]

I've done a lot of single light, non-flash photography but figure it's time to actually try out flash as a new tool to use. This was a great little intro video to the basic concepts!

[@andresoriton4599]

Gavin, thank you for all your videos... Best ever...

[@The_CGA]

This was very down to earth, real, and achievable with the used gear I’m working with at the moment

[@sutashiku]

Thank you, dear Gavin. There is a great sincerity in your photos! Chloe is just beautiful.

[@eszti-ci5mt]

Gavin you are the best teacher ever! I can’t wait for the next video😊

[@jefferyrobbins3468]

Excellent! A true master at work!

[@silviocaravelli3567]

Thanks! I learned a lot with your session. Very lovely model. Great job, both of you.

[@thegougy]

what a job and how well done.Back to basics, indeed, necessary sometimes. Gavin, your vids are really awesome, thank you for sharing the knowledge and passion.

[@sharonstory404]

So helpful and informative!!

[@glittergirljmm]

This is exactly what I needed! I have some on location projects however, I am recovering from a stroke and would really rather not drag a bunch of lights and stands and such. I believe I can make great images with very little gear. Thank you!

[@frankline.gonzalez-dwindt2355]

I always enjoy your videos. Thanks for sharing all your knowledge

[@mariusv2365]

Amazing as always Gavin! Such a nice result with a simple speedlight!! All because of that amazing knowledge. Really useful video. Thanks!!

[@GavinHoey]

Thanks for the kind words Marius, I'm glad it helped.

[@11557bexley]

Great video, love the rug shot❤️

[@ipedder68]

Awesome as always 👍

[@DANIELSMIAMI]

Thank you Mr. Hoey

[@rainbowstream2536]

Thank you for this video. It was very informative. I just purchased a speed light and needed more info on how to take photos with it. Thank you again!

[@richardmendoza4389]

Bravo Gavin! I bet Chloe never saw that coming! Thanks for the chuckle

[@wwelch134]

Thanks so much. This was so helpful

[@Alex_science]

As always, great photos!

[@ShadowlightPhotography]

Taking it back to basics, goes to show what can be achieved with the trusty ole speedlight! Thanks Gav for your no BS tutorials, we'd be lost without you, keep up the great content!

[@GavinHoey]

Thanks for the kind words Matt 👍

[@craiglawrence7576]

I must say that Cloi was an excellent model for your demonstration. I’ve learned that professional results are possible without spending thousands. Posting the settings along with the photo helps to keep the whole composition straight in my mind. Your whole presentation was “spot on”!

[@xsbmrnr]

Excellent video and most helpful.

[@RickMahoney2013]

Gavin you make it look easy and fun and that is what it is supposed to be , thanks

[@Sweeteats23]

The behind look was so nice, soft and modelesque!

[@swanseamale47]

Hi Gavin, nice to see you again, used to watch a lot of the videos you did for a camera magazine some years back. Subscribed.

[@MicskiDK]

Thanks for this brilliant low budget tip.

[@stephaneolivier7688]

Very interesting and useful ! I’m sure it will help me improve. Thank you !

[@SimplySterling]

You present information so well. Thank you.

[@shg99]

Best one and so creative! He made it so easy to understand!

[@RainBow-op5go]

Gavin honey hoey....💖 learning lot from our Bro Gavin...

[@lorilongstaff9901]

Thank you! Great video.

[@DianneStudio]

Awesome video... Thank you for sharing your experience...

[@williamlynd3052]

Awesome - makes it look EZ peasy- thanks

[@jorgesantos1774]

Very nice tips! Simple and useful!! Thanks!!!

[@BooSgu]

Easy to understand your video. Thank you!

[@paulmullin3202]

Brilliant as usual Gavin .

[@cabantingpaulmichaelangelo1817]

This is the most informative clip I have ever watched compared to the other ones. Thank you Adorama!

[@raypoole2394]

Your model is a real trooper as well as beautiful. The rug sequence of photos was an interesting perspective. Again you have schooled me on the different ways to shoot.

[@sjdunphy]

Superb! Such a useful alternative to portable studio strobes.

[@ccbphoto]

I always enjoy and learn from your videos!

[@nelsonclub7722]

These are great Gavin - one thing we often do on our wedding and engagement shoots is the reverse bounce flash as you have shown to great effect here but with a white collapsible reflector behind me to bounce into - yes you need an assistant for this - but if you don't have one just ask the Best Girl/Man or an usher to help!! And one last top tip is pop the flash off to the side but behind the subject placing the reflector so some of the light reflects back onto the faces - then you can get a nice backlight and a fill!! All good. I am just setting up a photography school/workshop/seminar etc of my own and for 'camera days and product launches' in Stroud Gloucestershire ready to open next year and your videos on how to keep things simple but still get the shot are super little reminders as it is a few years since I was studio based full time!!! Thanks

[@ersway]

Great video and thanks for putting it together just what I was looking for as I only have an on camera speedlite and have to take a couple of headshots for my companies website tomorrow. Just tried it out and I reckon your tips have saved the day for me...

[@ianlewer2328]

Fantastic video. Thanks Gavin.

[@donovanw.2943]

Great info! Thank you both.

[@kongchang1]

Always awesome 👍

[@CatherineHaggerty]

Absolutely love the rug photos

[@rockxie6710]

amazing Gavin !

[@persona5401]

Really informative tutorial, thank you