How To Under Expose A Background With Strobes

[@donaldbrocksmith9508]

Lighting up from back to front, meaning towards the camera, is such a great idea. I'm learning and I'm grateful Matt.

[@MattHernandez]

It is BY FAR the best approach! Thanks for the feedback!

[@edross2826]

Kids look like pros. Thanks, Matt for explaining and giving us all this info.

[@MattHernandez]

Any time!

[@lim2001burger]

Severely under-rated channel! Dropping such awesome knowledge, thank you 👍

[@MattHernandez]

Much appreciated!

[@marshalltravis3217]

Great job. Very informative and detailed.👏❤

[@MattHernandez]

Thank you for watching and the feedback! I really appreciate the support.

[@saviourudo1062]

You made sure to give us detailed information during the course of this video. Thank you.

[@MattHernandez]

Glad it was helpful!

[@infamismworldwild6248]

Stunning result and well thought out process starting with the ambient light

[@MattHernandez]

Thank you!

[@trdougherty]

Great information - espcially the details about lights' power settings

[@MattHernandez]

Thank you!

[@mor.6860]

Thank you very much for the excellent tips. I fully understand the back to front lighting. I started using that because of you. I appreciate that allot.

[@MattHernandez]

Great to hear!

[@WilliamKentMedia]

Hi Matt. Firstly, I've recently found your channel and binge watched loads of your videos. The value and help you give is incredible, so thank you. I have a question hopefully you can help with. When underexposing the background, how do you focus on your subjects? I've recently implemented a similar technique, but struggle to see anything on the viewfinder / monitor. On a recent shoot, I was temporarily bumping the ISO up to manually focus, but when I got home to enlarge the images on a big monitor I realised I had missed focus. Do you have any tips or advice for this?

[@MattHernandez]

If you have your strobe trigger on the preview on the screen should brighten up the subject enough to focus even if you are underexposed. The first photo should always be the background with no strobes on to see the ambient and allow you to get that right, then turn the light on and adjust as needed to light the subject.

[@MattHernandez]

Thank you for the support and kind words. That means more than you know!

[@EliInfante]

Great breakdown Matt!

[@MattHernandez]

Thanks brother!

[@okeefest]

Hey Matt, great tips about being ready for the real laughs and the ND filter vs HSS. I am curious if the Z9 which doesn’t have a mechanical shutter has the same issues. I will give it a try.

[@MattHernandez]

I think they all do at this point

[@johnrumballphotography]

Hey Matt… great video! Can you tell me exactly what ND filter you’re using here? Variable or fixed stop? How many stops? Thanks very much.

[@MattHernandez]

I think that was a breakthrough photography. ND. I use the 6 stop when it’s super bright.

[@Promisepromise2424]

Your look good but look raw..do u edit them?

[@MattHernandez]

Do they? I always get told my editing makes me stand apart and it’s very distinct. I’ve never been told that haha.

[@lucasleite5734]

Great video Matt! I have a question, what's the metering mode you use for this kind of photo? Thanks

[@MattHernandez]

I usually so multi metering to get the overall exposure of the entire frame. Thanks for watching and the feedback!

[@lucasleite5734]

@@MattHernandez thanks for getting back to me! And please keep uploading these classes 😃

[@Joao.silva1407]

I have a question. Is it possible to take the same photo but directing the light so that it doesn't reflect on their glasses? I apologize if English is not perfect, but it is not my first language.

[@MattHernandez]

It would be easier to do that with 1 subject but with 2 the angles aren't the same. I personally like the reflection but you would have to play with it to see. Normally moving the light higher works but not when they have a hat on. Thanks for watching and the feedback!

[@Joao.silva1407]

@@MattHernandez thanks! 🙏🏼

[@SarahFentiman]

What ND filter do you use?

[@SarahFentiman]

Variable, fixed or limited?

[@MattHernandez]

Polar Pro 3-6 VND

[@toontown306]

Thanks Matt for the tutorial. I have been doing team picture since 2010.. I am always up to learning and producing better shots.. This has helped tremendously..

[@MattHernandez]

Great to hear!

[@Emptrix]

Damn! The final image was brilliantly lit! Do you think I can achieve this with just 1 speedlight (Godox TT685II-S) + light umbrella + the sun? I'm guessing I should position the model with their backs facing the sun tilted slight 45 degrees to the left and have the Godox Flash + Umbrella at the opposite of the sun?

[@MattHernandez]

Not in the middle of the day. Your need 3-4 speed light to have enough power for that unfortunately. Thank you for watching!

[@josephgarcia3767]

Good tutorial. Was this a two or three light setup?

[@MattHernandez]

Thanks! I was just the two I showed…Octa L for the key and deep focus for rim to mimic sun

[@user-qs8lv7wp2c]

Which ND filter do you prefer. 3-4-5-6 stop

[@MattHernandez]

I prefer a variable ND, 3-6. But if I had to pick one and couldn’t get a variable I’d get a 3 stop probably.

[@tonycalvo5908]

Nice job brother. Always excellent info!

[@tonycalvo5908]

One question. Do you use AWB?

[@MattHernandez]

Thank you!

[@MattHernandez]

No I usually either use flash or custom when I’m shooting with strobes.

[@roxannevenegas8423]

Awesome video! Any way to achieve this with one strobe light? If not, I guess I’ll be investing in another!

[@MattHernandez]

Yes! You can just use the main light and use the sun as a rim. Thank you!

[@209lapko]

Great capture!!!

[@MattHernandez]

Thanks!

[@HillengaFotografie]

Excellent video explaining well 👍

[@MattHernandez]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sharvo6]

Information rich content!! love it.

[@MattHernandez]

Thank you!

[@mdotdavis6901]

Thank you… where do you get them boxes from… can you link that please

[@MattHernandez]

Here you go! amzn.to/463P4Hv

[@mdotdavis6901]

@@MattHernandez Thank you... I truly appreciate your

[@garyadams5201]

Great video Mr. Hernandez!

[@MattHernandez]

Glad you liked it!

[@freddyinfantas7175]

What do you use to power your strobes outdoors?

[@MattHernandez]

The FJ400s have built in batteries!

[@jitomingo2000]

What metering mode do you use?

[@MattHernandez]

Either spot or matrix depending on the situation.

[@shedrickDuval904]

Thank you!!!

[@MattHernandez]

You're welcome!

[@deniserooneyphotog]

Lots of great info thanks for this!

[@MattHernandez]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching.

[@MartinV.]

Great Video

[@MattHernandez]

Thanks!

[@chicubs2099]

Hey Matt! Which ND filter did you purchase? The X2 or X4? And which stop: 3 or 6?

[@MattHernandez]

I have the X2 3 stop and X4 6 stop

[@barryg1406]

Excellent video explaining well

[@MattHernandez]

Thank you!

[@JeffMccarty-p3r]

Would you be able to achieve this same look using the neewer 4 strobes with soft boxes?

[@MattHernandez]

I’m not familiar with those but it depends on the power of them and the modifiers you use. These were Westcott FJ400s (400ws).

[@geru2000]

Should be able to, I do it with the neewer 200 watt light just not at high noon😊.

[@dannyinreallife]

Would a 300W strobe work?

[@MattHernandez]

Maybe depending on your modifier. You’ll have to experiment with it. There will be limitations with less power

[@chuckcrookshanks847]

Thanks you for posting another nice video.

[@MattHernandez]

Absolutely!

[@hypedzebra1910]

hey matt would u recommend me to use TTL or manual? im quite to photography and flash photography. I have a canon 700d and just bought a GODOX AD200.

[@hypedzebra1910]

i have the ad200 just alone.

[@MattHernandez]

I don’t think I’ve ever used TTL in my life 🤣

[@benlego6641]

Great video and sound instruction! Thank you!

[@MattHernandez]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JuJuGrafiks]

Great content as always Matt! So reflections in glasses...how often do you find yourself editing out modifier reflections? While present, it's not a real big issue here but got me thinking. I'm finding (mainly in baseball portraits at the high school level) that the modifier reflections drive me bonkers. Athletes want to wear their shades (mainly baseball) so I typically do one with, one without. Even when I have them put the sunglasses up on their hat (not the best location by the way) the reflections are too distracting for my OCD brain, lol. I see myself, gear, parking lot, other players, etc so I end up editing it all out. Any rule of thumb you subscribe to avoid this? I'm guessing it's more subjective but wanted your thoughts. Thanks!

[@MattHernandez]

Thank you! Honestly I just go shot by shot. It didn’t bother me on this one at all. It usually doesn’t to be honest. You can always try and move the modifier around some to change it but I don’t think it a big deal usually.

[@CalebTackett]

I was about to comment and ask Matt his thoughts on this too.

[@paigeofstylez]

Use a pro light mod, so the reflection, looks as it's coming from stadium lighting 🙏🏿💪🏿🤷🏿

[@calimullen]

Shot my Little League team… They came out beautiful! How do I share the result with you?

[@MattHernandez]

Awesome! If you are interested in one on one mentoring let me know!

[@calimullen]

I might take you up on that. My first time using this technique, first is unedited, second I threw my touch on it.

[@charlieabrahams00]

Awesome Matt!

[@MattHernandez]

Thanks brother! Hope you’re doing well.

[@the-secrettutorials]

Wow that was a great tutorial thanks!

[@MattHernandez]

You’re very welcome!

[@ClarkSandersPhotography]

Very cool! Looks like you had a couple of awesome subjects, too!

[@bejogaming7206]

Hss lighting ??

[@MattHernandez]

Yes!

[@ashurats]

mention product links you used in this video please

[@MattHernandez]

Done!

[@tjmccannphotography2786]

JUST what I was looking for! Thanks!

[@MattHernandez]

Glad I could help!

[@sandramorelli2830]

I’m confused how 1/250 is the same ambient light exposure of 1/2000. Help! 😊. I must’ve missed something?

[@MattHernandez]

That’s the correct neutral exposure, then under exposing it 2 stops from that point using shutter speed.

[@sandramorelli2830]

@@MattHernandez Thank you!

[@xZachattack32x]

Awesome video I learned a lot!

[@MattHernandez]

Glad it was helpful!

[@octaviouscummings1311]

Thanks you are the Goat.

[@MattHernandez]

Thanks so much man!

[@andrewahearn1206]

Great video as always. You mentioned the brand ND filter, but what level ND filter do you often use for this?

[@MattHernandez]

Thanks! It was a 3 stop.

[@kevinschwebs1404]

Hey Matt,Just came across your channel, love the vids... Really interested in doing dramatic sports photography, lot of schools and sports in my area. Any vids on packages and pricing? Thanks

[@MattHernandez]

No I don’t have any on that. Those types of topics would be more of a mentoring or workshop topic. I mainly cover shooting and editing on here. Thank you!

[@DESIGNS-vo1mt]

That is phenomenal

[@MattHernandez]

Thank you!

[@Imaikalani70]

Awesome intel. Thank you!

[@MattHernandez]

Glad it was helpful!

[@albertsanchez5988]

Thank you!! great video

[@MattHernandez]

You're welcome!

[@jessitrueg4714]

thanks Matt!

[@MattHernandez]

No problem!

[@cwa.jr92]

This is a great video

[@MattHernandez]

Thank you!

[@GNARLSMEDIA]

Thank you so much, nice work, very nice indeed.

[@MattHernandez]

Thank you!

[@indrajitadvani3742]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@michyjua]

The best part. 0:10

[@MattHernandez]

😂😂😂

[@beverlybasden2648]

Thank You so much!

[@MattHernandez]

You're welcome!

[@mrphunky]

Thanks yo 💪🏽💪🏽💯💯💯

[@MattHernandez]

No problem

[@smepable]

Dude you look very athletic, the Boys should have photographed YOU

[@MattHernandez]

Hahahaha don’t let looks deceive you 🤣 I assure you any athletic success my son has will be in spite of me not because of me. I do work out regularly so I appreciate that thank you!

[@juanstout]

Is that your little guy? He is growing up

[@MattHernandez]

Yes he is! That’s my son and step son yes.

[@RooftopKoreansMusic]

Horrible attempting at teaching, you waste so much time hemming and hawing I'm not sure what the technique is. What you should simply say is; by setting an exposure that underexposes your background you can then adjust your strobes to correctly expose your subject at the F stop that underexposes the sky.

[@MattHernandez]

Wow, thats funny because as of the time I read your asinine comment the video you’re disrespecting had 43,336 views, 2,431 likes and 99% positive feedback. I mean thats pretty good stats compared to the 9-view average on the 16 videos you have on your channel, right? I’m sure that 1% negative feedback on mine are most likely sad, angry little trolls, like you, that make negative comments on other people’s channels because they hate their life and they are too scared and lack the talent/knowledge to make their own content. Do me a favor and go back to eating your Cheetos on your nasty, stained couch in your mom’s basement. Thank for wasting that 2 minutes and 30 seconds of my life I will never get back reading your dumb comment!

[@RooftopKoreansMusic]

@@MattHernandez But I'm telling you how to improve, you talk to much... this video could be 2 minutes or less

[@MattHernandez]

Maybe you should try to make constructively critical comments in a nice way instead of saying it was a “horrible” attempt.” Especially when you are clearly not an expert based on your pitiful performance from the videos you have on your channel. Insulting people is never the way to go…EVER. Especially when someone is trying to help others with what they are doing. If you don’t like someone’s style, don’t watch their channel. Have a nice day!

[@RooftopKoreansMusic]

@@MattHernandez I'm literally a professional photographer. Listen to ME... THIS VIDEO SHOULD BE LESS THAN TWO MINUTES; thank you. Nice enough for you or do you still want to give me this long winded attitude. You are long winded at everything, in your videos, in your comments arguing when it's not appropriate and you should be listening to me. Make videos like this less than two minutes halfwit.

[@dan-3000i]

flash Photography at daylight is so 90's 🤣

[@MattHernandez]

At daylight? Are you talking about white balance?

[@zainkhalid6720]

90s trends are making a comeback

[@natew.455]

Photography is sooooo 1830’s.

[@d.s1014]

Is it against the law?

[@ElevatedThreat]

You brought in way too much additional, technical information for me to follow. Sorry... I just mean this to be some helpful feedback.

[@MattHernandez]

Well, I’m sorry to hear that. I like to explain as much as I can for people because everyone has different levels of knowledge and different skill levels. I hope you got at least something small out of it.