MASTERING FLASH - How & When to Use it - Bird Photography Secrets Revealed

[@garydietz8807]

I have searched everywhere in KZbin to find a video like this. I have watched twice so far, GREAT JOB!!

[@jan_wegener]

Gary Dietz thanks man, glad they’re helpful 😊

[@markpalmer1112]

Just found your channel, all I have to say is WOW I’ve learned more in the last few videos than ever before I can’t wait to watch more. Awesome content!

[@jan_wegener]

that's awesome to hear. That's why I made the channel. Happy to help :)

[@sandeepthomas8663]

I was against it when I started out but after a lot of underexposed birds warmed up to the idea. Other than all the points you mentioned in your video, one thing I have noticed is when you get the exposure right with the fill flash, the quality of light looks much better than the images where flash was not used. Amazing videos btw, love how much thought you put into each of your videos.

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks a lot :)

[@ruthholland3148]

I was told never to use flash when photographing birds but after watching your wonderful video i'm going to give it another go

[@jan_wegener]

Ruth Holland that’s what I meant when I said confusion and misunderstandings about flash. If you use it right at low power and not all the time, I do t see a negative impact. A sunbeam piking through the leaves is much brighter than a full flash beam

[@rongeffin5323]

Many thanks Jan, great info particularly the balance between background to subject and of course, the manual mode. Your comment on not seeing that a flash is used is truly the art of using flash in bird photography....many thanks and Happy Xmas and New Year

[@jan_wegener]

Ron Geffin thanks Ron, happy Christmas to you too

[@vickieburt1756]

Thank you so much for a very informative video, Jan! What a difference the flash makes to the photos! Will definitely be trying this method as soon as I have organised a flash extender and bracket.

[@jan_wegener]

Vickie Burt glad you liked the video Vickie. As I said, I don’t wanna use the flash all the time, but sometimes it has quite an impact

[@ThinkingPhotography]

Thanks for showing us all great ways to start using flash for birding, really comprehensive and helps to understand how you achieve you absolutely beautiful images.

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@careylee5951]

Excellent tips! Going to try using flash. Thank you for taking the time to produce such great information for bird photography! Glad I found you!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it was helpful! Much appreciated!

[@lindaleman1120]

As always - Great video Jan. Thank you for being so generous with your knowledge!!

[@jan_wegener]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching

[@karlielarson7430]

Your bird videos are the best! They are very informative and I've learned alot!

[@jan_wegener]

Karlie Larson thanks, that’s great to hear

[@MikeC-nm8ip]

Very informative and helpful video, thanks for the instruction. For some reason I’ve never considered using flash in my backyard bird photography, which has limited my shooting to “perfect” lighting conditions and days. Looking forward to more photo opportunities and trying my speed light this winter.

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you! It can be a real game changer in your backyard.

[@1303real]

Excuse my English, I`m a French Canadian. A big thank`s buddy! I use the flash, HSS but in TTL exp. comp. : -1 -3 now, I will use in manuel mode, I`m sure my photos will be better...thank`s again, and Merry Christma`s and Happy New-Year! to you😉

[@jan_wegener]

réal daigneault thank you, same to you!

[@enriquediaz8939]

First of all, thanks for your video and the simple way to explain things, I am starting to use my flash and all the advice you give in this video will help me a lot, I do macro photography and all this information is serving me Thank you very much and happy holidays. With best wishes from Mexico !!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you like my videos! I always try to keep it simple. Happy Holidays!

[@johnnyc613]

Have always wondered about your serious flash set up ... thanks for explaining and touching on all the important points !! Great job 👍🏻

[@jan_wegener]

John NYC ; ] thanks a lot John, glad I could give you a bit of an insight

[@briansbuildsandoutdoors4936]

Hi Jan, great video. Yep I've started using flash for bird photography, great tool to have in the toolbox. All the best, Brian.

[@jan_wegener]

Agreed, thanks Brian

[@unity1950]

I have been using a Better Beamer with a modicum of success but I think your tips in this tutorial will be elevating my success rate and produce better exposures. Thanks for you clear and concise explanations and helpful example images.

[@jan_wegener]

Gordon Brugman great to hear I could help Gordon 😊

[@allencortez2447]

Nice job Jan. Straightfoward and very clearly explained.

[@jan_wegener]

Allen Cortez thanks Allen

[@sarajitsil]

Hi Jan, Jam packed information! Thanks for the video. Enough demonstration to make the topic easy!! Cheers!

[@jan_wegener]

Sarajit Sil great to hear, thanks for watching

[@jasonfraser3572]

Thanks for that. Now got almost same setup but Nikon. You are the dude that has inspired me to try this . Think it will help me a good bit as not much light sometimes in the Highlands of Scotland. It appears the ones most agents flash are the ones that know least about it from what I have seen so far. Happy Christmas dude.

[@jan_wegener]

Jason fraser yes, in overcast it’s great! Glad you like my videos! Happy Christmas!

[@A2thaMFK]

Thanks Jan, loving these videos. I now use flash way more than I used too. Since watching your full tutorial video.

[@jan_wegener]

great! I can be a handy tool

[@formermpc10]

Using flash on birds is not good for them

[@A2thaMFK]

@@formermpc10 Wrong information sorry. Best you watch more of photographers such as Jan (One of Australia's best). Flash has no impact on wildlife. Contrary to popular belief.

[@NagaHariKrishnaRachakonda]

So nicely explained

[@jan_wegener]

Naga Hari Krishna Rachakonda thank you

[@mardyseanofficial9502]

This is great. Never heard about this before and always used it during the night tour only. Thank you for sharing.

[@kontrolla1]

Excellent informative video as usual Jan. Thanks very much.

[@jan_wegener]

Paul Collins thank you Paul

[@TheMiniD3]

Great Vid Jan ................. Gary .................. AU

[@victorjmc5823]

Many thanks Jan for this Master Class!!

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you enjoyed it Victor

[@uaebifvideo5472]

Wonderfully put together!!one of the best seen !!🌷🌷Thank you!!.

[@jan_wegener]

UAEBIF VIDEO great to hear, thanks for your comment

[@andrewwilson3145]

great video very helpful thank you Jan

[@jan_wegener]

andrew wilson you’re welcome!

[@wildcat1065]

Great tutorial, I'm very envious of those fabulous birds and how tolerant they are.

[@jan_wegener]

Many thanks

[@gruttewibe76]

Your results look great, and thanks for explaining how to use flash for bird photography! I hadn't ever thought it was even possible at such distances.

[@jan_wegener]

You're so welcome!

[@PureAdvicePT]

Hi Jan, thanks for your videos.

[@jan_wegener]

Ulisses Lopes you’re welcome 😊

[@diannehodge7466]

Very helpful tips - thank you!

[@jan_wegener]

Dianne Hodge 😊😊

[@joet9451]

Tried this today on a blue jay in a dark tree. Game changer! Epic video Jan

[@jan_wegener]

Fantastic!

[@NG-xg8ez]

Excellent video 👍 Thanks and looking for more videos in future... 😊

[@jan_wegener]

N G great! Next one coming today

[@robertkelly28]

Thanks Jan, live in Ireland so sunny days rare. This is great advice. Thanks Love your channel

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks for watching! You're very welcome :) I love a good overcast day :D

[@forsterl.stewart414]

Fill flash not over flash....there are so many people on KZbin that give out false informattion...very good presentation here.

[@jan_wegener]

Forster Stewart that’s exactly what I always try to advocate. Thank you!

[@ridealongwithrandy]

Awesome video! Learned a lot from you. I just started using off camera remote flash in my backyard bird photography. What a diff! I also use the better beamer too. Watch all your stuff and subbed you! Cheers!

[@jan_wegener]

Awesome, thanks!

[@kathyteague829]

You are the best, Jan Wegener! And so are your images! I’ve never understood exactly how to use my flash with birds, but I think I can now! Thanks for all the easy to understand help. You are so blessed to have all of those gorgeous birds to photograph! BTW, where did you find Charlie? 😊 thank you!

[@jan_wegener]

Kathy Teague glad I could help. I got him from a flower shop

[@camnature1147]

This is one of the great video and great instruction on how to use the flash with wildlife photography. I have never done this during the day time before as I thought that it may harm or bother them. Have a good day.

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@orcaartist]

Per usual, great and informative video. I don’t think I’ve tried manual over TTL, so I’ll have to give that a try. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@jan_wegener]

PipPipHooray you’re welcome, always happy to help

[@phillipprichard4733]

I use my Nikon 910 flash with the Magmod Wildlife Kit on a Wimberley Bracket on most of my Bird Photography.

[@jan_wegener]

Nice!

[@alnwill]

Thanks for the interesting vlog. I have tried flash for small bird action with limited success, but the flash extender looks like the right thing to use.

[@jan_wegener]

yes that helps a lot. It takes a bit of practice to master the flash

[@AikoSukdolak]

Amazing video I think I will get me a better beamer, thanks that was what I needed :) All you Videos are so amazing jan. I like everything about them - especially the music! Wonderful work and great inspiration 🙂

[@jan_wegener]

Glad you like them! Much appreciated

[@paulhancock7860]

Excellent video Jan! Inspired me to pull out my flash setup and get back into experimenting with fill flash for birds. Really like the battery pack you're using as it looks like a nice upgrade over the external canon pack I have.

[@jan_wegener]

Great to hear! Yes, it's the best I have found

[@attilathehamster6774]

Thanks Jan, seriously looking at getting a speedlight after watching this. Cheers.

[@jan_wegener]

You won't always need, it, but it can be great help

[@attilathehamster6774]

@@jan_wegener Haha...I live in Northern Ireland where gloom is pretty constant; not that glorious location you are shooting in. What type of bracket are you using to elevate your flash to such lofty heights above your lens Jan?

[@jan_wegener]

Sean Stephen I’m using the wimberley flash brackets aviscapes.com/flash-settings-and-accessories/

[@WCIN]

Great info and will be practicing with my flash more! Thank you

[@jan_wegener]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davidroach515]

I have not used fill-in flash, and do not have the equipment but after watching your video something I could ask my family for as a Christmas present! How are you and the birds? I do not know what part of Australia you live and work in but I do hope you are not troubled by the horrendous bush fires in NSW shown on UK television. How are you coping with the heat? When I visited Australia it was 41 deg.C in South Australia near the Barossa Valley.

[@jan_wegener]

David Roach hey David. I’m in Melbourne, no big fires here and usually it’s a lot colder that many other parts of the country. In saying that, it was 43 here today!

[@koolkutz7]

Great work Jan, love those birds. It's amazing what a difference a splash of flash makes :-)

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks Steve, yes it can make a big difference when editing the files

[@Duade]

Another excellent video mate, very well explained, I really need to use flash more often :-)

[@jan_wegener]

Duade Paton thanks mate

[@trevorhearn9531]

Thanks for the video very informative

[@jan_wegener]

glad you enjoyed it :)

[@electricianwwrd4693]

ACE, Thank You Jan.

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks mate

[@findus605]

Living in Scotland and in particular during the winter months the flash is invaluable as without it i would be as well sitting in the house as the lighting at this time of year is usually very poor. Thanks for for sharing your work flow. I have now subscribed to your channel 👍

[@jan_wegener]

Kingfisher61 yes it can help a lot in overcast. Thanks 😊

[@stephendean100]

Atter watching this video I will give it a go. You never know if you don't try.

[@L.V-Rider]

I still have a Vivitar flash from around 1985 with a build in extender for telephoto lens. It is good for up to 20m at full power.

[@jan_wegener]

LVRider never heard of it, should look it up

[@L.V-Rider]

@@jan_wegener I don't know if it will work on the new cameras. Here is a warning they set out: WARNING: Avoid using this on newer electronic cameras, as its sync voltage of over 200 volts might damage newer cameras. Use it only with mechanical cameras, or with cameras rated for use with sync voltages of 250 volts or higher.

[@L.V-Rider]

@@jan_wegener The model number is: Vivitar Zoom Thyristor 285. They made it from the '70's and the quality was good. After many years after they stopped production, some other company made it again under the Vivitar name but the quality is crap. I still have one of the original, good quality ones.

[@nitrousblast1]

Very informative video, thank you. A couple things, how far away from you can the bird be and still have the flash be effective and what is the manufacturer of the flash bracket. Keep up the great videos

[@jan_wegener]

probably 20m ish aviscapes.com/flash-settings-and-accessories/ It's wimberley brackets

[@chantaljacques7664]

Great video Jan! I knew it was going to be! :)

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you!

[@rubenmontero4813]

Another great video Jan 👌I’d be interested to know how the battery pack is mounted on the bracket and what cables you need

[@jan_wegener]

Ruben Montero check out my blog post in the description. I simply cable tied the battery to the flash bracket arm. I use a Y connector to draw from both battery outlets and then the normal flash cable and the cable connecting battery and flash

[@marktizard7273]

Brilliant

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks!

[@garyknight3019]

Yes I like to use flash… stopped using it for awhile as I found the better Beamer was getting caught on bushes as I moved around..I like the idea you use of setting up an artificial perch..am looking forward to giving that a go

[@jan_wegener]

Good Luck!

[@paulinefollett3099]

I think flash photography can be a little intimidating. I have tried to use it but with limited success. I would love to develop my skills. Thanks Jan for this video. Your tips were invaluable. It would be great if you made a video about how to set up perches for the birds to sit on. Also how do you get them to sit on the perches? Is it with food, call back, or is it just patience.

[@jan_wegener]

Pauline Follett thanks. There are two videos here where I talk about that a little bit.

[@williammonroe1747]

Hi Jan, great video, of course. In this video you strongly encourage manually adjusting the flash power for shooting. I also note that you do a lot of shooting on perches that you've set up or are planning to try and get birds to land on. I'm curious if you would take the same approach on a day when you might be out stalking birds. Most of the time, this is what I'm doing, and my subjects are rarely at a consistent distance from the camera. Not only that, but they're moving from one lighting situation to another. Keeping up with my exposure settings (I do shoot in Manual mode) can be quite a challenge in and of itself. Adding manual flash exposure settings seems like an impossibility to me in these circumstances. Do I just need more practice, or might you consider using TTL mode under these circumstances. Thanks for your insight!

[@jan_wegener]

Hey, with the flash I am mainly looking at the light situation, rather than changing it for each bird. Unless the light changes dramatically, I don't adjust the flash settings. So if it's overcast my flash settings probably stay the same all day. By using manual, I simply make sure that the output is the same on every flashed image. I hope that makes sense

[@a440-williamrmonroepianose6]

Jan Wegener yes, I understand that, but won’t that give you varying results depending upon the proximity of the bird, or if the bird moves from out in the open into a shadow or mixed light. What I’m trying to say is that my experience is that the lighting situation DOES change, sometimes dramatically and within moments. One hop of the bird can take it from a mixed light to full shadow. Or from 8m distance to 5m. Or does the result of the fill flash tend to be more forgiving than that? Perhaps I’m overthinking this. Thanks Jan.

[@SeanLarkan]

Terrific video Jan, thanks

[@jan_wegener]

Many thanks!

[@garypowellphoto2137]

Thank you.

[@jan_wegener]

You're welcome!

[@nicolasbrunicardi7248]

Thanks for sharing yet another really informational video. You create really good pictures. Regarding the flash bracket can you recommend anyone in particular?

[@jan_wegener]

Nicolas Brunicardi glad you liked it! I am using the Wimberley ones, because they match my tripod head

[@lindsaydonald7743]

Very nice video. In the past my flash bird photos looked too obviously 'flashed'. I need to try again. What cord do you use to attach the flash unit to the hot shoe? I use a canon 600 ex-rt.

[@jan_wegener]

Don Photo i am using the original canon cords, they have proven to last the longest. However, I put glue around the outside of the bottom of the flash mount to strengthen it

[@helloianzakharov]

Great tutorial as always!

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ikoknyphausen198]

Excellent.

[@jan_wegener]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@ikoknyphausen198]

@@jan_wegener So I followed your advise as best as I could. I have a Canon 580EXii flash. A capable flash, however I used it on an Olympus OMD 1 mk3, because that's my bad weather goto setup. In manual mode, I could not activate highspeed sync (on a Canon body I can). So I was limited to 1/400th of a second, anything faster and the flash would only partially illuminate the frame - to be expected. But I did find out something interesting: My settings were 1/400th at F5.6 (one stop higher than max aperture) and I left auto-ISO. So now, when I shot multiple images in burst, the first image tended to be slightly overexposed, the second was better, and the third would be perfect. Looking at the EXIF I found out that the ISO went from 1250 to 800, then from 800 to 400. I think what happens is that the camera evaluates the light metering between shots and because of the flash at the first exposure ("shining" longer than 1/400th) the metering "says: it's bright here, the exposure needs to go lower for the second shot" ... it adjusts the auto-ISO, takes the second shot and so forth. I tried it several times and it's repeatable. That is actually quite cool, because even if your settings aren't spot on, you can take a few shots in burst and there will be a good one in the set. I thought I pass that along. Cheers.

[@jan_wegener]

@@ikoknyphausen198 To avoid that I always shoot in full manual for max control :)

[@ikoknyphausen198]

@@jan_wegener LOL, I don't mind it because I rather take 3 shots with different exposure settings than doing test shots to first find the correct exposure - by the time the bird might have left the scene ;-)

[@MDMiller60]

One problem we have is wanting settings of, say, 1/3200th sec (for moving or flying off/on perch) shutter, f7.1, usually high-ish ISO (but we have Topaz DeNoise/Sharpen to help) and be able to get a good, low enoughflash power to get some burst shots.

[@BowlesImages]

Very nice video explanation of flash and flash techniques. There are a couple of additional flash extenders that are useful. All use Fresnel lenses in a similar fashion. My current extender is with the MagMod system. It's the most compact and flexible. I also have an extender from Harbor Digital Design. It's a shorter more box like design that does not hang off the front of the flash as far as the Better Beamer. The Better Beamer is the original product - created by Walt Anderson who passed away in late 2019. He was a really nice guy and excellent photographer.

[@jan_wegener]

I like the light weight and small size of the better beamer the most. Magmod always seems very front heavy bending the flash down

[@andyobrien6263]

Thanks Jan - great video as ever - I use the Magmod magbeam kit, it’s far heavier than the better Beamer so your flash gun needs a bit of strength in the swivel mechanism so it’s angle stays where you want it - I use the Kirk extension kit which is great

[@jan_wegener]

Andy O'Brien thanks, good to know. That’s another reason I have this far stuck to the super light and cheap better Beamer

[@GRAYnomad]

I use flash for most of my wildlife photography from buffaloes to blow flies (different rigs of course). As you say, it's a matter of getting the balance right. I also use the Better Beamer but I don't have that battery pack, might be worth getting I think. Trouble is I mostly hand hold and that's another 500-odd grams.

[@jan_wegener]

Yes, for handholding the pack would be annoying, you'd have to have it on your belt or so.

[@mikemccurdy]

Now that is a lens! LOL> Nice shots, don't think I can put that lens on a gimbal though!

[@jan_wegener]

Mike McCurdy why?

[@mikemccurdy]

@@jan_wegener I was joking. I don't think you could put that large of a lens on a Ronin S Gimbal by DJI. I could be wrong!

[@jan_wegener]

Mike McCurdy haha yes!

[@jfphotography69]

I use the MagMod wildlife extender.

[@jan_wegener]

I have seen that one but never tried it.

[@jfphotography69]

@@jan_wegener it's fantastic, and easy to store in your bag. You can add different diffusers to the magnetic attachment besides the wildlife extender, like the magsphere, which I also use, it's the equivalent of a softbox. magnetmod.com/pages/discover?gclid=CjwKCAiA3OzvBRBXEiwALNKDP50n5YhPE4_IHLjk5kNcEwUld_fjBJBxI8E_Hwm8KsZTzyCNQcPjUhoCz64QAvD_BwE

[@ianhughes2869]

Happy New Year Jan, I’m from the UK your videos are very Interesting & very informative. Thank-you for sharing. Just two questions do you use spot metering? And where did you buy Charlie from?

[@jan_wegener]

Hey, Thanks! I always shoot manual, so the metering doesn't matter. Charlie, I got from the local flower shop down the road. Never seen him on the internet.

[@ianhughes2869]

@@jan_wegener thank you for replying back to me.

[@simons9952]

Excellent video. I am totally on your side. Sometimes you don't need but sometimes the results are just to good, to not use it. Until now I didn't find birds, which were scared (sometimes they they look at you after the first flashes, but then they dont mind anymore). Did not test it yet with nocturnal birds at night, but thats another story.

[@jan_wegener]

Simon S I agree. Like I don’t want to use it, but sometimes it just makes too much sense

[@SR-sg7qk]

Also may want to tell them about the dangers of the magnifier too.

[@jan_wegener]

That's what the packaging is for. but indeed it can burn holes in your flash

[@larrycounts5018]

Great Video. How do you mount the battery to the flash bracket. Thanks in advance

[@jan_wegener]

Cable ties 😆

[@shaliniprabha9207]

Great video, learned a lot. My only question is do you walk with all of this heavy settings or do you stay at a place and shoot?

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks you! I sometimes do and it's not much fun haha

[@deanroslynmengel5575]

Very good video Jan, I tend to be against flash for nature but you have me thinking?????? BTW this looks like Aussie bush?

[@jan_wegener]

that's good! If you do it right the impact is negligible. Yes it is

[@altamashmohd.6479]

How do you use these beautiful branches? Do you collect them to set up?

[@jan_wegener]

I do many times, where it is allowed to do so.

[@altamashmohd.6479]

@@jan_wegener how do you expect them to sit on it? I tried but non came on it

[@rogermullins7877]

I've only just come across your channel. Very intersting. One thing I would ask. When doing your PP, could you add the bird's name in the corner of the image, as most of them are unknown to me and no doubt many others.

[@jan_wegener]

That's a good suggestion, thanks!

[@Gemthermakleingk]

Just got the godox v860ii... a new path begins :)

[@jan_wegener]

awesome

[@NG-xg8ez]

Very nice video Jan 👍 I have few questions.. 1) Which flash bracket you use ? 2) I don't use gimbal head. Is it possible to use flash bracket with tripod and Ball head ? Or gimbal head is must ? 3) I recently saw this image on 500px . There is no shadow can seen on kingfisher. Is it shot using flash ? Please explain if you have some time .. 🙏🙏

[@NG-xg8ez]

500px.com/photo/1011337494

[@jan_wegener]

N G mine are wimberley aviscapes.com/flash-settings-and-accessories/ There are options to attach the flash hacker to the lens plate of its long enough Which image? I can’t see it

[@NG-xg8ez]

@@jan_wegener This image Jan 👇 web.500px.com/photo/1011337494?

[@stevemartin239]

Interesting & very informative. Thank-you for sharing. Do you ever use a defuser?

[@jan_wegener]

Steve Martin thanks Steve. That would only work at very short distances, because the birds are a bit further away, we need to funnel the beam to the get the reach. At short distances or in darker areas it could work

[@stevemartin239]

@@jan_wegener Thanks for your reply Jan. Of course, yes it would only be beneficial on close subjects.

[@bjrn-einarnilsen687]

Great video. Looks like i need investing in an Better beamer :) I use flash when i feel it's needed, and as you said, it never seems like the birds are affected by it. Also have to say that you have amazing beautiful birds in your area. Here where i live too, we have a lot of beauties. I live in South Brazil, with the Atlantic rainforest outside the house :) By the way, can you give me the name of that amazing bird in 11:53. WHAT A BEAUTY :) And again thanks for a great video :)

[@jan_wegener]

Thanks! Brazil must be amazing. I need to visit one day! That bird is a Spotted Pardalote

[@bjrn-einarnilsen687]

@@jan_wegener Thanks for the answer :) And yes you should come a trip here. It's amazing. I hope to visit your Australia one day too. An amazing country with fantastic wildlife

[@vimalneha]

Must say very good video! I use mag beam, your tips are great to consolidate the understanding. I wanted to fix flash on my fluidhead tripod, what accessories you used to get that screw of gimble head?

[@jan_wegener]

I am using WImberley Flash Brackets to attach it

[@vimalneha]

@@jan_wegener Many thanks Jan for responding. I had visited your website from the description but for the fluid head tripod, I could not find the suitable one that was cost-effective. But I have to invest the money as this is what I was looking for... I am trying to get one as what you have the optimal solution.

[@jan_wegener]

@@vimalneha The only good flash brackets I have ever found are the Wimberley ones, unfortunately. They do, however, can also directly attach to an arca swiss style lens plate. Maybe that could be an option for you?

[@vimalneha]

@@jan_wegener That is a great help Jan. I am coming to a solution with this arca swiss possibility. You are a GEM. As you correctly said I will be able with www.tripodhead.com/products/instructions-f-1.pdf. Thanks a lot.

[@jan_wegener]

@@vimalneha happy to help

[@lydmarl.475]

Beautiful!! So where is the area, my god those beautiful color birds!

[@jan_wegener]

thanks. all the shots were taken around Melbourne and in Australia

[@lydmarl.475]

Jan Wegener thanks for responding, just stunning those birds, places I always wanted to visit, I am a big bird lover!

[@viskar2056]

Like it jan

[@owenwaggoner3840]

Where do i find the flash bracket your using

[@gokulprasath3298]

1000th like 😍🔥

[@jan_wegener]

:)

[@altonsullivent]

I'm using the Godox V1 flash on the r5. Is there a flash extender for that flash? Also, how do you set up high speed flash using that combo?

[@jan_wegener]

I am not sure. Most of them are just Velcro, so I am sure one could be made to fit? It depends on the flash with high speed sync. WOuld be somewhere in the menu or a certain button to press

[@okarakoo]

would it be silly to carry around a colorful toy bird for the initial test shots?

[@jan_wegener]

okarakoo it would take too much time and effort and you can just photograph a tree nearby that’s easier

[@waynedettman6472]

Hi jan,very informative,I shoot birds in sometimes dark areas with my r7.and 100-400 5.6 I think a fill flash might work in that situation ,am looking at the canon 430 ex lll or the very expensive el 1,..?,have you used either,would love to know,cheers.

[@jan_wegener]

I have used the smaller one, but it might be a bit small. You could buy a used 600ex for instance

[@waynedettman6472]

@@jan_wegener thanks,appreciate that.

[@smkunder1]

Curious, do you have to change anything in camera to do high speed flash, or just on flash itself?

[@jan_wegener]

Steve Kunder I always do it on the flash

[@jan_wegener]

BreezyMunk good to know, thanks

[@andrewxx7]

Can you program a button on your camera, to deactivate & activate the flash firing. I know you can do this in the camera menu, but is more fiddly

[@jan_wegener]

I haven't found that yet. That would be super handy. For most I'm am doing it in the menu

[@andrewxx7]

The depth of field preview button would be ideal, I think wildlife photographers would use it

[@jan_wegener]

Andrew Wordsworth for sure!

[@richardvermeulen3123]

Love the flash, love the better beamer Jan. But still did not find a proper construction to mount it above my lens. Witch one do you use and where did you buy it?

[@jan_wegener]

I am using Wimberley Flash Brackets that attached to my Wimberley Tripod Head. I have linked it in the amazon links in the description.

[@knightryderbelow]

Great video Jan! I’m getting into the flash world and was looking at different types of flash arms, how high does the flash need to be so that the birds don’t get steel eyes?

[@jan_wegener]

around 15-25cm

[@SR-sg7qk]

Can I use a warming type cover over flash? If so will it work the same without?

[@jan_wegener]

You could, but I have not found that to be necessary

[@michaelhains2291]

Another great video. There is another good option for the flash, instead of the brand names like Canon, Nikon or Sony. The Godox AD200 can fit onto the Wimberley flash bracket (use the bulb head with a small reflector) and it can be trigger with a Godox Pro wireless trigger. No need for a flash cord or battery pack, as the AD200 uses a lithium battery for fast recycle times and the AD200 puts out roughly 3 times the light of a flash. Total cost around AUD$650 (AD200 was selling for AUD$412 on Amazon AU a few days ago). You can even buy an Aperture adjustable Fresnel head to go onto the AD200 if you wish.

[@jan_wegener]

Michael Hains thanks mate! Interesting. I looked into profoto flash heads for a while, but they all recycled quite slowly. I will check it out

[@michaelhains2291]

@@jan_wegener To be more precise the Godox X Pro trigger compatible for your make of camera (Canon). A reflector which fits onto the AD200 like the Godox AD-S2. Of course, the AD200Pro itself.

[@jan_wegener]

Michael Hains cheers

[@Sizzle43]

Would you ever use a Godox AD200 for this? I wonder if this style would work on horse photography or is the subject too big?

[@jan_wegener]

possibly. I have never used them before. I think it's a bit big and heavy and recycles too slowly (2.1 sec at full power). Flash can work with them as well, but the impact will be different and you couldn't use a flash extender

[@mindtravelness335]

I won't comment about the ethics of using flash in wildlife photography, but but to be honest, if the exposure is not perfect without the flash, then with the so-called fill flash it will only look horrible and unnatural(white flat light) and I won't call these "photography", but just simple pictures. If your scope is only to document what you shoot, then that's fine, but if you want to create outstanding photographs, then you'd better choose to do it only when the light is soft and flattering, and your subject is perfectly illuminated.