Flash Photography For Portraits: ND Filter vs High Speed Sync Technique

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

The question is, which do you prefer for shooting portraits wide open with flash? ND or High Speed Sync? Sound off in the comments below!

[@steverogers1039]

I have been using clip in ND filters (rather than HSS) for the past 18 months. The main reason is it liberates more power for my strobes, and has meant that I can now do all I need with a dinky little Godox AD100 in a modifier most of the time, and if really bright, an AD300. Previously I was needing an AD400 and AD200's for the same results. This has really allowed me to save weight and space in my camera bag.

[@stkuj]

I actually shoot both sometimes LOL

[@zenphotocraftmedia8326]

Though I am guessing some camera can go upto 1/8000 sec and some camera can do high speed sync 1/4000 and it also what f stop will used and if dose it requires the nd filter

[@MMPAspergerian]

HSS for sure. Great videos as always Miguel, thank you!

[@PeteySmoothJazz5059]

I use both, however, in the spirit of the question, I favor ND filters.

[@beerborn]

A word of advise, whenever you change the power of the flash you must purge the flash first before you take the photo. If you took a photo with a 4.0 setting and then went down to 2.0, you must purge the flash first because the flash charge is still at 4.0. Once the purge has been made the battery will charge the capacitor to 2.0 which is now ready to take a photo.

[@DiagnosticDennis]

Good advice thank you 🙏

[@Drasengan75]

how do you purge the flash? a power cycle?

[@ooltimu]

@@Drasengan75 just fire it

[@Drasengan75]

@ooltimu ohh haha thanks. Cuz i was literally confused. Thanks again.

[@JakobeOcho]

What’s purge it mean

[@Joe-gl8sr]

ND allows better battery usage. HSS uses up more battery. So if it is going to be a longer shoot, might want to use the ND to have a spare battery. Both are great tools to get the job done. 🙂👍🏻

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

Exactly right!

[@MartinKamin]

I wrote my one note - the same...

[@ZachGrayPhotography]

HSS doesn’t have power either as it’s bursting the flash.

[@BrianCarey]

Thanks, I was wondering about this!

[@fostervf16]

Wrong. Using an nd filter means you need to increase the power of the flash. Hss makes the flash use less power but it technically is firing more times. But it balances out.

[@jbello9398]

I bought an ND filter and love how the images came out... plus I don't lose power on my flash, so I'm happy with the ND filter

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

Very true!

[@ap2582]

Miguel has the best off camera flash instructional tutorials on KZbin. PERIOD. Thank you for uploading these quality videos. It is directly influencing my photography purchases.

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

Wow, thank you for the kind words! Glad my content is helping you out :)

[@PeteySmoothJazz5059]

I concur!! I love his instructional tutorials!

[@onlysublime]

For portraits, I'd always go with nd filters. It's just more manageable for a photo shoot. The only times i use hss is for things in motion.

[@芝さん]

I am just starting out in photography. I was thinking of buying a strobe but it is quite expensive and I was thinking of a model without HSS.(It is way more cheaper than that with HSS.) I thought I might have problems shooting with a wide aperture in daylight, but then I found out there is a way to use an ND filter! I learned a great deal. Thank you!

[@collincourtois8587]

Miguel, dunno if I mentioned this before but you're one hell a a good teacher !!! Thanks.

[@StefanAlexandruGeogloman]

Great video! For professional shootings, well, whatever works best in the situation, but for people who do it as a hobby, clearly an V-ND filter is best - cheaper than lights/triggers with HSS, less battery consumption, and the filter is useful also for other kinds of photos or for video.

[@bolajibadmus175]

Love them both. Thank you for educating a beginner photographer here.

[@josehijo]

Great topic, I believe it's a matter of choice whether you're in for maximizing power like with a smaller light, going for ND it is... and if power isn't an issue, then High Speed sync is more flexible! Both are great tools, and your shots are awesome!

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

Thanks for watching and I totally agree!

[@MSmatt76]

You're photographing thru another lens so remember to take care of the ND filter, don't abuse it. Some cameras may struggle with focus with a really dark ND, and if the lens becomes warped from heat or misuse, you'll struggle with focus.

[@graxxor]

In over 25 years of photography, I've never warped a filter. What on earth could do that? They're not like gels on flashes that can melt if they're too dense or used at too high a power.

[@davidjones8070]

I’ve done both methods and honestly it doesn’t matter much to me personally…it’s just another great tool option to have in your bag. I remember watching Joel Grimmes..years ago use nds for his portrait work and do amazing work . I just like options and a variable nd takes up little space in your bag so why not.

[@paceyombex]

As a complete newbie to flash photography (still deciding on my first Speedlite), HSS intrigues me a lot because it's easy and simple. I guess once I get it, I'll use HSS for now, especially since every flash with HSS could also do standard sync.

[@hazard3020]

dont forget the cost of these things !!!

[@paceyombex]

@@hazard3020 I decided to get a TT 685 II for my first flash, and for my need it's plenty for now. Now if I'll get another unit it'll be something from godox's wistro line since I really appreciate the HSS on my TT 685

[@tommynikon2283]

Nice work Miguel; alot of shooters mangle this topic- you didn't. Love the results. Old dude here/67; been using an old school (portable) Norman 400B flash unit for years + ND filters. I have a Big Stopper, 1-10 as needed. AF on my Nikons/DSLRs can sometimes wander, specific focus points....but WHEN it works, it works fine, and unlike HSS units....my flash doesn't have the continuous pulse- which eats up about half it's power. Plus a diffusion panel, etc. IF I went HSS, it would have to be high-power: 800+ watts min. Distance, Diffusion, Design eat up the Output.

[@MrTrapo56]

I guess it will depend on the type of light you use, if you have a speedlight the best option will be to use the ND. If you don't have power problems with the flash you use the HSS. Excellent demonstration.

[@RustyBrownPhotography]

If given the choice, I'd go w/HSS. I think it makes for a 'cleaner' shot (if that's even possible). Having a trigger/strobe that works natively w/your camera makes it easy. Once you've adjusted for abient (to get the real colors of your sky, there), it's then just a matter of finding the right power output from the strobe, based on the distance between the strobe and the model. As always, very well done, mate -- thanks!

[@graxxor]

Fine if you are not in bright sunlight. Using HSS in bright light at higher power levels on a hot day is a sure way to have your flash stroke out on you unless you have a beast of a flash like a 600 or 1200... If you're down at 200 or 300 you'll be better served with a couple of ND filters.

[@RustyBrownPhotography]

@@graxxor Correct -- I only have 400s and 600s and haven't experienced any issues. I wouldn't attempt HSS with a smaller light. Cheers.

[@marquisecarter9543]

You know you're a natural beauty when you're dressed down and still looking beautiful. Thanks Miguel as always for the lesson and nice work.

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

I appreciate the uplifting words and support! I'll be sure to share with Katelyn. Thanks for watching :)

[@QUINPANO]

He was talking about you

[@RichardCornelius]

Both depending on the time of day.

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

Exactly this! It's all about having options based on what you run into.

[@randomboy343]

trying to get into flash photography and this video was super helpful. thanks.

[@sirbondman007]

Thanks!!!!! Really informative for me, as an advanced amateur. Personally, I think that the combo worked the best. HSS seemed entirely too bright overall. ND alone, in your time of day was unable to bring out the model's features and seemed to fall flat. Will definitely try w/my D500 & off camera flash.

[@NiniRockX]

I just came across this topic yesterday. I watched another video by a photographer about it, and now I saw yours on KZbin about the same topic. However, yours was explained better because you went into more depth with the individual stops. Thank you, Miguel. Beautiful images !!

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

So happy to hear it! That's why I went into KZbin creating tutorials. I see that kind of thing far too often. Hope it helps!

[@deenugent473]

To save battery and refresh battery time, I'd shoot without HSS. As far as the comparison between the two, it's really hard to tell because they look very similar. Of course, it helps when you have a pretty model 😉

[@photorekastudio8528]

Although the one with the ND filter and HSS mode is exposed correctly, aesthetically the first overexposed background one looks more natural to me. Btw thanks for sharing

[@JynxBandit]

I personally prefer HSS over using an ND filter. For me, my experience is with HSS so I know the results I will get. There are so many ND filters out there and to know which ones are worth the money is hard off of user reviews. I don't like having extra glass on my lenses and that is just being stubborn from studying photography in college (film, pre DSLR). Since I know my lights I have no problem spending the extra $180 on an additional battery than spending more money on an ND filter that I have no trust in.

[@ahmadmoussaoui4513]

Great video Miguel. I will personally always side with HSS over ND as I personally believe adding an extra layer of glass on top of the lens (unless super high end ND glass) will degrade image quality to an extent.

[@jasonbodden8816]

If it's a good quality filter it's negligible. Probably even imperceptible.

[@alanplatt888]

Very informative, I understood...............great video. I watched it after watching your most recent ND filter video. The pieces of the puzzle are beginning to fall into place for me.

[@Roy88772]

Very nice video. It's good to point that with HSS we are loosing about one stop of light from the flash so if you want to overpower the ambient light in a more sunny day ND filter is the way to go.

[@jasonbodden8816]

You lose more than that the further past your flash sync speed you go. ND filters for me.

[@thanhhuuvu2617]

One of the best tutorials on just using OCF and even easy follow on the HSS. Thank you for doing this tutorial Miguel

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

Thank you!!

[@DennisRosenberg]

Great video as always. Would love to see this same comparison in a brighter setting. Maybe a daytime beach shoot with HSS vs. ND? Then we could really see the effects of the power output limitation of HSS. and the potential real advantage of ND. Thanks!

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

Thanks Dennis! Now that I'm feeling better I'm definitely doing that. 📸

[@abdulhafizgariba478]

I will go with the ND filter despite never used it before. Am gonna get one for myself

[@horacebledsoe7510]

The nd filters make it looks so much better.

[@drrrw]

Tons of value from your 2 videos about this topic. In my budget case, I already have my ad200 with trigger, since the battery and the ND filter cost the same, either same battery with ND filter or add another battery because HSS uses more battery. I would go with battery. If you're a hybrid shooter go with ND filter for video purposes also. Thank you M.

[@randomboy343]

looks like i'll have use both techniques for bright sunny mid-day shooting.

[@joalva63]

HSS never give a color cast, ND filter may introduce color cast depending on the quality of the filter.

[@SuperMassara]

Just buy quality filters. It's EASY.

[@jerrypollatos7935]

Hi Miguel: Another great tutorial!! Love your explanation of the two techniques really makes it easy to understand. Think my next purchuse will be an ND filter.

[@sanjayt5633]

I would go with an ND with wide aperture during the day time. Informative video. Thanks! 👍👍

[@coreyford9418]

This is very helpful. I struggle with off camera flash. This video put a lot of things in perspective for me. Thanks a lot!

[@harryvuemedia5106]

Both are great! Just that you would be spending at least $200 on a True Color ND filter. Definitely worth it if you want to always shoot at full power because using HSS cuts your flash power in half. So to get full power equivalent to 1/16 with HSS, you have to use 1/8. If you dont want to spend another $200 on an ND filter, then best to go with HSS.

[@lost13559]

Great video, it helped me out a lot I’m just starting to get into photography, I’m doing my home work first to see what I need

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

Hope it helps! If you have any topics that you'd like me to cover along the way let me know. 👍

[@b991228]

The problem with HSS with flashes is that the power is really draining the batteries. With ND filters you don’t have to fill you pockets with batteries. As well, you will discover additional uses for your ND filter.

[@JK-jl1bf]

I would say that a filter is what you want in cases of doing longer shoots to save power on the batteries because HSS uses strobe bursts that can eat up batteries fast.

[@LeopoldoManuelRamirezMena]

If the ND filter is fine quality, might be a good choice but variable ND filters sometimes show an X on the image so, hss is a better option ...then, hss flashes are expensive...

[@dartagnanpascaljoseph3985]

Hi Miguel. That's some powerful content here! Looking at your side-by-side comparisons, the ND filter frames look more contrasted as if the filter reduces overall luminosity to increase contrast. But it's so subtle that you wouldn't know. Great tutorial!

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

Thanks brother! The ND shots definitely had a bit more contrast to them. I imagine I could have made them look fairly similar if I edited them but it's cool to see the results. 🙏

[@TonySkraba]

@@MiguelQuilesJr i wonder if, because your ND is variable, it is due to it being a polarizer

[@bradmiller9993]

Cool! I've never used an ND filter with flash....time to experiment ! Thank you....

[@josephchan4198]

The ND looks good and when I was in studio did go over 200. Awesome class.

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

Thanks for the kind words and support! 🙏

[@georgs5870]

I prefer High Speed Sync over ND-filters. If using ND-filters I would go with non-variable ND-filters from a reputable manufacturer like B+W or Heliopan. Cheap ND-filters might mess up the colors and could cause flare&ghosting.

[@NabranAboubacar]

Shout out to the lady too :), amazing no one mentions her 😅. Sharpe explanations thx

[@MRJAY-xl7ce]

not going to lie best damn video on the internet

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

I appreciate the love! That's the goal with every upload, glad this one hit the mark 🙌

[@MRJAY-xl7ce]

@@MiguelQuilesJr definitely I’ve been looking at a lot of videos trying to learn but everyone is just showing u how the pics look with the light not showing you the camera settings , you were by far the best thanks again brother

[@jasonbodden8816]

They look almost the same to me. I like how both look but I do favor ND filters. Great vid! :)

[@thienphuc7296]

I think HSS is bester , the sky more blue ❤

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

wonderful topic. to my eye, i really don't see that much of a difference between the two techniques. the pink of the sweater really pops on both so dialing in the brightness and your model's (she was great!) face seems more than doable. this is really i skill i should be working on. thank you for the inspiration. i am an appreciative subscriber. thumbs up.

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

Glad you enjoyed it, and more to come. Thanks for subscribing! 🙏

[@shootwithray]

I don't know how or why I never subscribed. Miguel you are a legend. As always a big fan here!

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

I appreciate your support!! 🙌

[@eosfan1dmkii]

I believe HSS has some issues if you're shooting any volume. I typically have to do 8 environmental sittings in a day, and the Godox lights go into overheat protection mode after a number of pops.

[@mattorrz759]

Budget is my limitation. Great vid man 🤙

[@edgardbmedia]

I like the ND filter look for some reason. Great Video

[@paulkarassr6253]

Thanks, great topic. Probably leaning towards ND so that my speedlight doesn't overheat in HSS.

[@iLLSinceProductions]

Youre a great photographer and educator. Loved the video

[@eradicator187]

I'm not sure what's going on here, but she looked good in all the photos!

[@afterdarc]

I have both, but prefer HSS.

[@astroguyco]

I know you’re a professional but these pictures were 🔥🔥🔥

[@SuperMassara]

Advice .....if you use Hoya Solas Professional IRND filters you'll have perfect results . No color cast and amazing results . I use the 1.2 ( 4-stops)

[@dalebender7726]

Thanks for the video! Using both methods, as/when needed, will help anybody be a better photographer... I hope!

[@andrinhettinger]

It‘s funny, I just watched your video from 6 months ago and at the end I saw this video linked. And it‘s made 1 day ago 😮‍💨 Lucky me haha

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

Crazy timing! 😂

[@Michaelajacksonfilms]

Thank you again, actually had to refer back to this video before buying NEW nd filters

[@nickcucchiara]

Nice video, as I do have high speed sync and plan on getting the Nikon 85mm 1.2 with Z8 contemplating the ND for that lens specifically for this. I preferred the ND based on the colors as the pink top was perfect to express this. Also the softer light on the face as well. Both shots a greats and in a pinch one way other the other will make it happen.

[@saliyawickramasinghe9811]

I'm new to photography..Thanks for the technique..This is great

[@ashwanibhola3766]

With my Sony A7R3 using HSS, I was getting terrible banding issues which was resolved by turning off the "electronic front curtain shutter." However, that introduced some shutter lag, which meant that the camera snapped the shutter a fraction of a second AFTER the moment I had wanted to capture. This was extremely frustrating during a portrait session when you are trying to capture specific expressions. For this reason, I would probably want to consider an ND filter unless someone knows how to get around this issue.

[@philippemichel1022]

I use the A7Riii and you are correct, but it only bands if you go over 1/1000 shutter with electronic shutter, at least that’s been my experience.

[@ashwanibhola3766]

@@philippemichel1022 Thank you! I also noticed it didn't happen all the time in HSS, but from what you're saying I'll definitely keep in mind the 1/1000 threshold next time I use it.

[@omegaman1409]

I am so used to hss I can’t think being without it. By big strobe has plenty of juice and my speedlights use lithium batteries so that helps. Thanks for the video.

[@wanneske1969]

Great video as usual but you should have shot when it was brighter :-). Main disadvantage of high speed sync is it drains the battery of your flash. On the other hand, a variable nd-filter takes away sharpness, most of them are no good.

[@CanadianArchivist]

I do have speedlites and just bought a monolight. The two speedlites can do hss. Im on a budget do the camera model i have, and the monolight that is arriving this week, are incapable of hss. So for me, the ND filter is the choice for me.The results look similar in your video, but that may not be the case when looking at a raw file. Thank you for the video.

[@barkyvonschnauzer2188]

I'm a lover of nice light. I believe HSS is the better pic. Thanks

[@hiidenwarrior2698]

Been using this technique ever since learning shoot on site

[@mikeuptonphoto]

This is an awesome video, I love how you did this kind of iterative approach that shows how each step of the way influences the final result. Definitely subscribed now!

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

So happy to hear you enjoyed it, and thanks for subscribing! More to come next week 😁📸

[@davec28]

Great vid - thanks for that. It had been confusing me but now it's all clear. Keep up the good work !

[@VENCESS]

Awesome video Miguel, now I will try the ND filter, thank you

[@elliscofield9756]

I prefer the ND Filter. In some of the HSS images you can tell that a flash is being used, imo.

[@bwebmasta1]

Great video & tutorial, I think i will try both techniques!

[@headbang3r519]

ND filter is amazing !

[@JosephRossPhotography]

I’m still trying to figure out which I like the most. The ND filter is new to me I have the freewell mist filter and I love it. With HSS I’m not worried about battery life unless I have 2 or more clients scheduled back to back. All these different techniques are tools we have to use for different situations.

[@DoveSharma]

Learned something new today, thanks Miguel

[@RedDoorBD]

I love High Speed sync

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

Its definitely a fun technique!

[@stanspb763]

I like the smoother light on her cheeks with the ND. I usually use HSS because it is always available but I would like to use ND but screw on filters in my kit are 77mm dia. but my preferred portrait lens is the 85 1.8S. Using the F mount 70-200 2.8 however will work. Most of my portrait work is done with a Z6 so I can use S lenses but I have a D850 and D800 with plenty of F lens choices. I just leased a new studio with 76sq meters/690sq ft with 6m high ceiling/20ft high ceiling so as soon at the build out is done next week I will experiment with these options. wall is 80% window so there is some work to do in making multiple drapes, blackout and translucent. My old studio had a large cyclorama but I do not want to go to the effort and expense to build one in the new place.

[@castielvargastv7931]

Both look great

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

Thank you!

[@carlosIC]

Beautifully explained. Thanks

[@LandscapeFotografi]

Woww nice Bro, so beautiful shot.. good job 🤙🤙🤙

[@jimsmith556]

Nicely explained and demonstrated Miguel!

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

Thank you! 🙏

[@philhouston3270]

ND looks rad

[@patrickb4321]

ND for me all the way especially since I only use a smaller 200-watt strobe. Maximizing my light output is a priority to me. I only wish I could use my lens hood with the filter.

[@dingdong5601]

Video guy here. I just want to say bravo for properly hiding the lav mic!

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

Thank you! Learned this setup from a sound guy at Sony studio in California. It works pretty well 🙏

[@MR-si2cd]

My favorites are where you can see the green on the background

[@rnic74]

great vdo ... thank you ... and you go at a good speed .. we can actually keep up!

[@ianjohnstone1061]

VND,s & Flash ... Is my choice ... as some of my most rewarding images were taken using that technique in bright Australian sunlight.. ;^D

[@DanielCarbs]

I love soft soft so so so so much!

[@heredownunder]

If you are shooting during the day, especially at a beach, ND is the way to go

[@juanrmartinez6598]

Your videos are very helpful, you're an excellent teacher 👏

[@MiguelQuilesJr]

Thank you so much for the feedback!! 🙏

[@verticalphotography6346]

I choose hss for shooting ❤

[@ChrisGoody23]

ive used HSS alot with capturing certain food photography photos.

[@avadhutghorpade2197]

Nice photography sir

[@kirkdarling4120]

Should have had some comparison shots of Kaitland dancing or running. The biggest advantage of high speed sync is being able to stop motion with the high shutter speed.