NATURAL LIGHT vs OFF CAMERA FLASH- A Real World Comparison

[@TomasRamoska]

With natural light you can get more interesting compositions and cool angles. Some photographers who shoot only flash outdoors tend to have similar images just different models. They learn basics how to underexpose shoot by one stop and add light at 45 degrees and keep doing the same for years. Flash have benefits you save on editing time if you get right in camera.

[@SeanRassavong]

I agree a lot of photographers these days look the same. They lack the true purpose of the art and have no meaning or direction in their shots most of the time. A lot of the photographers I’ve talked to can’t even explain why they like a certain image bc they follow the basics too much. Which is why they all look basic .

[@FrostedTides]

Every single photo with flash definitely looks way much better. As someone who learns all these things now, and know the struggle I have bringing back that light in LR, for example when my subjects are with the sunlight in the back, sometimes is a pain and a total fail and I end up just having to delete those photos because they are not usable, because I didn't have that flash. But this doesn't mean I don't like natural light. Great video and thank you for all the good tips about taking portraits.

[@JohnRichardsonAuthor]

I like the look of the fill flash to even out the lighting and soften the look. That being said, many times a flash can look harsh and unnatural if it isn't set properly. In your examples, I liked the flash shots better the majority of the time. Your experience shines through. I find that natural light is especially effective on environmental shots where you can use the surroundings to enhance the colors and shadows. Having an adjustable LED light can enhance environmental shots, especially one that allows you to change color temperature. With an LED, you can adjust the scene before taking the shot and dial in the proper amount of light and shadow. Much easier than the trial and error of multiple flash shots.

[@deanthoni10]

That’s if it isn’t set properly.

[@oskardahlqvist2301]

Really enjoyed this comparsion. For me, it is a no brainer; flash is almost always the best way to go with a photo

[@ShevonSalmon]

I liked flash more

[@gsbclicks3447]

Even me too vrooo ☺️

[@fjhphoto]

Flash: 60% of the time, it works every time.👌🏼

[@KpauldingPhotography]

😂

[@xXC0deZer0Xx]

Love your content FJH, learned alot from you.

[@barborosefekarakaraefe]

Herzaman mekan ışık ve model kostüim hepsi birlikte çok iyi olur kesinliikle

[@gab-e9443]

It’s definitely a toss up for me. I keep thinking between portraits and editorial. I love the natural shots for an editorial look, Almost like a story is being told. but the flash makes me think more commercial, like I’m meant to buy her clothing. If anything this video shows how well you’ve mastered lighting because you make both look good.

[@talaniang6032]

Yeah for the editorial it’s good with the natural one

[@gab-e9443]

@@talaniang6032 I could definitely see them in a fashion magazine. The overexposed background also gives a good amount of negative space in a few of the shots

[@josephpetty2268]

This is literally the video I've been waiting for. Natural light is good when appropriate. But flash almost always just enhances the natural beauty of a person when used correctly. Thanks for the video!

[@nerfherder183]

Yep, this.

[@badhabit714]

Really? This IS the video that you've been waiting for all your life?

[@alejandromarmolejo13]

@@badhabit714 shut up dude he never said “all my life”

[@dtotief]

Comparing UNEDITED photos Is not fair because flash has already an advantage over natural light in the sense that on top of natural light you have a flash to fill in the shadows or that lets you expose for the background. What would be fair and interesting would be to compare the final edited photos answering at the same time the true dilemma: "is it worth the trouble to go out shooting carrying around a c-stand, a flash and a softbox or I will be fine with just a camera and a lens?" I love your videos Manny because you cut straight to the chase. Keep up the good work!

[@Batteristafoto]

thank you

[@ofofononoiwa9397]

This is the comment especially if you don’t have your own personal transport

[@JoshZlaket]

The flash shots are just so much more dynamic. Love it. I need to figure out how to use flash.

[@SuchetB]

I love the images where you have used the flash and exposed nicely for the background :)

[@marcotschilar1531]

Totally, me too. All in all, there can be situations where is quite nice without flash, in his examples, the one with flash i like better

[@klevayerastamedia4393]

Same here!

[@akinfalasodeeqalabi6957]

I don't quite understand how he did it tho. Maybe because I'm still a beginner tho. Can someone explain how he did it please

[@brianasealy6257]

Ohhh the flash just POPS!! I rarely use my flashes outside but you’re absolutely inspiring me to more!!!

[@angryanubisart8893]

I like natural light photography and just getting into flash because the control it gives you over the shot. thanks for the video real help!

[@LashahVideo]

Whenever I am using a strobe outside and it’s a sunny day, I always (when I don’t forget pack it) add a CTO Gel to the strobe to mimic the sun’s light. If the CTO Gel is not use, the light coming from the strobe is white light. And it can affect the photo sometimes.

[@RayValdezPhotography]

Doesnt that make the subject unnaturally warm or the background bluer when corrected? Can i see some examples of it. I always figure daylight on a sunny day is basically the same color as white light or a strobe.

[@mrguldstrand]

@@RayValdezPhotography My idea also. To counter the whiteness of the flash, if any, you would just increase the color temp in post.

[@pacorosso7400]

¿What flash are you using?

[@LashahVideo]

@@pacorosso7400 Godox AD300 Pro, AD400 Pro, AD200 Pro, TTL 600 and V1s.

[@heartweddingsphotography2490]

@@RayValdezPhotography Yes I tend to agree, depends on the time of day, CTO maybe better indoors with tungsten Ambient, outdoor I prefer 1/2 cto or 1/4 cto

[@vernonboyce505]

Love the flash lighting better, makes the pictures look more brighter and the clarity of the photo is so smooth.

[@TheI89o]

Hey Manny, great content, as always! You can get nice results with natural light and a simple reflector (and some Lightroom) but the sharpness at base ISO using flash is on another level. This is the real difference for me. I love your work man, big hug from Argentina.

[@f0t0b0y]

This is so random. The people in the background tripped me out. 5:20 and the the almost same but opposite right after the cut. 🤣

[@danieldanahey9446]

Although I’m a huge fan of natural lighting, I’m pleasantly surprised at how great the outdoor flash pix turned out!!!

[@vernonboyce505]

I am totally hooked on your KZbin tutorials to make my photography look so much better for my busine

[@harryinmotion]

Natural Light or Flash, doenst matter, She is just soooo damn good.

[@joneson88]

Manny is a HE (jk I know you were talking about model) :P

[@onpointmaskedman3058]

Sips simp juice... U lame

[@dunnockdan]

The beauty of live view, I learnt this via trial and error years ago! Great tutorial mate, flash is great once mastered - anyone after a cheap setup, use a single flash speedlite with remote settings on top of the SLR.

[@ralphtime]

Flash just looks so much better 85% of the time

[@nafnaf0]

I concur

[@JayKayM]

I aint going to lie but i liked more of the natural light photos than the flash ...you're a talented photographer bro

[@binaryinfections]

Question tho , carrying a C stand is not something I want to do with a flash. It’s just not that fun since it doesn’t get as compact as I would want. Tho it is more stable. What would be a better option ? Are there lighter c stands or a better light stand that’s travel and strong to hold a speed light

[@lkfxfotografiavideo177]

I use Flashpoint heavy-duty light stands and work amazing

[@binaryinfections]

@@lkfxfotografiavideo177 gotta look at that

[@CharlieLiuPhotography]

You don't need to specifically use a C stand, but having a sturdier stand with some sandbags give you a lot more options on how you want to position the light and with how big of a softbox. The smaller the box, the less you'll pick up wind, so you won't need as big of a stand.

[@RiiChieRyE]

Flash definitely enhanced within the natural light. Good work my friend

[@SK.brando]

“I’m not trying to take a good photo here”. Still makes a great photo 💯💯

[@LifeSurfingDude]

believe it or not I love your pictures taken using natural light. they seem to be softer to me. fits the model well.

[@ScottDavisPhotography]

I think this is a perfect video that shows perfectly how subjective photography as an art is, I prefer my self the natural light photos however the flash ones look incredible too its totally personal choice I think here.

[@mikelebeau6146]

Gaad damn ! The Manny's flash is like a lightroom edit ! Just insane !

[@mr.gratitude7594]

I agree most of the photos with the flash looked like an edited version of the one without the flash.

[@jockeoscarsson]

Natural light looks...eh natural. Not a big fan of "studioshots" outdoors and I totally prefer the non flash ones better, but would have given them a bit more contrast and tlc in post

[@simply.ky_3274]

I agree … I prefer natural lighting for outdoors. Idk the flash makes it look movie like to me. I prefer flash indoors tbh

[@Francisco_Otero]

Same, lower the highlights and up the shadows too. On sony files, the recovery es amazing lol.

[@burntvirtue]

Exactly. Flash outdoors always makes the subject look like they're standing against a green screen image.

[@one901]

I agree. the flash shots look too fake if that makes any sense. I think the natural light ones weren't shot right for these shots. I don't think they were edited right and it's a bit biased towards flash. I definitely don't want to be lugging around a light stand.

[@Francisco_Otero]

@@one901 I think he didn't edit them at all, which makes sense if you want apples to apples. However, with a little edditing you can get results that are muuuuch closer to what these images make you think.

[@60shots]

Flash, the 50mm1.2, the a1 and Manny. What a combo.

[@stereophotons]

The flash shots look like they have been instantly retouched. Impressive!

[@dustinroll4632]

Great content, been following you a long while and really appreciate all you do with your lighting setups. Only thing I would ask for is light settings to help me learn how to replicate these because your photos are bomb!! Thanks Manny and keep doing what you do!!

[@pcsphotographyvideography2556]

I dread shooting natural light. I love being able to control the light hitting my subject.

[@JSManc1]

I dread shooting flash because I’m not very good at controlling light. Haha.

[@AbsintheMindedV2]

Great point man

[@arifali9573]

Appreciate you putting the ad at the end, i stayed for the “credits.” Awesome vid thanks. Also I thought the flash had nicer colors that pop

[@RomanMestas]

In every scenario the flash created a more dynamic image without any additional editing needed. Both images looked great.

[@Panzardi]

Flash most of the time. Natural is nice when the light has good shape already, otherwise flash.

[@MrByambaa602]

No one asked buddy so stfu!!!!

[@willmast3485]

​@@MrByambaa602 The guy in the video asked which on we prefer. There was no need to be rude.

[@RayValdezPhotography]

@@MrByambaa602 I asked him.

[@akingbadeomosebi1495]

@@MrByambaa602 Actually I asked him too... we all asked him, the guy in the video asked him, even the pretty lady too did. and we appreciate his useful and very knowledgeable insight. so act mature.

[@carolperkey]

I love both styles, but I think flash is my favorite!

[@DJAllStar]

I love the look with the flash. I really appreciate your videos and teaching tips. Keep it up bro!

[@annharrison1701]

Flash all the way. Only because I like taking pictures and not spending tons of time in post. The straight out of camera flash photos look like how I want them to end up without editing. Your flash is so amazingly balanced, I absolutely dislike high contrast flash photos.

[@bala1000mina]

Informative and helpful BTS! Thank you so much Manny!

[@f2mel2]

1:35 Is he shooting at 1/2500? Are there any camera flash units that shoot high speed? Would you stick an ND filter on your lens if you were shooting a wedding?

[@troutmanphoto]

I've noticed that sometimes it depends on the client. A flash will admit a pre-flash that sometimes bothers certain clients. They will blink before the flash goes off because that pre flash is bugging their eyes. So when that happens I just put the flash away and shoot natural light. Thanks for shooting these videos Manny I know it's not easy and I certainly appreciate all the hard work.

[@chadmorrow2722]

Incredible light comparisons & learned somethin new to step up my game here - thanks for that, Manny! Outdoor flash shots were like….🔥 oh, & the model 🤩sheeeesh!

[@shayne08]

🔥the flash looked amazing. I'd love to see the edited flash photos vs edited natural sunlight to see the difference in what you can do with them

[@NATO714]

I like how the flash looks on the subject, shutter makes the ambient darker, and just overall looks crisp.

[@James-ee1pk]

Wow I thought I strongly preferred natural light, especially when I don't need to fill in shadows, but now I see how nice flash can be!

[@frederickmcdonald6636]

Great job Manny - thanks for sharing your ideas! I liked all the flash shots better except for the natural light one under the arches. Take care and be safe out there....

[@IsaacNYC212]

0:01 That opening took me out 😂😂🤣🤣🤣. Wait, pause. Let me compose myself. Ok 👍🏾 Now play. 😂🤣🤣🤣

[@Swizzenator]

To my one and a half working eyeballs, a few naturals looked better but I think most looked better with the flash.The subject would look good under any light. Great video.

[@leew3rd]

Only 1 shot did I prefer the natural light. At 4:54, I think I liked the natural light more than the flash. For all the other shots, the flash made it better. Thanks!

[@osirismarcune7380]

I would choose the flash. because the photo looks sleeker and warmer.! very nicely done and explained.

[@emirchan6516]

Yes! More on location (OFC) portraits!

[@kiendaubac0501]

I am Vietnamese. i am learning to play photo, very helpful to see your video. Hope you make more videos like this. Thanks !

[@bernardcobbinah8974]

I LOVE THE FLASH.... ITS ADD SOME UNIQUE FEELING TO THE PHOTO

[@Ikstudio007]

Absolutely. Both r best. And. Very nicely explained. Love it

[@lildcd00]

Always loved your flash from day one 😍

[@serdarismail7219]

Thnak you so much for this vdeo. definitely with Fash because i love the warm tone. Is this image with the flash edited ???

[@ChicagoSoCal]

Manny, I noticed 9 out of the 10 shots the flash had a higher resolution. Btw you are one my favorite Photographer KZbinr. Keep Rocking

[@patrick4612]

I love me some ocf, but 90% of the time go natural light on location because I like to move around a lot.

[@wakandascottyb903]

Right man. It’s just carrying equipment could be stressful

[@patrickb4321]

Perfectly said! Imagine carrying all these gears on a hot sunny day?

[@michaelbest2372]

love your video bro 🔥🔥

[@jayholland3147]

I like the pictures with flash. Its something I want to learn. I am slowly building up my equipment in order to do it.

[@peternorgren137]

Flash looked better straight out of camera. They eyes, and background/foreground together were exposed much better out of camera. That makes for less work later in post. Very nice to see this comparison. That is for making this video.

[@vernonboyce505]

What is the best time of day to shot softbox photography?

[@36Swagga]

flash everyday, i used be a natural light guy for years but once i notice the power of the flash i never want back

[@oprdoc]

Your shots are great buddy. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 It looks like your needing something stronger than a speed light for outdoors. How are you powering up the modeling strobe? Or am I missing something. Thanks in advance.

[@KarlaSumera]

Loved the flash shots more. Adds a really nice dimension 🙌

[@rachel9358]

Loved the ones with flash. Thanks for this video

[@PierEscher]

Especially in the shot by the water, the flash looked more natural than the actual natural light. Great demonstration!

[@timandyaddy4326]

It's cool with the camera 📸 flash. Love your shots

[@PA-gt1dd]

When using flash in this video are you using manual flash or TTL?

[@swatpic254]

Hello kindly ask Which camera are you using?

[@agentsilverfox7495]

Flash was best by far apart from maybe 1 shot or so great video.

[@shutterbuginfinity]

So beautiful shots you got outside with the flash

[@scottabergermd]

❤You made me a “flash fan forever!” Thanks Manny, great video!

[@GabxCaroline]

wow thats such a dramatic difference, thanks for this!

[@hudhudtv4155]

Flash looks better.. it eliminates all dark shadow.. U not over power the light and it's still look natural.. I like it. Thanks for sharing 😍

[@michaelschmitt5413]

I used to be a natural (ambient) light shooter, but mostly because I didn't like dealing with the flash. But now, I like to have opportunities to use flash and ambient. The difficulty is carrying the gear (softbox and stand). Also, in some locations (like city parks and urban areas) in my area, I need a permit to use off camera flash (i.e. light stand and softbox). But I do love the sharpness and detail accomplished with flash.

[@nikytamayo]

The flash just makes her pop out of the background so nicely. While the softness that comes with natural light is great for print, for dynamic social media use, better contrast and detail are the way to go.

[@siddhantkhanal4043]

They are 2 different types of styles. Some people prefer natural and some prefer flash. But the difference between these two is Flash looks good almost every time as we can adjust it according to our need. But natural light doesn’t always look good as we can’t change it so we just have to try to adjust according to the sun which doesn’t work all the time.

[@Unapologetically.K]

For my speedlight and trigger , do they need to match the settings on the camera ?

[@vonte723]

In some cases I would expose for the highlights and rely on the dynamic range of the camera. I love the natural light photos.

[@phironcjones4057]

Both lights set up still come out looking good! 👍

[@Misterdavidc]

Did you use any color gels on your flash?

[@PanzerIV88]

Hi Manny, if you ever see this or other viewers, it would had been nice to know the flash settings for most shots to know how you expose for the flash. At least to know if it was done through TTL or Manual Flash settings, then as for the camera mode I would guess full Manual? Thanks! Very nice video and model btw.

[@brandonshoots2225]

I would love to see the settings on your camera when Shooting!

[@quaminaimage895]

Easy, expose for the background without flash then expose for the skin with flash. There's no one setting.

[@PanzerIV88]

@@quaminaimage895 But is that done with TTL considering he only uses 1 flash? Thats mostly what I was curious when wanting to know his flash settings too, if it was manual or TTL :O

[@quaminaimage895]

@@PanzerIV88 oh I see. I start at a number and work my way to a nice balance. If im in a hurry, TTL -0.7. Normally works out.

[@angelmusical70]

I like more the flash pictures, has more contrast since you can darken the background and make the subject pop out more. Great video as always Manny.

[@cooloox]

An obvious answer would be "flash, when needed". I agree with many of the people below, the flash shots looked better most of the time. Burnt out backgrounds are generally ugly, especially burnt out grass, which tends to look white with patches of light green. There's one huge difference between flash and no flash. You're at the mercy of the sun if you don't use flash or at least some kind of light modifier. The sun dictates which direction you 'have to' place your model. Flash puts you in full control of where you place your model. Example... Subject: I want a shot with that background Photographer: sorry, the light is terrible on you when you stand in front of that background. I need you to face this way. With off-camera flash.... Photographer: No worries, I'll just place my flash here, let's go!

[@edwinvandenheuvel9242]

For the second one, setting sun by the water i like the natural light more. For the others the flash. Great video!

[@GB-AK]

I like the flash photos. Did you use a CTO gell?

[@Arr0wLIVE]

Your videos are so helpful Manny!

[@tc7486]

FLASH hands down! great demo1

[@balthasarcharmy]

🇰🇪 All time Best editor, Manny Ortiz😎🔥🎯

[@anthonygeorgevisuals]

New to portraits. What about just using on camera flash, can you get decent results?

[@2020Viision]

I shoot on location and use natural light for my shoots, but I can see the advantage of using off camera flash as the images do look much cleaner and would probably save a lot of time in post. If I could afford one I’d get one.

[@marksimage8271]

I see new manny video I stop what I’m doing and click.

[@andrewmcgovern7850]

Manny, an oldish video i know, but when your adjusting shutter speed/aperture. are you using a custom key to show the liveview i couldnt tell. ive just got my first off camera flash and xpro-s trigger. and liveview isnt working when its connected and on. ive done the ''shot result preview'' but its less than ideal

[@pabloescobar7139]

I like em both. They both have there place in photography.

[@ThroughMyLens626]

Can you on one of your videos show the math you use when choosing your flash power based on your camera settings. Learned it at photog school but would really like your take on it.

[@felixantigua4663]

Manny could you tell me the specification of that flash?