Portrait shoot using only one speedlight

Portrait shoot using only one speedlight. This is an excerpt from our weekly show on photography, on this shoot we only use one speedlight to create some stunning portraits. Welcome to week one of lighting month!
It doesn't matter if you call them a speedlight, speed lights, or just a flash they can create fantastic light for your portraits. Sometimes we get so hung up on "gear", having the latest and greatest while all the time already having the right stuff to get the job done.
Many times we need more than just one light, but sometimes one light is enough. In this video we go back to basics and create some great images with just one cheap speedlight and a shoot-through umbrella!
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[@PanopticChopsticks]

New video with this same model: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKO4fnmugZ2ol80

[@zeitungsleser]

What is the name of the model? Her instagram?

[@silvanacaminiti6810]

My Instagram is private for now but I'm gonna be making videos regularly :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4W2cmyVmcp2pMk

[@zeitungsleser]

Thank you. I know three videos so far. :-)

[@rodneywatkins8485]

what are your camera setting when ur using speed flash outside

[@hanifschanel]

what lens do you use?

[@dannyklesh]

One of the best videos I’ve seen for lighting. You wouldn’t believe how many I had to go thru to finally be able to watch one where the guy breaks it down for simple. Give this photographer my compliments

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Thank you so much, I just passed it on to him!

[@mariolavrador350]

Great video, excellent tutorial. The music is a little disturbing, but the result of the photos is magnificent.

[@hipv4xd]

Really like this post because of how authentic it is. Thank you so much for this. Great video that I will constantly fall back on.

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Thanks Steven, we try to never "set up" a video, we want to show real situations.

[@chandrup2044]

Very nice .. with normal speedight . ... Superb

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Thanks for watching!

[@kaptainkendrick4052]

Shes maad gorgeous! Thanks for the info as well!

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Truth, and you're welcome!

[@thatchickthatchecksstuffou6386]

Beautiful photos and lots of examples. Thank you!

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Thanks for watching!

[@julioestebanperezescudero6246]

With such a beautiful model it is very little to go wrong. Nice work! 👍

[@PanopticChopsticks]

She is a pleasure to work with, it was all her!

[@Triplebuc50]

Wow, very creative use of a Speedlight Flash and a very Cute Model too.

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Thank you, we think she is great as well! Just worked again with her today!

[@freshrevelationmedia8123]

Thanks for sharing this video I am new to flash photography and i actually have a shoot through and have been stressed about not have th huge umbrella this has given me more confidence moving forward to just go shoot

[@richardweathers6194]

Great work & instructions! It's also nice to see your shots and the differences between them, minus certain elements.

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Thanks, we have been working on bettering our video skills since this video! Thanks for watching.

[@iainmccallum5535]

Great vid that shows what you can do with minimal cost kit.

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Thanks for watching Iain

[@qnetx]

Gorgeous location and an equally perfect model and styling for it.

[@PanopticChopsticks]

She is a blast to shoot with!

[@dadodetectorbeach2888]

Um dos melhores vídeos que já vi, um Flash simples, e um trabalho incrível! 👏👏👏👏👏

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Thank you!

[@beltxabeltxa]

Amazing shots with simple setup and lovely model

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Thank you for watching!

[@mchocolate2301]

Nice video, good use of cheap products and a bit of creativity. Your model is absolutely gorgeous.

[@alanlaighleis8369]

Fantastic video. Really shows how great image don't take a boat load of gear. Can't wait to see your other stuff.

[@rastakilla718]

Nice video. The music is too loud. Sorry.

[@ragtop63]

Agreed. I kept having to readjust my volume level.

[@mileshennisimagery3001]

I would completely nix the music if it was my channel.

[@ragtop63]

Miles Hennis Imagery Then the video would be boring. Everything in proportion.

[@tomtude]

Terrence Chambers this fake man ,,why the original picture so dark outdoor compare w flash,, you just try to sell the flashlight,,

[@sonicdrone]

The music is horrible

[@kennethhouston4838]

Thank you for posting this. Ive been recently engulfed with all of the HSS w /600w strobes and this was refreshing. Simple. I like that.

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Us as well! We walked away saying "we need to leave the big gear home more often!"

[@danfuerthgillis4483]

HSS is a very stupid way to get the cinematic deep bokeh. Use manual aparture lenses and light up a digital key green screen. Open the lens up 1.8 50mm is my go-to lens. Shoot the subject with no strobes or flashes only soft light boxes to light up the face. Now use Alien skins Bokeh and take your normally shot background of anything you wish and add the bokeh in Photoshop and bring in the digital green shot. This is the ultimate way for cinematic face shots without spending a ton on HSS strobes, reflection screens and other nonsense. The result is perfect and you do not have to Photoshop the crap out of peoples faces as is common when using HSS. Making people look like plastic is retarded.

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Um.......ok?!?

[@timothyb175]

really enjoyed this. just starting out with flash on the go and this was a good run of ideas

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Thank you Tim, keep it up!

[@jdmorris9165]

My demigoddess, the beautiful Silvana!!!

[@JuanLopez-oz9kh]

kill the music, love the concept of light and inexpensive for creativity.

[@cambrelenmedia-nyc1176]

Two years later and still one of the most simple to understand and well made videos I’ve seen yet!!

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Thank you so much for saying that! Made our day!

[@AlGreenLightThroughGlass]

Proof it's about understanding and mastering light - nice Rembrandt effect. I wont shoot with a brolly outdoors as it's always too windy here but get similiar effect with diffusers.

[@PanopticChopsticks]

You are so right! Gets windy here as well!

[@alexfogal6731]

That was Awesome!!!! Thank you so much guys.

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@guJLu]

Good video but the music choice was awful... Wouldn't care about it's volume as everyone else mentioned if it didn't give such an uneasy - rushy feeling. I just couldn't wait for the video to end!

[@kapturephotography7229]

Excellent lesson and the model is drop dead gorgeous!

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Thanks for watching

[@masterbroadcast1]

Gorgeous!

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Thanks, we try and take care of ourselves! Our wives think so too! :)

[@muhammadzikraataib2301]

And I put this to my Favorit Thanks 👍

[@lendumore]

Great video! My problem is my ports lack perspective and i'm alway shooting from the front. This gave me some great ideas on how to mix it up and add drama to the image. Thanks man 👍

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Thanks for sharing, always great to hear things like that!

[@joseuribe1552]

keeping it simple, awesome job!

[@markharris5771]

I think until recently it must have been 3 years since I last used an umbrella, umbrella softboxes excepted, but just recently I enjoyed taking myself back to basics. I do have 4 Yongnuo yn685 speedlights that do everything but I’ve also found some that costs £26, and for me much more important the HSS, RCS, FCS or multi is having external power ports which these do. I don’t shoot bipeds, but do a lot of food and still life, and sometimes you just want that large, relative to the subject, soft light. At times a shoot through can do this just as well as my very expensive 120 x 180 softbox with my monos. Great video, subscribed.

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Great to hear, we loving hearing what and how others are doing. It is amazing sometimes to just get back to basics and realize that you can create great images with simple gear.

[@kungfool69]

Great video!! I can't afford anything expensive so have been eyeing off cheap flash guns!

[@PanopticChopsticks]

That $30 flash did the trick, we just used it again the other day.

[@MrEFilms1]

Wow, the photo at 5:22 is amazing

[@PanopticChopsticks]

We love that one too, that was one were backlight really changed how the whole scene looked! Thanks for watching!

[@MKANDRESTINPEACE]

woow make this a series for inexpensive creativity you deserve waay more subscribers

[@truthsayers8725]

someone below commented and you answered which i needed, but wanted to throw in my "likes" on this shoot too... ive run a single speedlite in an shoot through like this but, didnt have as much luck, i dont think. a) need a good model, b) some posing guidelines, c) more time and now i have d) some basic settings.. sync speed, and an appropriate aperture... thanks

[@carlosjorellana]

Excellent video, I love your videos. Beautiful model.

[@jordanjenkins2845]

Amazing!!!

[@maxbouvatte]

Thanks for the info. I really want an 85 now. And nice California sunlight

[@GilbertTV]

great video .. love the simplicity of just a speed light & umbrella

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Thank you, so good for us to be reminded of how even the simplest gear can make great photos

[@stephenreed7769]

Great video! Sorry if I missed them but can you please put up the Amazon equipment links or purchase descriptions? Also, will the flash and triggers work with Panasonic (G80/G85)? Thanks

[@originalsuki]

Nice examples. Thanks very much for posting. (super-cute model)

[@chandrakantpatel5459]

Great photography

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Thanks Patel!

[@tiffannywilliams5150]

hello. I like ur video. I will try that. u are right as that all need is speedlight and umbrella. I will use my godox speed light and godox trigger too

[@jobmukuria2544]

Me at 1:36 every damn time! Sick of the wind toppling the light stand over, nice reflex there!

[@markbrejcha3179]

The video was good, but the music was kind of loud. Also, what shutter speed and aperture settings were you able to achieve with these? I imagine with no HSS you would have to bump up the aperture to avoid blowing out the highlights.

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Most were shot at the max sync speed of 250 and anywhere between 2.8 - 5.6

[@tertulioustert478]

Mark Brejcha her beauty blockd me from the music which I think it s cool in the end of a day..

[@Mishalphoto]

Amazing your work and video keep it up .

[@blueoctopus199]

lol this music IS LIT

[@-mohandsadiq8638]

So nice work ,and beautiful model >>>> greats from iraq

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Thank you!

[@NBWDOUGHBOY]

great tips & beautiful model...

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Thanks, and thanks for watching!

[@cygnus8459]

Absolutely magic at 5:50!

[@PanopticChopsticks]

That door is pretty incredible!

[@cygnus8459]

Indeed, and the model is at ease and natural looking and added to that, a beautiful posture especially the arms!

[@tlamb073]

nice shots, model wow

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Thanks, we like her too!

[@justanailartlover1599]

i love this video, inact i may invest in an umbrella to put ettl flash on it, i think i could come up with some awesome portraits ! thank you, i'm a novice so i am always looking for new things to photograph !

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Glad you enjoyed it!!

[@justanailartlover1599]

Panoptic Chopsticks yes I did, it was helpful thank u

[@sergeantcrow]

Brilliant !

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Thank you, and thanks for watching!

[@HR-wd6cw]

TWo comments -- yes you should carry a sandbag with you and second, the trashcan.... Yes I know this was an example, but that is something that would bother the heck out of me In fact, that's one of the first things I noticed.... Either crop out in camera (by moving) or choose another background (maybe turn 45 degrees so your background is the wall on the left instead). The second one is fine. I think people (especially beginners) forget about this and don't pay attention to their backgrounds and edges of the frame for distracting elements. And this is something you can usually easily fix in camera by adjusting your camera angle or location slightly. Why spend an hour in Photoshop removing something when you could have elim8inated it in-camera in a few seconds by simply recomposing or using a different background? As for flashes, I think people also forget that some of the cheaper flashes can be real bargains. Granted I've never used an Amazon basics but I have used Yongnuo and now use Godox (I'm not a professional shooter so I can't really justify brands like Profoto or Elinchron). But even the cheaper Godox flashes offer great value compared to the OEM flashes that cost 3x as much. Yes you probably get better build quality with the OEM flashes and they probably last a bit longer, but for $100 for my Godox flash (Versus $330 for the equivalent OEM flash) if mine lasts 1/2 as long, that's still a better value IMO. Although OEM flashes and higher-end branded flashes will offer more features like HSS and TTL in some cases. But at the end of the day, it really comes down to a flash of light.

[@Pipp08]

u dont say anything about settings...shutter speed ,iso...aperture... :(

[@seamydobbsno1]

Tha'ts because there is no correct way, artistic expression is up to the shooter. Expose for your background in camera and then adjust the power of the flash accordingly!

[@albertzjahrin]

Love it

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Thank you, and thanks for watching!

[@AB-qg1jv]

Is a shame you don't put up the camera settings you have used when showing the images, would really help understand what is going on, I am guessing as you mentioned at the start about the speedlight power setting that you kept it at 3 for the whole of the shoot as you never mentioned it again?

[@maireni6607]

Great video! Many thanks!

[@GONZOFAM7]

Fantastic lesson. Thank you

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Thanks for watching Jamie!

[@GUTOMOFFICIAL]

Good! Thanks for this video!

[@chrissparham8340]

Great video! Would a softbox work instead of an umbrella? Also, if there were several people in the shot would you still get that cool shadow effect? I love the way the shadow falls on her face.

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Yes, a softbox would work and is what we use the most when making portraits. One advantage of the umbrella and a group is a wider spread of light, softboxes are designed to only put light in a narrower area. Thanks for watching!

[@chrissparham8340]

Thanks for the quick reply. You've been a great help :-)

[@valentinsalatielhernandez]

fantastic video, thanks

[@PanopticChopsticks]

You are welcome! Thanks for the comment!

[@one4allall4one91]

Thats the problem with umbrellas. Just a slight wind shift and its mary poppin. I seen some that use bare flash outdoors . This helps from the whole.light crashing to the floor. You could even use the built in diffuser.

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Umbrellas.... Every time!!!

[@one4allall4one91]

@@PanopticChopsticks Nooooooooooooooooooo!

[@anthonyknight5114]

I love the title of this video. "...only one speedlight." As if I could't be done by ANYONE with a basic knowledge and understanding of exposure and flash photography.

[@ivorlyall4160]

The model was very beautiful. Who is she ?

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Stay tuned, we are shooting a new video with her on Monday!

[@kusumalspy140]

Love this video, thanks so much!!

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@megamixtv2311]

Thanks

[@tomjens2046]

what is the benefit of flash vs constant light source (so no need to worry for triggering flash etc)?

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Constant light is no good during the daylight, (not bright enough) the closest thing to having enough power (that doesn't require a cord and power outlet) is the Stella lights which are around $1,800 each.

[@tomjens2046]

@@PanopticChopsticks As a newbie I would think that in that case you would not need lights at all. Plus imagine if that "not bright" light is enough to light face in lower natural light conditions, it could at least light the face to the same level in higher light conditions (but I guess the case here is that it must light the face more then the sun, rather just at the level it lights the face in non bright conditions?) Sorry for newbie not understanding :)

[@Chystyle]

Great vid, even Finer model....!

[@jorgleiger]

Great video and tips, glad I gave it a second shot! The music is extremely disturbing as it's way too loud (which is why I turned it off the first time around).

[@Mdata1962]

Great simple technique to get some awesome images, It would be helpful if we knew the ISO, speed and f-Stop

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Thanks for the imput, we will add that to future videos because others want to know as well!

[@tinaklamert]

Great tips & fantastic shots. Thank you !

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Glad you enjoyed them

[@robygee]

Hello, is it just me or im tripping that there is some light being reflected back on to the model's forehead without the flash on. Check on the comparison on 3:18 . Could this be a reflector used to compensate lighting for the video footage? Please can someone help me with this

[@PanopticChopsticks]

That was just the opening to the sky between the to buildings.

[@insidefeelings9434]

Wowwwww😱😱its like magic... Sir Which camera and lense are you using?

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Nikon 85mm 1.8 on a Nikon D810

[@mhrphotography5926]

Great video!

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Thank you, we always like to hear that!

[@stevebyrum5571]

Nice!

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Thanks Steve, keep watching!

[@patrixiomadrid]

bella la modelo

[@nightowl3582]

I'm very happy with my 30 dollar Amazon flash, lol. I was surprised.

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Great to hear, it really doesn't take a lot of expensive gear to make a great photo, we were surprised as well how good it did!

[@melissahall7009]

Thank you!!!

[@PanopticChopsticks]

You are welcome. thanks for watching!

[@storiesthroughlensebyik7851]

Great

[@shanec4441]

Nice photo shots. With this basic setup you are limited to 1/200 or 1/250 shutter speed because that flash and trigger doesn’t support HSS. Correct?

[@1badass1985]

What Camera is this? Thanks for show me the flash technique

[@PanopticChopsticks]

It was so long ago, it would either be the Nikon D750 or D810

[@matthiasherr115]

Nice video. Beautyful model. Which Lens did you use?

[@PanopticChopsticks]

hi Matthias, most were shot with the nikon 85 1.8

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Nikon 85mm 1.8

[@davidrothschild8913]

I'm going even more basic. 50mm lens, portra 35mm film and natural light.

[@PanopticChopsticks]

We shoot today with nothing but natural light

[@anthonycook2325]

ehhh natural looks "ok" but artificial can really make a photo pop!

[@tertulioustert478]

David Rothschild basic is all I know with the help of a cell phone and stuff..

[@martinrodriguez1863]

I'm even more basic, using a camera obscura

[@tylerryan2057]

I'm going even more more basic. Cave wall and a hard rock.

[@carolinestone4527]

I would love to see you shoot a boudoir session. I need your guidance on how to get beautiful, airy portraits of women over 40. Please!

[@DiviPhotos]

Cool

[@RajanKumar-kv8eq]

Nice video. Beautiful model. Which Lens did you use? rajan kumar 85mm 50mm

[@PanopticChopsticks]

These were shot with the Nikon 85 1.8

[@blondminx]

Thanks for this, would love to know the settings and so on... just to further the "how to" aspect of the video. Thanks!

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Thanks, the reason we don't post it is that unless you shoot the same camera, same lens, same flash in the same locations at the same time of day, knowing our settings will not help. We suggest watching one of our free lighting courses to understand what is going on between flash and camera: kzbin.info/aero/PLuNZN6Ed3K7iQshcKRJvkcmwo2iGdfK3K

[@Aloysious0013]

I think basic setting would most definitely apply?

[@HamidShibataBennett]

And, remember to bring a sand bag!

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Ain't that the truth!

[@karunakarantk5641]

When exposing for a bright background, how did you ensure shallow depth of field using and non-HSS manual flash?

[@PanopticChopsticks]

One help was the fact we had that weak flash set at a very low power setting and stayed close to our maximum sync speed.

[@meganv3213]

Just curious about that umbrella, i can't seem to find it on amazon. is there anything you would recommend? I have a commander speed ligght only currently and I plan to get the trigger, stand, umbrella setup next so I can do this too! I'm new to lighting, i usually rely on the sky for light. Good video tho, i watched a few videos on the subject and this one had the most down to basic straight to the point feel, I'm guessing after years you fixed music in other videos so I can understand the music lol. Ty!

[@demimoky3205]

ALWAYS CARRY A SANDBAG!!!!!!!

[@SparkleVision]

which lens use for this photoshoot????

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Nikon 85mm 1.8

[@SparkleVision]

thank u :)

[@renegomez89]

Can you tell me your camera and flash settings. I will do a portrait next Sunday. I am still an amateur. Thanks.

[@PanopticChopsticks]

I wish it was that easy, once you understand what is going on between your flash and your camera it does get easier. Almost every image has a different setting depending on the ambient (available light), how light and how dark you want it to be, and how light or dark you want your subject. We do have a great course here on our channel on understanding flash, there are 11 short lessons, if you watched lessons 4 thru 11 you should be good to go! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKu2oZ-to62todU

[@michaelcarvalho3796]

@@PanopticChopsticks Love your videos.! ❤ Fully get what you are talking and watched the above link and all the videos which were in that. Was just curious at your settings that you used during your shoot considering the type of natural light you had then. I understand its been years to go back and see those settings and roughly at what distance did you keep the flash light and the umbrella away from the subject. your answer would be of great help to all getting into Flash Photography. At least as a starter point, as I said earlier keeping in mind all that was thought in the 11 lessons. I hope you understand what I mean. 😊 I also understand every situation is different when clicking and may not be the same. I hope I am not asking too much !😊

[@dannyklesh]

I have a canon camera. I already have canon 600rt ex flash. I also have neewer tt5600 flash. I don’t understand how the receivers that work off the transmitter go on the flash and make it work. I’m looking for a cheap transmitter that I can use. Any suggestions. Can’t I just use the 600 ex to trigger the other flash as a slave and cover the one on my camera ?

[@Phoeliz]

a cheapo speedlight with a shoot-through umbrella during the day set to the lowest power with big aperture? I'm wondering how dark is the envirament

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Just an average day, we stayed in the shade and that cheapo flash put out so little power that we were able to get the exposure. Our goal was to encourage people that do not have the equipment or $ to get out and create magic with what they might already own. There is nothing better than a new high-speed sync monolight!

[@RomeroProductions]

Nice video! Where is this location? I love the big blue door. 👍

[@PanopticChopsticks]

It is on a church near the State Capital building in Sacramento, we love that amazing texture, check out the dancers we took photos of in front of it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/on3PhYBveN-Zb9U

[@dannyklesh]

Have to add it’s so annoying how picky they make it as far as compatibility goes. I have a neewer flash and I still can’t find a simple transmitter that works for it

[@Jerry-kg9pr]

Yes ! I like this video watched it 3 times .. Is it ok for there to be some shine on the models face ? .. My daughter modeled for me and there was some shine on her face .. Your input would be helpful ..

[@PanopticChopsticks]

Sometimes this can't be helped, but sometimes just playing with the angle of your light will make it go away. Put your light at a steeper angle and see what that does. Another answer is some faces need a little matte powder on them.

[@Jerry-kg9pr]

Panoptic Chopsticks. . yes i will give that a try and i thought about matte powder . thank you ever so much for ur input .

[@davidasselin6369]

Did you had a high speed sync speedlight or you managed to keep the shutter speed below 1/200th?

[@scottsater]

Very helpful. Excellent ongoing and constant examples throughout the shoot. Loved that! Great photographer, great photography tutorial, great model :)!!