Shooting Portraits with One Speedlight

[@seantuck]

Some of you have pointed out that I mentioned changing exposure with shutter speed, and the fact there is a rough rule that aperture controls your flash exposure, and shutter speed controls your ambient exposure. This is technically correct, but not absolute, and often varies when using the longer flash durations of HSS with different shutter speeds, as well as the fact that aperture obviously increases both your ambient and flash exposure to some extent, so you still need to be careful when following this rule (for those who don't understand the rule I will get into it in future videos, especially an upcoming video on mixing strobe and ambient light). What I should have said to be more accurate in this demo is that I was trying to balance the exposure and using the shutter speed to make sure that no ambient light influenced the exposure in the shot, and then using the flash power to get the correct exposure for the portrait. Those settings ended up being ISO 100, F2.8... then 1/200 meant that I had no ambient light in the shot, and I then turned the flash power up to 1/16 power for a correct exposure from the flash only. I hope that clears things up.

[@chefsalty]

straight rad content. unlike other photography channels. sir, i salute you.

[@matthewwoodhouse238]

Sean Tucker Hi Sean I’m new to strobes and have been practicing the past few weeks. I initially heard on KelbyOne(I think it was!) to set up the camera with ISO100, f8, 1/125 and work with the lighting from there adjusting as you go. As you mention you shot these pics at f2.8, so for me to do the same is it just a matter of the same principle, set the aperture then work the lighting power around this setting?

[@jimdavies]

Indoors there is no need to use HSS? Just put your flash power down. When you have ambient light in the image HSS can be used to control that when shooting with wider apertures that don't let you keep inside synch speed. Indoors shooting like that HSS is just a waste of flash power. You can shoot wide apertures with low flash power - No need for HSS that will kill your batteries

[@FraiseRaboteuse]

or a 3 or 4 stop neutral will control the ambient, then you 'dose' the subject with flash.Depends how bright the day is. ;-)

[@BobGarlick]

I often crank up my Flashpoint 600's (Basically a rebranded Godox at Adorama) to 1/4000 or even 1/8000 to bring the overall watt seconds down so I can shoot at 1.4 or 1.8 when in studio. It's a lot faster than tweaking your trigger settings.

[@mattymazzant3713]

Finally, a youtube photography video that is to the point and not ego driven like everyone else on here.

[@Fabianwew]

Not like Tony and Chelsea

[@gewglesux]

@@Fabianwew You find T/C ego driven?

[@Fabianwew]

@@gewglesux A bit. They talk very snobby.

[@gewglesux]

@@Fabianwew Ok.... I was curious... thanks for the reply.

[@samsen3965]

Well said. My exact thought.

[@johnhaller4868]

My god man! In twenty-two minutes you just covered every lesson I learned in the 16-week portrait photography class I took last semester. This is the first video I’ve seen of yours, and I cannot wait to see what else you’ve done. I’ve happily subscribed and turned notifications on. 😀

[@LIBICU812]

The one about Light and Shadow is a spiritual awakening of the deepest levels of your soul. Honestly!! He made me tear up after the 14:32 mark. I've experienced much loss in my lifetime and in just a few minutes he put it all into a totally new perspective. I have a new focus on my passion of photography.

[@otallono]

KZbin university makes college look like a waste of time and money, well, when you're dealing with a hobby that thousands of people are involved it. It's easy to find free knowledge. I redirect anyone who says they want to "go to school for photography" (LOL) to here.

[@Wakodaf]

Can anybody explain how his lcd screen seems to be bright but it should be black during shooting with flash?

[@filskar_]

@@Wakodaf You just set it up in camera options to show the frame, not actual exposure. Otherwise you wouldn't be able to frame and focus :)

[@Wakodaf]

Filip F ok! Thank you

[@GoodFoodShared]

Finally someone who isn't spending a small fortune on equipment and sees the value of the craft and not the stuff. Thank you so much, I've learnt so much.

[@henrahmagix]

This is probably going to be the most helpful photography video I've _ever_ watched, I bet it's going to save me so much money in the future, _and_ actually get me doing portraits rather than thinking that I'll never have the gear to do it!

[@fletcherbrown728]

Well that’s probably the most direct, to the point, high information filled KZbin instructional video I have seen . What an absolutely delightful experience. Guess I’ll be up for awhile exploring your other content Thank you so much for all the work that you put into this.

[@rickyashley7862]

Finally a photographer who is in depth without talking down to you with expensive gear. Flash Photography on a simple budget. Thanks!!

[@photorockbar471]

Photo magazines and photo websites have been discussing portable strobe techniques for over 20 years.

[@dronedude4185]

@@photorockbar471 are they talking about cheap gear?

[@photorockbar471]

@@dronedude4185 all types of gear.

[@imblack011]

People like this guy have saved me tons of money cuz I've considered getting 600$ cameras to replace my D3100. People like this guy show me that I can do just as much with my D3100 was a beginner with a Z7 II.

[@Heelissrogue]

The "How to fold a backdrop" part. Absolutely priceless :)

[@chrissnyder4439]

This was the best part of it. I've had backdrops I just left open for a day or two after walking away from the frustration of trying to fold it

[@AlimHaque]

@@chrissnyder4439 try weeks!!!

[@ivanbubnov924]

19:00 time stamp

[@jumeirahjohn1]

I'm a pro portrait photographer and this is the best film I've seen! well done.

[@devansclick971]

Sean, you have no idea how overwhelmed I am after watching your series of videos (shadows, highlights and manual mode). I am overwhelming relieved to see that it is possible to take portraits without having expensive gear. Thank you so much, you are a blessed soul sharing so many secrets that photographers normally hoard. It is a hobby for me and I am not doing anything commercial. I am cracking away on the Pentax K50 I have and have started saving to buy a full frame camera. Thank you so much for all the time you invest in spreading this knowledge to people like us. As you put it, I was one amongst the many who think that expensive gear = good photographs. I was able to apply your principles and get a good shot from my mobile phone. I am sure I can get many more once I start applying your teachings to the gear I have. I have started writing down your points like I used to do in school. So simple to follow and learn from your videos. May you live long and strong Sean. Now, your KZbin feed streams on my laptop instead of Netflix; whenever I have time away from work.

[@seantuck]

Thanks my friend. Good luck.

[@michaelcima5772]

This is, by far, my favorite KZbin video. I return to it every now and then before a portrait session. Simplicity is king.

[@deloceanophoto]

‘A lot of people who declare themselves natural light only photographers but who are actually just afraid of using strobe”. That’s me all over. Fucking terrified. Thank you so much for this video... it was so incredibly helpful, like all of your videos.

[@Princeton_James]

Same here. Took me forever to get that thing to even fire. Once I did with a softbox my images were great.

[@spockasmick]

Boom -- me to a T

[@Deathcomes4usall]

Bought the background, soft lighter, speed light and trigger he showed in this video, immediately my portraits improved. Loved and love this video

[@Cleverconveyence]

im in this picture and i DONT like it!

[@kristofwanderer1]

Hahaha, great comment!! When I started (over 20 years ago) I just jumped in and tried everything my wallet could afford... I practiced on friends and figured I could always delete pics and sell the equipment if I wanted. I ended up with some amazing photos and and learned along the way. This video is AWESOME and I can't wait to use these techniques!

[@CostaMesaPhotography]

This is such an excellent presentation, on so many different levels. I've always been impressed with your communication skills and speaking style. Your organization of topics and explanation of what you're doing and why is very easily understandable without skipping crucial bits of information. I'm always excited to see when you've put out another video...always thoughtful and informative. Thank you so much. Jon

[@bthemedia]

CostaMesaPhotography do you understand why he is using HSS? I thought that was a significant gap. Otherwise - yes, he does a great job at presenting! (Just a little long winded sometimes/always in his intros)

[@CostaMesaPhotography]

@@bthemedia My sense was that he covered this fairly well, but based on your comment I went back and looked again. At about the 13 minute mark he mentions HSS and 1) the importance of making sure you have a flash that supports HSS, and 2) explains that HSS allows you to use shutter speeds above sync speed. To your point, he doesn't really explain WHY you might use a shutter speed that fast. Again at about the 14-1/2 minute mark he demonstrates that he wants to cut out all ambient light and only light his subject with the flash....he shows that with the flash off, his exposure produces a black frame...classic HSS, but again to your point, he doesn't explicitly say that to achieve that you might need to raise your shutter speed above the sync speed, but with an HSS-capable flash, you have the freedom to do that without worry. And of course he didn't mention the downside of HSS (and there are few), and that is that it eats up the batteries quite a bit faster. It's a downslide, but it's not a reason you'd avoid HSS...you use HSS because you have to (i.e. when you're trying to achieve a particular result which requires fast shutter speeds...cutting ambient light, freezing motion, etc...). I still put Sean Tucker's video as very high on my list of must-watch, and must-subscribe channels.

[@Bassbarbie]

bwvids yes, it’s so that he can go to any shutter speed without worrying about flash sync times as he explained.

[@jayeuptown]

This is probably the most useful and straight forward tutorial on flash portrait photography.

[@FAIYABRAND]

This is probably the best photography video I've ever watched. Thank you!

[@KatieF307]

I believe I watched this before, and it was great to go back for a simple refresher. I really like the fact that it gets into the explanations of how to take a great flash photo with one speed light, and not a dissertation how one may need a Profoto light, expensive camera, and a new 50 mm f1.2 lens that is only 2000+ dollars. Nice done Sean!

[@fmrc69]

Sean I have to say, I really really love your no nonsense style to photography and the way you make your videos and how you so easily get the points across that are important without drowning them in technobable. I'm an amateur wildlife photographer who's trying to learn to use speedlights etc and yes I'll admit I was avoiding them because its so much easier with just natural light etc. Kudos to you and keep on making videos exactly like this!

[@stroiman.development]

Showing how to fold the backdrop is enough to deserve a “like” 😆 I remember it took a while for me to learn to fold a 120cm reflector.

[@fightlikabrave]

14:53 OOOOH! So THATS how you "cancel out" ambient light in a room using a strobe! Wow.. that little beginner tip, just sets off all kinds of photography epiphanies for me lol! Thanks Sean.

[@fklwiseman]

This is the best photography channel on KZbin. Actually. It's more than photography. This is my favourite channel.

[@Mickey58D]

Thanks Sean! In 2016, I watched a similar video on the use of lights and as if by magic, my images went from flat, lifeless ones, to OMG ones! I don't use anything fancy; a D7000, a Neewer (manual) flash and cheap Chinese flash trigger(s - I always carry a back up!), and home made modifiers, absolutely transforms simple photo's of flowers and landscapes (exposing for the sky, and using the flash to light some plants in the foreground) has my girlfriend saying it looks like a magazine photo! But really! Using a flash for us, now is essential rather than a novelty. When we shoot portraits out of doors, the subject holds the flash set to 1/16th power. The shooter composes the shot; fill the frame, expose for the speedlight (160th sec., f9) - if it needs adjusting, just do it! There's nothing to be afraid of! Product photography is a breeze! We use reflectors to fill in the very dark shadows. But the icing on the cake has to be Headshots! My daughter's old room was transformed into a studio, I bought 2 softboxes, another flash, etc, and a backdrop! Job done! Simplicity is overstating it! We shoot in Manual mode & RAW format, and develop the files into monochrome! You don't need to spend a fortune to transform your images. Your most powerful asset is your imagination! And let failure be your kindest master! Failing in itself is not a problem; failing to learn from failure is! Now there's no turning back! LIGHT IT UP! A Great Vid, Sean! Keep up the good work and good luck everyone! Ilonka and Daz x

[@louisewalker8471]

So refreshing to watch a video by someone who knows their stuff and is able to put across the info in a concise, clear understandable fashion. Great video.

[@GeorgeWWakim]

Dear Sean! I’m thankful for you and for KZbin that have afforded me such a chance to learn! The world needs more photographers like you. I’m very impressed with the simplicity and humility of your presentation that hits at the heart of making beautiful portraits! I can’t compliment you enough! Thank you a lot!

[@lou1492]

As someone coming late into photography, I find so much inspiration here on KZbin. You are one of my favorites for various reasons, number one being your honesty and spiritual approach to the craft. Thanks very much Sean and best of everything to you.

[@boromaushelms281]

KZbin algorithm is really bad, as I watched literally every photographer channel in English and German for the last 5 years. And I spend thousends of Euros for gear and stuff in the meantime.... Found your video and channel today and you nailed it in 22 mins, even showing how to fold the background! A masterpiece! Thank you Sean!!!🙏

[@StephaanBOSS56]

Newly retired type of photographer here. It's going alright outdoors, shooting birds and bif, but indoors and strobe lights that's not (yet) my cup of tea until this video. I'm going to try setting things up the way you did. I just would love finding a video explaining step by step the setup of a speed light. I regret not having started photography when I was young, I find out things every day and I'm getting obsessed with it. Also these Sony cameras can be equipped with very old analogue lenses, witch gives me a whole other new world to discover. I love young people like yourself, trying to explain all this stuff and keeping it on a low budget. Loved the part where you advices an old model Canon 5d mark ll, more young people should listen to that kind of advice. Keep it coming, you have a new (old) follower. Thanks a lot.

[@dodgy1954]

Having watched many KZbin videos on this subject and still not being happy, Sean hits the mark on all levels. Very concise, straight forward and encouraging. Thank you Sean

[@dcrilley9624]

Fantastic. My phobic anxiety about having a go with studio lighting swept away in one unpretentious video. Clarity of presentation is 10/10. Thank goodness the flow is not interrupted by adverts.

[@charliegil2007]

This is one of the best photography videos I have ever seen. The simplicity of the explanation makes it easy to understand.

[@wenkangcuisine]

I’ve seen this videos several times in my photography career. It got me inspired lots of times from different types of angle view, portrait, flash gear, lighting style. Today when I see it again, I think it’s a fantastic video for beginner photographes. Everything is well thought in the explanation. The only drawback to put a small softbox in a small space for portrait ,it is the ratio on the left and right face when it’s side lighted or rambrandt lighted, since the light is so closed to the face, the light falls off very quickly, therefore, one side of the face is so much brighter than another side. For sure it can be adjusted in post production , but it’s just a remark I’ve got. Again really great video, thanks for sharing !

[@rich8037]

This is my script too - a complete set-up that can be transported by bus without raising eyebrows, or in my case by bicycle. Apart from anything else, it's a good discipline to avoid unnecessary complexity. Nice video!

[@familyschaeffer8348]

This should be required viewing for anyone starting out...all you need to know in 22 minutes. Solid. Nice job Sean.

[@bpham2010]

Love this tutorial. I love that he left nothing out from the start and was very thorough. Different tools and what they do, and why he likes them or why not. Love that he helped with settings for camera and speed light including power setting. Described in detail different possible setup of light and what they’d create. Even how to fold down the back drop...which I’ve had issues folding cause no one has showed me how. Over all an educational video that’s very thorough without being overboard or dragging on and on. Great work and thank you.

[@piotrwydmuch9413]

Thank you so much. In a world full of expensive and complicated gear setups, you are always teaching us how to improve and grow in a nicest possible way, by building solid basic skills and techniques that will take where we need to go. So happy to watch this. Thank you again Sean and please keep them coming.That's so interesting:)

[@gauthamp4050]

Genius genius genius. Straight to the point without suggesting fancy expensive gear. Great job

[@nsquezada27]

Putting the cheaper suggestions at the end of the video instead of just saying "and you can get cheaper stuff" is really appreciated. This video is great and I'm going to add it to my favorites so I can reference it again. Definitely going to check out your other work

[@ayodelesanusi8805]

You are the best teacher on KZbin 🙌🏽. Thank you!

[@dianacomberiati7695]

Love how you get to the point and pack tons of info into 20 minutes. Thanks.

[@ryanm.9197]

Really great info in this video, Sean. You clearly have a knack for teaching and you get the information out there simply and concisely. I used to do a lot of TV/video environmental stuff and corporate talking head interviews about twenty years ago working with Arri fresnel hot lights, all sorts of modifiers and now that I want to get into shooting with some still cameras and strobe I could not ask for a better series of videos. I'm glad there have been advances with battery operated strobes, small flash units, and HSS to get these kinds of shots. Thanks for the videos.

[@narenbedekarphotography9320]

Very honest tutorial. No gimmicks no unnecessary talking, to the point and straight form the heart. Thank you. Apart from that I also like the the way you shot the video.

[@bigpapabean9464]

I cannot explain how thankful I am for these videos.

[@domsalmon4496]

You know what, this was a nice reminder of the power of simplicity. Feeling inspired by it, last job I did, i left the big soft boxes at home and shot the job with a single beauty dish half way between a Rembrandt and a Loop, with a single handheld reflector for some bounce. Client/ & subject loved it. It also gave me time to get a real rapport with my subject, I got reminded that sometimes getting really technical and fiddling with multiple lights means you often end up treating them like a still life rather than a person. Nice one Sean. Only thing, my assistant had nothing to do! but it was great for her, as she learned a great setup to always have in her back pocket and I was reminded to stop dicking around ;-)

[@dbjohns66]

Thank you, Sean. I appreciate your videos and insight greatly.

[@karlrichards]

Wow, I'm just starting off and this is perfect for me. Super cheap and very effective. Thanks.

[@TanerAcarPhotography]

good work

[@coinstarbon1693]

I remember watching this video when i was just starting my photography businesss 2 years ago, the fear of strobes is the biggest reason why i stayed away. But now im trying ot expand into doing headshots and revisiting this is a blessing. Thank you so much Sean sending love from Sweden

[@tackywon5700]

Thumbs up !! Very clear guidance for beginning/intermediate photographers. I was an industrial photographer for over 30 years (mostly medium format and 4X5 view cameras before the digital revolution). This, Sean's explanation of basic camera functions, is the simplest and most accurate I've seen on youtube. Aperture (f stop) regulates the AMOUNT of light that reaches the camera's sensor. Shutter speed regulates the length of TIME that the sensor is exposed to the light. These two factors are determined by the sensitivity of the sensor (the ISO). In days of yore each of the single-sensitivity films was rated in ASA values). In today's digital world..with the ability to regulate the sensitivity of the sensor the photographer has what amounts to near-infinite choice of "films" (all right there in his/her camera...pre-loaded and available for instant use). I think that it is the variable sensitivity of the sensors that confuse so many new photographers...and many onliners who claim understanding of the variables. Flash changes this dynamic ... overriding one of the shutter's traditional functions. Flash pumps light through the lens's aperture onto the sensor according to its rated power and the duration of the light burst (usually extremely short). In this sense, flash overrides the shutter's former main function(time determination) while the aperture still retains its depth-of-field co-function, thankfully. I am still hoping to own a fully manual camera that has only a digital sensor back. Basic cameras are relatively easy to understand and use. I am given to understand that such a simple device is available..but at the extreme of the price range. I simply refuse to pay so much more for a simpler, easier-to-use device. To sum-up my comment (at last): I am still confused :)

[@jenohogan9254]

Its been a long time since I've done speedlight portraiture. I've forgotten most of it. This was a nice refresher. It comforting to know there are other people who aren't technical about it. The math confuses me. lol This was simple and straight forward. Thank you!!

[@zjdoliver]

Hi Sean, I love your style! You are so thorough more so then most of other youtubers who seem to be more geared to quantity of videos published rather then quality. You have a special gift for articulating information. Thank you for your content.

[@seantuck]

Thanks my friend

[@jimwlouavl]

Nice practical explanation of terms like Rembrandt, split lighting, and feathering. Too many instructional videos don’t explain those terms.

[@diam8749]

I feel like he knew exactly what my issue is.. not a fear of using more than natural light but just being more so intimidated by moving up to a speedlight! Bought my first one, so now I’m watching videos. Thank you for this

[@pierres5475]

Perfectly clear video for someone who starts to use speedlight. Tanks very much

[@ToddWhirley]

'How to fold the backdrop' was worth the price of admission ;-) Thanks for the consistently excellent content, Sean. I come because I am a novice and need the technical help but I stay for the life lessons. Keep them coming! Grace and peace as you enter 2021.

[@leadhead488]

Excellent presentation Sean. You did an amazing job of distilling hours of information into a 20 minute video. Thank you.

[@ian_thomas]

That video us an absolute keeper! Thank you so much for creating and sharing this with us.... And to Sarah, for being a fantastic model (and her beautiful poetry on IG that brings my day to a welcomed pause!) - thank you both!

[@chrisalvino812]

How have I not discovered this channel until now? Hands down one of the best photography channels I've ever come across on KZbin. I learned a lot just from this one video!

[@LennyCooke636]

This a great video and certainly simplifies things. Once the technicalities of shooting strobes (light position, aperture/shutter speed etc.) are out of the way, one of the hardest things is "Posing" the subject. My mind usually goes blank when it comes to posing techniques. It really helps if the model has posed in front of a camera before and knows what they are doing. Otherwise it can be a bit frustrating. I have one of those collapsible white/black back drops, but it mostly stays on the shelf due to the difficulty of trying to get it to collapse back into the little bag. I have made a fool of myself on several occasions trying to do this, especially when outside and the wind is blowing. Now I prefer carrying a Velvet 5X7' black backdrop a Light stand and a Manfrotto adjustable background holder. It's more gear to carry, but until I learn how to collapse one of those "collapsible" back-drops and have it down-pat, I will stick with that. Maybe I need to practice a little....

[@jodicushner6909]

So much great information, including how to fold the backdrop. Thank you!

[@techassyst]

Hugely inspiring for a penniless photographer, so clearly explained many thanks for taking the time to make these

[@matzeb.3740]

Thanks a lot. What I probably appreciate the most is your modest, almost humble approach. And that's, even though you create quite remarkable images. Thank you for the practical tips as well!

[@GeorgeWWakim]

I’m not the only one seeing Sean’s humility! Amen!

[@Dissolve03]

Sean you are a legend man, got into photography 2 years ago and you were 1 of the original guys I would binge videos of. I became quite confident in my landscape and outdoor lifestyle photography but now I am back on youtube pouring through lighting videos as I want to add that to my skill set, this is the video that has pulled together a lot of what I have been learning. Thanks mate!

[@thecamasmr]

Man, your channel is a jem. As a beginner photographer from Russia, I thank you from a bottom of my heart

[@dchodeva]

such a good instructor. clear and to the point

[@Schmavie]

What a treasure trove of helpful information and teaching. Thank you Sean for sharing this so freely with us!

[@GuakDian]

This is free for anyone to see and learn from. Sean is amazing.

[@looneyburgmusic]

In the 30ish years I've been shooting I've never been big on doing portraits, but recently my wife convinced me to try branching out some, and I've started doing my homework - this one video covered almost every question I've been looking into, and even aa few I hadn't even thought of...

[@ostraadt]

Only one word for this tuturial. Brilliant. Thank you for sharing your skill and enthusiasm.

[@Akualley]

When in need for great photography advice Sean is your guy! Thank you.

[@sjefbeekmans314]

Who needs a course when you got Sean...Excellent video, to the tiniest details, love it!

[@TheDrAntoon]

This video is one of the best tutorials I've ever seen on KZbin or anywhere else, period. I subscribed and I hope you will make many more photography tutorials explained in such a clear way, using gear that doesn't break the bank. Respect !

[@craiggrimshaw2740]

AT last a video for someone who doesn't have 10 grands worth of kit. Very informative and inspirational.

[@srlkngl]

Sean Tucker, a professional, and incredibly generous!!! Thank you...ever..ever...

[@peterbennett4783]

This is so well articulated, thank you! An advanced concept concisely explained with the photographic evidence to prove it. You are an artist.Thanks again Peter (Melbourne, Australia)

[@joegiuliani7660]

This is a great tutorial for dramatic headshot/portraiture, all aspects really well explained. I will be using a lot of his suggestions.

[@markjohnson6132]

Sean this is one of the absolute best photography tutorials I have ever watched, your presentation & content have been second to none & I can't believe I just stumbled across your work by accident. Thank you for your effort in making this! I look forward to watching more :-)

[@rzgarfazel9621]

لغزب

[@kevinking5266]

Sean...I really took away alot from this video. You are absolutely correct about beginner photographers being intimidated by the cost of equipment affecting pursuing studio shots. Thank you again for being so up front and honest.

[@thomaswentworth6433]

This guy is so frigging awesome. He is one of the few complete photographers on YT. The fact he can explain things so succinctly is bc he is so knowledgeable and so bloody good. The only thing I'd add is perhaps a list of the items used.

[@reedgustow1310]

Sean, I really appreciate your clear and thorough explanations of techniques we all need. So very useful, without all the hugely irritating music, posturing and other nonsense so many guys use. Keep up the great work! Subscribed from my first view.

[@allano7814]

The shot at 17:25 is perfection.

[@gigabloke]

Excellent instruction, Sean! Thanks so much. You teach quickly and well, and I like your portraits too.

[@TheBigserg42]

This very well be the best photography video that every photographer should see where just starting out, a seasoned professional, or anywhere in between!

[@triciahagerty8410]

The most thorough explanation I have ever seen on youtube. Thank you for not being a gatekeeper! Love this.

[@annodong4813]

This was brilliant. Just amazing and honestly I have subscribed just for the folding tutorial at the end. Bought the backdrop on Friday and couldn't get it folded again!

[@CountSorinsRealm]

Aside from the video being incredibly useful, I'm very glad that now I'll stop looking like a muppet.

[@westyavro]

I really enjoy an instructor that talks to you instead of at you. Practical to the core. The simple addition of 24mm over lets say 125mm setting on the flash let me see flash zoom so much easier.

[@CountSorinsRealm]

@@westyavro Agreed, especially since as a beginner, I have avoided flash for the same reasons but now I'm going to replace my continuous lights with flash, I might even replace my houses lightbulbs with flash.

[@Hangs4Fun]

Best tip in the video, I was a muppet for sure folding those things back up, lol

[@CheeseColeslaw]

@@CountSorinsRealm Actually burst out laughing there, lol.

[@CountSorinsRealm]

@@CheeseColeslaw Yes Sir, thank you Sir!

[@joycevollmer5421]

BEST TIPS EVER! This is well worth watching and has helped me immensely!

[@julian072006]

Bro this is the best 22 minutes on KZbin. I legit started working with flash a few weeks ago. I knew it was gonna be an uphill battle but after this I am pumped.

[@manfredoetting7694]

Folding the background: The 3rd attempt: I didn't succeed after two attempts. Than looking your video the 3rd time again I got the background folded. I would have been lost without your video! Many thanks, dear Sean. Regards again from Hamburg

[@chris-murray]

Thank you, great video, I’m buying one of those backdrops now :) I also wanted to say that you are one of the best photography teachers on KZbin, thanks!

[@ksnmurthy4476]

What a tutorial. Really amazing and so simplified with full of content. Gives confidence to shoot portraits. I saved this video for my reference to take portraits. Thank you so much Sean. Great tutorial fully engaging. 👍💐

[@aaronwalker4]

Hey Sean, thanks so much for such a refreshingly intelligent, charismatic and informative demo without the need to be a larger than life caricature which is so prevalent with online photog demos. Totally quality mate, awesome work on your site btw. Thanks again.

[@typorickfoto]

Thanks to you from Berlin/Germany, Sean: These instructions helped me to find a stable basis for all indoor portraits for relatively little money and with manageable effort!

[@ainalzone]

Just seen this today and i love how simple yet amazing lesson. Through the difference between images from the setting time and final images, i notice that your quality adds so much to the image beyond that camera setting.

[@andrethibault1410]

Sean, I’ve watched this video around 20 times, love this set up and I think I’m ready,,, love the one light also, thank you so much for your videos, I’ve learned so much! Happy New Yesr

[@Howaboua]

same, and I keep coming back to it every now and then to remind myself about how you only need basic things to get by as a photographer.

[@sapper1955]

Hello Sean, I was looking a tutorial for portrait photography and luckily found yours. The equipment you use looks affordable for a hobby photographer the results look very professional. Your video gave me new motivation for a hobby I have neglected for far too long. I really like your photos and am working my way through your other videos. Many thanks. Phil

[@edp6364]

subscribed.... by far the best tutorial on youtube ....thanks for sharing

[@aeyedeyen]

It's always nice when a video is exactly 22 mins and 22 seconds. Look at all those numbers in a row.

[@fernadoramirez3765]

You are my favorite KZbinr now crazy how these videos are free, your tutorials feel expensive

[@michaeldl49]

This is like having your best friend teach you photography. Thank you so much Sean, I am a subscriber and can't wait for your next video. One note of interest, I tried the link to your squarespace site to view your work and it's not active right now. It maybe something temporary that I just caught, but you may want to check.

[@receptiondesk7962]

This was super helpful, I learned a lot! Thanks, Sean, you're a great teacher! 18:35 List of equipment

[@johnchappe315]

I really appreciate showing how to dismantle the backdrop. I’ve been that assistant before that struggled to fold it up and eventually needed help 🤦‍♂️😂

[@RekoMoreno]

Wow! This is the best video on using a speed lite, I’ve been watching videos for the past 2 hours for my new speed lite and until now, I was still confused. You cleared up all my questions in this video and gave me some great ideas on extra gear to buy to get better pictures with a strobe. Thank you!!!