Single Flash Portraits On A Budget

Learn how to create beautiful portraits - whether indoors or outdoors - using nothing more than your camera and a single flash. Check out the inexpensive umbrella flash kit, like the one we use in this video, here: SDP.io/kit
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STARTER CAMERAS:
Basic Starter Camera ($280 used at Amazon): Canon T3 help.tc/t3
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Beginner ($950 at Amazon): Canon T6i help.tc/t6i & Canon 50mm f/1.8 help.tc/c50
Better ($3,000 at Amazon): Nikon D610 help.tc/d610 & Tamron 70-200 f/2.8 help.tc/t200
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Travel ($1,000 at Amazon): DJI Mavic Pro help.tc/Mavic
Better Image Quality ($1,500 at Amazon): DJI Phantom 4 Pro help.tc/p4p

[@TonyAndChelsea]

📷 Get the T6i on Amazon: help.tc/t6i ⛱ Fancierstudio Umbrella Kit amzn.to/2pevab2

[@WatchMeDIYIt]

Tony & Chelsea Northrup Thanks! I'll check it out! Great video, btw!

[@angelcolon4075]

Thanks tony and Chelsea for the lessson your the best .

[@Picturestoyou]

Tony & Chelsea Northr

[@ladislavsvencik]

Some recomendations for a good cheap flash and trigger which can be used on Sony A6000? Thank you in advance for your feedback.

[@kevintanumihardja3881]

Ladislav svencik the good Chinese Yongnuo flash perhaps? 🤔

[@AadidevSooknananNXS]

This is the first video in which I actually understood why shutter speed affects ambient light, and it wasn't even the primary focus of this video, so well-explained, and absolutely love that Tony is using a Rebel-series, showing that professional-grade photos depend primarily on skill, not equipment

[@QuickBeam-f8l]

This guy is a really good teacher. I've worked at portrait studios in the past that just have a "prescribed" setting for everything and I didn't get to learn more organic lighting techniques like this. Great job! Thanks!

[@amberhawke]

One thing that I really, really like, and that has been overlooked in these comments is that Tony is using a consumer DSLR with the kit lens for this whole tutorial, as well as showing the images from that combo. I think Tony's use of the low-end camera and lens shows that anyone, even the amateur who is starting out, the everyday person, can create really nice pictures with what they already have and don't need to spend tons of $$$ on equipment.

[@kevindiaz3459]

I was going to point out this same thing. It's some kind of Rebel, probably a T6i based on the year of the release of the video (T6i was out earlier that year), as well as placement of the dial and the flip screen. Pretty sure lens was the basic 18-55mm lens that comes with those cameras, based on the framing, extension of the lens, and the F-stop it was set at. Might have been the 18-135mm, just couldn't see. Anyone else notice that Tony covers the camera name with his finger at one point?

[@patrickelliott-brennan8960]

​@@kevindiaz3459 Have to agree with you and @amberhawke. There's nothing pretentious or financially exclusive. I really like the videos these guys create. Plus Tony could do meditation audio recordings. His voice is very mellow, controlled and nicely paced. Hey Tony! New job for you ;)

[@randomdsfhqe]

He is showing different pictures though...

[@cabelas1987]

@@randomdsfhqe I noticed that too, poses from Chelsea were always different. I hope they were from the same gear though...

[@golfnutdave]

I've been taking photos for decades and this is the best video I've ever seen. It's changed my photos and made them near pro quality. Cheers!

[@antoniorivera1646]

you can also use the white umbrella as a bounce umbrella like the silver one and the shadows are going to be minimized and light more natural looking. Check it out!

[@bobbrinkman1613]

Just spent all weekend being confused about this type of flash. You are the only person to explain how to turn down the power of the flash on the camera. I'm now sorted and no longer confused, Thanks guys.

[@hemalkarambelkar9638]

Tony, you explained the lighting in a very simple and effective manner. I checked many other videos on same topic but they don;t even come close to this. I have bought exactly same light setup a few days ago. And one of the spokes on the white umbrella is broken in a similar manner.

[@d00mPatr0I]

Results in this set up would be no different if using expensive equipment, so good you show this.

[@robertfutrell3973]

this is the best lighting tutorial in all of youtube! thank you Chelsea and Tony!

[@karffee]

Great tutorial! There are many times I couldn't understand the technical stuffs because the presenter talked too fast or skipped explanations. So glad you took the time to walk us through and I understood and enjoyed your video very much!

[@Elimnio]

Even though Chelsea looks a bit uninterested, this is still a really great video for beginners with flash photography, thanks so much for doing that.

[@hazelangel6046]

As a new photography student, your explanations were so easy to understand...even more so than my instructors. Thank you!

[@BrunoGallant]

10:38 Chelsea is all "he scratched the ceiling!!"

[@bird271828]

Thank you Tony. Great video as always. I am glad I am not the only one who experiments with shutter speed, aperture and flash output. By the way, it is great when you have a cooperative and patient subject.

[@cizcalodiablopanzon]

thank you very much Tony ... I'm on a mission of buying a flash for shooting portraits but I don't know how to use it or how to set it up.... I've seen many videos and the results are amazing but the other photographers have everything setup .... your video is the best because you actually guide me through the whole process, you move the light, you change the exposure, you take several pictures if your not happy with the results.... you made me feel as if i was there with you. learning by your side.... definitely I'm buying a flash... you make it look very easy. you have a new subscriber and a fan.

[@KalabelaiGaming]

Chelsea look pissed and upset

[@zainahmed855]

She wanted to do this video first but they had a big-time fight a night before but since Tony is a stubborn guy he still chooses to be the one doing this video.

[@roybuckley8530]

Ran Dom old can0n lens

[@RayValdezPhotography]

SHe wasnt allowed to speak

[@paradeigmas]

Cus Tony just used her favorite crab claw to kill a lens.

[@RichardsWorld]

Chelsea caught Tony focusing on a model.

[@brenthopping34]

I'm really appreciating your work. Can't believe how much work your putting into this. Learning a lot.

[@hawg427]

The flash falling off was the best. LOL You should make a video of flub-ups compiled from your videos.

[@speterlewis]

Yes! We want blooper videos!

[@ruiaureliotube]

Very awesome video/tutorial!!! I just hope there were more authors doing this truly outstanding type of tutorial material and sharing with the community! Chelsea is a serious very very pretty woman (my oppinion), and a portrait or a photography session is not necessarily a "happy smiles all the way' period - a lovely portrait doesn't have to be a 'smiles' portrait. Congratulations you 2 !!!

[@MrAlandrez]

love that little out take at the end

[@enkodernovi3524]

"cheap ones are especially cheap" :D haha

[@ChandlerMcGrew]

I LOVE my umbrella softboxes.

[@Magneira]

I really like your channel and overall presentation, I mean you guys clearly made it, have money and are "sophisticated", but you are also very normal people, have tips for people on a budget and are not snobs.

[@mcutchi]

Thank you for making this - what a treat - the scary stuff explained simply, carefully and SLOWLY !

[@arbull7264]

this was very inspirational...I like his attitude and his teaching technique

[@410f1st]

Really good video. The fact you used beginning budgets and can still get great results is great

[@BooTangClan]

The model has places to go and people to see 😂

[@9320776550]

Michael Booini haha nice one..... :P (That's his wife and co-author of the channel, though)

[@BooTangClan]

I know... Doesn't change anything...

[@judeschlesselman]

Looks like they might have had a bit of a tiff before shooting lol.

[@Bassplayingboy]

Great instruction but probably need to keep in mind the white balance when mixing light sources. Sometimes auto white balance works fine. It can also be adjusted in post processing especially in RAW mode

[@hamzamusse2534]

She didn't say a single word for nearly 20 minutes.

[@Dustinrhoades]

I love the flash falling at the end

[@debralynnhook665]

Great teacher. Calm, methodical and helpful, thank you.

[@martinocando3072]

BTW, since you are a Yongnuo user, I strongly recommend you take a look at the YN560-TX. I saw you having to go to the flash to adjust the power, with this trigger you can do it remotely, which is quite convenient. With the added bonus of controlling multiple units and different channels at the same time. The receiver is inside the flash unit, so no need for another device.

[@oncheugbabe6509]

Chelsea is undoubtedly one of the most gorgeous women on earth. You're a handsom man yourself.and that white hair makes you "look immortal." Excellent lesson.

[@KyleCWong]

I've been shooting on and off for a year, but I'm just starting to really get into photography. You guys are great instructors, and I love your videos :) Thank you so much for sharing!

[@barbaraross5256]

Love it. You give a lot of details on photographer and lightning.

[@TimothyJohnLukeSmithPSA]

Tony and Chelsea, I love your work. Your videos help me to create better reference photos for my portrait and figure paintings.

[@Gourmondise]

That plastic Yongnuo flashes are durable. Exactly the same happened to me on a small shoot. I pinched the flash on the coldshoe , but I forgot to fasten the lock on the flash. It bounced a few times on the floor and when I picked up it was still running. :D

[@urlcool]

Very interesting video I use soft boxes for my studio but really like the softbox umbrella. Thanks

[@ApertureApex]

I hit like for Chelsea’s patience. Great video guys !!

[@racerx3866]

She is being a good model and does not look mad,pretty face. Tony great job !

[@larrywilkes5787]

The best tutorial I've come across. Thanks so much.

[@paulevans51]

Aren't you my DJI guy? Great stuff, thankls!

[@JimHarmer]

Great stuff +Tony Northrup. Very helpful for beginners to see the progression of how you get to a final shot. Well done.

[@RodAllsopp]

A fantastic video on using flash! This is by far the best one I've seen. Thank you.

[@WarrensIMG]

literally the most helpful video I've ever watched lol

[@dkeithcollins]

Great job Tony and Chelsea. I enjoy watching your videos. Informative and straight forward.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

+David Collins Thanks, David!

[@ratnamaravind]

Thanks, I learned a lot from this video. One suggestion.... perhaps do a comparison with ETTL modes as well?

[@nagol5178]

Once again Tony turns the umbrella around toward the camera so he can show the illuminati symbol to all his frat brothers. What Tony is really doing here is a ritual, Chelsea has a strange circle in one room in which they lay cameras in and speak in some unknown tongue. You'll notice a strange sequence of lights in the sky when they perform these rituals. There is also a huge Owl statue in their home, I measured it at 33 feet high, Tony built an extension onto the house in order to put this thing in. I asked Tony at one point about the exposure triangle, to explain it to me, he pulled out a square and compass... At this point I left the party.

[@nagol5178]

You've never been to Tony's house.... The locals just refer to it as, "Where dragons live."

[@johnnycincocero]

+Bob Swaggett No...he needs to smoke more!

[@PhardonMedia]

+Bob Swaggett 👍

[@jasonbodden8816]

+nagol5178 Who gives a shit? It's still good, solid info. That's all I care about. Don't know about anyone else (except you, clearly).

[@dastardlydonnie4316]

+nagol5178 And when ya left the party ya should NOT have been driving! We KNOW ya were juiced beyond any level of safety! TONY and his beaustiful bride KNOW WTF they are doing Pablo. Accept it and move on ..... and on ...... and on ...... and ON. 'KAY'?

[@Hardwiretag]

Tony, worth mentioning about dumping flash power when lowering the speedlight power (as per 8:23)? As a higher power flash on the next exposure may confuse newbies.

[@danpaano]

Yup sandbag... way to secure that STAND. LOL love the blooper ending.

[@XGray64]

Chelsea is a trooper. Nice work to you both. Thanks!

[@bfgardin]

When I discovered those bounce umbrellas with the pseudo-soft box enclosure, I got rid of all my normal soft boxes except a couple of small (about 14") soft boxes I use with hair lights and never went back. I get much more pleasing light and they set up in seconds. No more fighting with getting those annoying fiberglass rods through the guides and into the speed rings. I hate that crap. It's like setting up a tent. Camping is fun. But do you want to set up camp every day?

[@morgannelson884]

I love the bloopers!

[@antivar]

simple and effective way to teach. thanks.

[@vladimirzolotarev9998]

Thank you Tony. You are the best, as usual !

[@TonyAndChelsea]

+Vladimir Zolotarev Thanks!

[@boxingpunchalot9521]

Chelsea looks super happy

[@joniindo6127]

Very useful and practical information! Thanks

[@macxud]

these guys always do very good videos a lot to learn

[@amith1251]

best single flash video !

[@gabrielkolapo611]

that was absolutely brilliant. thanks guy

[@agentaxe]

I liked all the shots!

[@rigoalcala3527]

You 2 make a great team, You are a great instructor, Chelsea is absolutely beautiful and is soooooo patience with you. , I give her a lot of credit, my wife would NEVER do that for me :(. lucky Tony!!! Thank you for all your great videos and instructions.

[@hrmilieu-worldclasshrsolut9986]

GREAT video!!!! learnt a lot!!! many thanks.

[@ArifDiamanta]

Thank you sir. You are very good teacher.

[@ryanodneal7001]

Outstanding videos and the books is terrific!

[@applebum1962]

whoooooooooooow love how u walked us through this...tks

For the price of one "branded" flash I got three Yongnuos and some wireless triggers instead. I get great photos, the wireless (also Yongnuo) system works great and I saved a bunch of money.

[@RPMac]

Chelsea is beautiful and a great subject....very relaxed and natural...

[@scooter1364]

This guy is easy to understand

[@scottarmstrong5876]

chelsea looks impressed

[@Yushmantha]

Thanks a lot for the great explanation!

[@vicenteochoa6498]

Tony and Chelsea, I am looking to go for the full 3/3. I got Stunning Digital Photography and your Lightroom 6 book. Does your 3rd book (buying guide) go over all the different types of flashes and flash accessories? By the way, love your books and all your videos. I have learned more from you and chelsea than anyone else.

[@lanujang]

love this video... thanks to both of you...

[@timj.8056]

Thanks for a great tutorial!

[@Sam-ch9mn]

Once again, a hugely informative video presented in a relaxed encouraging style. Glad I subscribed as your channel really helps me to develop. Thank you.

[@zandzak90]

I can see Tony look at @16:33 thinking: Why isnt Chelsea just stepping forward🤣

[@tonysandstrom]

Great help, thank you for this. I'm just starting out and this tutorial helped alot!

[@bolt339]

Great, clear tutorial as always, thanks

[@onetwony]

Tremendously helpful! Love you guys!!!

[@racl1954]

Don't worry about Chelsea's mood. It comes out in the photos like Mona Lisa. Check out the pic in 18.41. There is a hidden sense of thoughtfulness. It is captured in the photo. Whether it was meant or not is irrelevant.

[@FlyenNun1]

Great vid, Thank you Tony and Chelsea! Always putting out great information.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

+MJ Dorris Thanks, and you're welcome!

[@Dodusification]

There are 144 photographers that suck at their jobs and gave thumbs down. Great job. Cheers.

[@4jrbirdman]

Hard to take this serious if the model's not...and I love these guys

[@camponez]

Great tutorial as usual Tony. If it isn't ask too much, could you release the pictures somewhere so we could see the evolution of the picutres?

[@adrianaariza-jones3694]

Excellent video. Very well explained . This is exactly what I was looking for . Thanks for sharing! :)

[@thedude883]

Looks like he got his money's worth on the umbrella/stand kit. The top rib of the umbrella was already broken. But kudos for keeping it in play. If he still has that broken umbrella all these years later, he can slide/wrap a small piece of copper pipe around the two sides of the rib and crimp each end to lock it in place. Think of a splint.

[@dadnoonan]

I thought I was crazy. Your struggle getting it right saved me. As always, excellent video even if poor Chelsea is bored to death.

[@superbeanboy]

I was wondering why that audio was suddenly superimposed haha. Thank you for the amazing content.

[@KONAMAN100]

great video Tony ... like it.

[@duramaxdemon1]

Good video keep up the awesome work!

[@madjpey1]

thanks for your video's by the way-easy to understand and very helpful!

[@ANSt15]

Nice tips. Thanks.

[@joecerda630]

Chelsea s eyes are glazing over...lol...you guys are great but funny

[@kaliville5053]

great video as usual.

[@edwardwalker3229]

Only just found this video and while I agree it is a very good and informative and useful. Did anyone else notice that the picture we see being taken is not the one shown immediately after. Don't believe me look carefully at the angle of of her head and smile for each shot. Just wondering that's all

[@jeffsiemens4485]

So helpful!

[@Trotskyification]

This is a fantastic tutorial - thank you.

[@Graffix805]

Hello Chelsea and Tony love your vids..

[@Bearhawk58]

Great teacher.