Outdoor Portraits Tutorial: How to use natural light and fill flash with digital photography

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[@TonyAndChelsea]

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[@davidalley2454]

Tony and Chelsea......love your posts. I will need to check out the park since I live in CT. Do you offer any in-person photo shoots that I could attend?

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Thanks! Not only is she beautiful, she's smart, too. She's also my co-photographer, editor, and book designer :)

[@auxmike718]

And wife!

[@alvan3286]

It’s crazy inspiring how far you guys have come as photographers and video creators

[@karlhans6678]

The woman is so beautiful it's hard to tell which picture looks bad.

[@romanfreiter7943]

There is so much content and these guys are so helpful and try so hard to educate beginner photographers... Painful to watch comments about Chelsea's looks. She's the man's wife for crying out loud. Have some respect people!

[@raybohn7]

The orange sphincter is trolling anything with her in a photo

[@Dabket3araB]

I googled the term photogenic and Chelsea came up.

[@I.AM.STANLEY]

wow. so I have been watching you two for a year now. I finally just made it across this video because I'm in a pickle that I haven't had since starting photography. you two are amazing but the real amazing thing is how you have become comfortable in front of the camera. youre so more relaxed and personal in the newer videos. reguardless the info in this video is timeless. thanks a lot

[@tauseeftariq]

You did not talked about that flash settings at all. Other than that it was great video

[@therigidperson4079]

Your pictures can NEVER be bad, because, Chelsea is Gorgeous!! Your equipment is too TOP NOTCH! And you are a Professional photographer with Tremendous SKILLS

[@FidaPr]

No matter how you shoot, with a model like her its always right. She is fucking beautiful !

[@ourwanderingstory1290]

Love your dynamic during the videos and lets not deny the simple fact that your wife is a beautiful model! thank you x

[@worldofbraiding]

Hi, I have my T3 in manual can I shoot having the lens on auto focus?

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Yes

[@allennichols928]

I shot my first wedding last weekend. This tutorial made all the difference and the advice is much appreciated.

[@rydaug79]

Chelsea is a fox: it just can't be denied.

Its those lips!

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Ah, glad you found it! Yeah, we're not yet in any bookstores, but you can buy it on Amazon, Kindle, Google Play, and Nook. We hope to expand to bookstores soon.

[@parvezbambam2374]

yes adding a flesh light to shaded area works good in portrait images.

[@gabrielg4498]

It's best to use flesh lights in shaded areas, it draws less attention.

[@learntoclick7102]

Excellent information thank you. I like the way you have taken the photo then shown us the result - makes it so much easier to understand! Thanks.

[@user-fl4wn9dn2c]

GREAT video thank you

[@TonyAndChelsea]

+William Knight You're welcome!

[@vishalherenj504]

Yeah! This tutorial was simple and easy to follow. Just with a camera and no extra tools.

[@deannemumm7212]

can you tell me what your camera settings are in this video?

[@4FRodrigo]

I've been watching you for many years and the content keeps getting better and better! It is possible to learn new things in every video, even old ones such as this and though that is too basic for me, I enjoy watching basic stuff because improvement may be in "insignificant" details.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Good question. It always requires a bit of trial and error, but for fill flash outdoors, normally I start with -1.5 stops (using ETTL), take a shot, and then adjust as needed.

[@sabinemetz]

I was with you until you used the flash... Nobody wants white dots dead centre in their pupils. In my opinion it looks way better to use a reflector below, for catchlights and filling in shadows.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Agreed. We have many detailed lighting videos, and entire chapters in Stunning Digital Photography dedicated to more complex lighting setups. This video is just intended to give people a quick way to improve shots with nothing but an on-camera flash.

[@sabinemetz]

Tony Northrup Except it did not improve the shot... I'm sorry.

[@sabinemetz]

***** He's introducing the flash just to get the catchlight ("white dots") so that would be ridiculous. Also, removing catchlights in post looks VERY unnatural. Your model can hold a reflector herself in most situations on a tight crop like this. I'd go for any option over the "flash it to bits & fix it in post" attitude, even if that means having to pay an assistant.

[@sabinemetz]

***** You're absolutely right, I'm a full-time photographer so I might look at things quite differently than a hobbyist. Though I thought I'd help people who are new to photography by stating a bit of my own vision on things like this situation. My opinion is just as valid as anyone else's, so do with it as you wish. I'm not dictating anything, experiment as you wish.

[@RobertsonDMcI]

***** Golly, gee whiz Sabine ... Tony is talking to me and not the professionals who are not watching this tutorial. Oh why do I bother??!! Anyhow Tony .. keep the good info coming.

[@robseale8569]

Btw-Tony, you are a great instructor. Easy to listen to and obviously knowledgable. Keep up the good work.

[@platanitosz]

Chelsea is soooo bae

[@markramage7170]

Tony, I really, really appreciate your honest and unpretentious spirt. You communicate a volume of data here and reinforce it in a simple, practical way. So many of your peers are lacking these skills. As a newcomer to the game :-) Thank You, and I'll be watching. - Mark

[@miramezjr]

this girls is really beautiful. im falling in love

[@mcatuara1]

Miramez Jr That's Tony's Wife...sorry

[@miramezjr]

i didnt know. sorry :P

[@hemidesign]

+Mira Jr hahahahahah

[@rbela76]

earlier I had this experience step by step, with a low level camera, but what Tony is telling is would save lots of hassle for me back then. all great tutorial, well thought and professional yet very easy to adopt. Gear job guys !

[@CharlesBecket]

Tony, I love your videos but I have to respectfully disagree with you on this one. The photo of Chelsea in the sun, just outside of the pergola offered contrast and looked good. The others were dead flat 1:1 and looked rather lifeless. Keep up the good work. I will continue to tune in. Thanks.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

I'd get a 70-200 f2.8. Tamron, Sigma, and Canon all have good models. The more expensive models are sharper and overall better, but the lower-end models (the Tamron is only $750) get the job done, too. I do recommend the 85mm f1.8 for people on lower budgets, but if you have the cash for the 85 1.2, I'd definitely steer you toward a zoom instead. F/2.8 is generally plenty to blur the background nicely, and the zoom really makes it easy to recompose between headshots, body shots, etc.

[@dwt110]

Remember guys, all of your problems can be solved simply by turning your flash on. World hunger? No biggie. War on terror? Easy peasy! Providing fill light for a portrait photo? Sure it can do that I guess, but a waste of potential.

[@kashminderful]

thank you so much guys ! I learned a lot from your tutorials.They are the best available on youtube !!

[@imtrollingson]

o chelsea :(

[@Ranblv]

After watching many photography videos I ran into this one. Such a relief to see a video with short precise sentences and so eloquently spoken. You should teach how to make howto videos. Off to find your book on amazon.

[@natecollins1715]

Tried to learn about lighting but was mesmorized by that beautiful woman...damn

[@JoseLopez-th1es]

I just love the way you explain things I just got my 5D mark 3 and I went through a lot of videos and you're the only one that I could understand more so thank you very much I will be getting your book

[@lokingloking]

gorgeous face...

[@PhotoshopMeNow]

oh, you!

[@smedz28]

Tony is punching well above his weight

[@danvanbelk1]

You guys are great. I'm right at the start of my photography journey, so I have so much to learn. But your videos are really well put together and your description of even complicated things is easy to understand. Thanks so much for all your hard work in helping us all out. Oh and Chelsea is So pretty, even I could take a great picture of her 😊keep up the good work guys

[@TheRasta25]

Sorry but you have to stop giving us great videos by making her as model , because all 5 min I was looking at her how beautiful she is

[@scottanthony1616]

Thank you for the tips Tony & Chelsea, you couldn't of picked a more Beautiful model, thanks again for all the vlogs. 🌸🌺🌸

[@TonyAndChelsea]

I'd start with an ETTL flash, like the YongNuo 468EX-II. The challenge with the 560 is that it's manual only, which requires you to continually adjust it as lighting conditions change, slowing you down. I use a flash about 20x more often than the diffuser, mostly because it's simply more portable and doesn't require a second person to hold. Good luck!

[@seatbeltdisco]

nice work man. you have a very natural teacher's disposition. keep it up, the more people that get interested in photography the better.

[@ADBvideos]

Thank you for these clear explanations with immediate demonstrations and comparison of portraits with different lighting adjustments. This is a great tutorial video!

[@MiguelMejia]

Oh man, I haven't found a video on KZbin that was as concise and helpful on this topic as this one. Thanks a lot!

[@TheZaydeStation]

I own a D5100 too, and I've gotta say the manager pulled a fast one on you when he said the kit lens would actually be great for portraits. I love portrait photography, and after doing a lot and a lot of research I ended up buying the NIKKOR AF-S 50mm f/1.8G. This one is a lightweight prime lens, isn't too heavy on the wallet and most importantly- produces outstanding portraits with minimal distortion. If you have a bigger budget you can also try a zoom VR lens for better bokeh and versatility.

[@fausto412]

i just love the way he instructs in his videos.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Hey, thanks for writing. Those are the same shots I took during the video (though I snapped a handful each time and picked the best). You're right though, shadows look WAY better than sunlight. The shot in the sun (at 2:05) is at 1/500th, f/2.8, ISO 100. The shot in the shadow (2:35) is at 1/180, f/2.8, ISO 100. I used autoexposure, and apparently the shadow was about 1.5 stops darker than the direct light. If you look, the background does get brighter, but it also changes because she moved.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Pergola, it's a structure people put over their deck or patio to provide some shade. It's like a roof with gaps in it.

[@tothefly]

most informative video on portraits i've seen in a while. you're concise and thats a huge plus. definitely buying your book, thank you.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

TTL with flash exposure compensation, usually -1.5 to .5 stops. I take a test shot and adjust it until I like the results.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Oh, I use evaluative metering for everything. I didn't have to apply any EC; the standard exposure was fine. I did adjust the flash exposure compensation down about 1.5 stops. Thanks for buying the book!! You'll find lots of good information about metering, lighting, and portraits in Chapters 3, 4, and 6.

[@jeffreywillis9313]

Tony, your advice is great; thank you. Chelsea is incredibly photogenic. Beautiful eyes!

[@TonyAndChelsea]

On-camera flash with ETTL. Indoors, with low white ceilings, I'll do a bounce flash with the built-in white card. Outdoors I'll either point the flash directly toward the subject, or I'll put a small softbox on my flash. Chapters 3 and 6 in my book have some good information on flash.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

I love the D800, and it's great for this type of work. I shoot Canon because I've always shot Canon; I have a huge collection of Canon lenses. Canon continues to get the job done, and the differences between Canon and Nikon just aren't significant enough to justify switching systems. If I were buying new, I'd probably grab a D800.

[@saburusakai]

Ditto on the most concise and helpful. I did the first outdoor shoot I'd done in several yrs in the sun, and had forgotten so much of this (the vids of it should be on here in a couple of hrs). I was using my Pentax with the small flash (my airshow cam) rather than my Cannon with the big powerful flash. I can't believe I forgot that much of the basics in the few yrs since I'd done outdoor shoots. I've done some studio work as recent as a yr ago, but that's different world. GREAT vid.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Sorry, just saw this comment. The 70-200 f/2.8 is my portrait lens, and I really can't imagine needing anything other than a standard kit lens for group or wide angle shots. I have a video about lenses on my short list, so look for it soon. I haven't made a video about the menu system on the 5D3, but I should. Thanks for the idea. Mine is in the shop now, but I'll make it when it comes back.

[@tealcsg8]

Great tutorial, great model, great photographer. Thanks.

[@chenththuran]

Tony, I am a photography enthusiast, but like to learn more and move into professional level. I find your videos very helpful. thanks a lot. I already ordered your book on Amazon. Waiting eagerly.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

You might need a neutral density filter if it's really bright... but I've never needed one. Maybe use less flash and let the background be overexposed?

[@Johnnysaintrizz]

hey guys, you need to get this book. im a novice, and bought this books with my canon t3i, and i have been thanking God that i did. this book is incredible! its so easy to understand and so challenging at the same time. i give it 5 stars!....btw, Tony, your model is SO BEAUTIFUL! lol ;) ciao

[@kirayamato10astrike]

Hi Tony, got your book now. I'm a bit crazy looking this here in any bookstores in Taiwan but didn't found it, my last option is amazon so finally, I have it. The book is very simple and detailed and full of technicalities, a novice photographer like me would benefit a lot from this and it educates me in a lot of ways...I'm following your videos...keep posting...

[@Andyvalver]

Nobody is more inspiring than Brian peterson in the photography world

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Aperture priority, f/2.8 and 200mm for background blur. I dial in -1 or -1.5 stops of flash exposure compensation to add a catchlights without washing out the face. ISO 100 whenever I have enough light. I let the camera determine the shutter speed. As long as it's above 1/60th, there won't be any camera shake (thanks to IS) or motion blur. The camera settings are really the least important part of all this. Lighting, composition, posing, hair, makeup, expression, etc. are all more critical.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Thanks! This was in CT, about 2 hours from NYC. NYC is difficult to film in... permits and such.

[@Christophe_L]

Awesome thing you're doing, Tony. I like that you answer to the comments.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

I like the 430EX. It has bounce, ETTL, and plenty of power for portraits, and it's a good price. If you decide to upgrade later, you can still use it as a second flash. Check eBay for used prices and save yourself a few bucks.

[@DanielOrtegoUSA]

Great demo for basic flash photography so thanks for posting! I'm just now getting into off-camera flash which adds more modeling and definition and it's a lot of fun. Oh, one more thing, I agree with others' in that your subject makes the demo much more revealing when the lighting isn't quite right.

[@CraigMansfield]

Very interesting. It made such a big difference. Chelsea is very photogenic.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

That will work, but you need a portrait lens to get that nice background blur. I use a 70-200 f/2.8, or you could get an 85mm f/1.8 to get a similar effect a little cheaper. Your flash is fine; I just use -1.5 to -.5 stops flash exposure compensation. I cover using fill flash in Chapter 3 of my book Stunning Digital Photography and other details of portraiture in Chapter 6 (link in the description). The video is really just to supplement the book.

[@jojipt22]

Most beautiful Photography Couple.. Chelsea is the most gorgeous photographer i've ever seen.. Seeing her pic shots, everyone would love to be a photographer.. :)

[@LuisOTZ]

Great videos. Easy to understand and full of great tips. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Check out the Sigma 70-200 with OS (their version of IS) for $1300, or the Tamron model without IS for $770. If you don't get IS, you just have to be careful to keep your shutter speed high enough to avoid camera shake, which often means using a higher ISO than you would otherwise need, which adds a bit of noise. So, the purpose of IS is really to reduce noise.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

I bought one right after this video and use it for all my newer videos.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

You make a valid point about AE lock, but no, I didn't use it. I just manually adjusted the flash output to taste.

[@DanielOrtegoUSA]

Very helpful and easy to understand. Too often presenters make it look overly complicated. Thanks!

[@lamarcy]

I wanted to learn how to use the settings on the flash and what white balance should one use since this photos have two kinds of light. Do you have a video that talks about that? The video was very informative. Thanks for sharing this info. I’m just starting on this hobby of photography

[@lilmikemike41]

I was originally going to watch the video and take advice. His ending quote changed everything, even earned him a subscription.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

200mm, f/2.8, ISO 100, aperture priority (so shutter speed set automatically). If required, I used high speed sync on the flash. i would only need to use an ND filter if my camera couldn't use a fast enough shutter speed, or if I didn't have high-speed sync. More info in Chapters 3, 4, and 6 of Stunning Digital Photography.

[@ChrisEdgecombePhoto]

I'm a bit late to this video but I found it really clear and informative. Many thanks.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

For these shots, the flash is in TTL mode, -1.5 or -2 stops flash exposure compensation.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Yes, I think it's the best general purpose lens in the Canon lineup. I use the 70-200 f2.8 for most of my commercial photography (where the sharpness really counts), which is why I don't have a 24-70. The 24-70 is definitely sharper, though it lacks IS.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

True that, but full frame matters for portraits not because of megapixels but because of depth of field and low noise, and you can get a used 5D Mark II (my recommendation for a portrait camera) for $1300 now.

[@urvashisthakur]

Tony I am just starting out my photography and each video you have has helped me learn so much. Thank you for the detailed explanations and all the hard work you have put in to help aspiring photographers. Thank you :D hugs

[@bash5995]

No matter where the sun is in these photos, if she is in the picture it will be perfect!

[@rowdyrodb]

Thanks for that Tony....Very good tutorial as usual. Just ordered your book and can't wait.

[@ethanroberts7719]

Informative as always, but so interesting to see a video from a time when it wasn't Tony AND Chelsea behind the camera and instructing.

[@h4x3r101]

I think I'm in love with the model!! GORGEOUS!

[@Mickster2233]

I will use this technique next time I do a photoshoot. Thanks for the simplistic helpful video!

[@jayzippo]

Wonderful video. I have to take images of 20 people outside and this video really helped. Kept it simple and made complete sense. Thanks! PS - I do agree with many of the comments, it would be pretty hard to take a bad picture of Chelsea. She is beautiful and looks to be a very good model too!

[@biyankan.perera.7617]

Great tips for beginner photographers, keep up the good work Tony !

[@rickydelatejera]

Thanks Chelsea. You've made my day! LOL Have a wonderful 2013!! I've been doing photography for quite a long time, but I never get tired of refreshing my knowledge, so it is great to see videos like the ones you and Tony put out. THANK YOU! Muchas gracias!! Greetings from Mexico!!

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Exposure wasn't a problem at all. I shot at f/2.8 and 200mm to get the depth-of-field I wanted.

[@robseale8569]

great tutorials. Chelsea, you are stunning, but I truly appreciate your skills as a photographer and I was working with some of your tutorials on levitation photography with my 8yo and a broom-as a witch. Beyond stunning Chelsea, you taught me something. thank you. I had some quality time with my daughter because of it. (little witch or not-heyyy-I said witch!) hehe. Thanks! Loved the old timey feel of the levitation bit you and tony did. you go girl. Rob

[@AlfredThomaz]

I really love your videos. You both explain the contents very well. So i have ordered your book, though it was twice the price, due to international shipping. I hope it will teach me more about photography :) Thumbs up for both Northups!!

[@AlfredThomaz]

MeqanichHD I recommend you to buy it. It is kind of an investment. It includes free digital copy after registration. Digital copy gets free updation, whenever they release a newer version for this book. They even have a facebook community where you can post your photos and get reviewed. Its easy to understand and it includes links to video tutorials(nearly 7 hours). I haven't finished the book, it is taking time as i am practicing while reading. Overall you won't regret buying this book if you are a beginner and if you are into reading(or else i guess they have DVD tutorial)

[@AlfredThomaz]

This book doesn't contains a DVD or CD, it has links to the videos(online). When you pass the registration process,[ie.,when they confirm that you bought the book(a photo of you holding the book)] you can access the digital copy. And about the facebook community, its a closed group. Entry restricted to the people who owns the book. Thus registration is first and important process. The DVD i was talking about, you can find it here sdpcommunity.com/index.php?/store/product/21-4-dvd-set-beginning-photography/ and it is standalone.

[@captainswing5408]

Hi Tony, Hi Clelsea I've been looing for this video for a long time.. Both you were young like teenagers (lol).. Thanks again for all you're doing, it's very helpful Keep moving Peace and love

[@Zaloomination]

This was exactly the kind of advice I was looking for. Thank you very much!

[@DreamsCatcher101]

Good choice of model. Absolutely stunning.

[@hitgucvkj]

hey mate, just wanna say i find your tutorial really really really helpful indeed. I went and bought your book off amazon and liked it alot :D. thanks for putting out great work!

[@bahgatmalek5540]

Great video and Tony is an excellent photographer/Teacher.

[@TonyAndChelsea]

Thanks!

[@rodrigocarino8179]

excellent video! I'm learning photography and I was wondering if there is any proper flash for outdoors or indoors, what's the difference and what's diffuse. Thanks for taking the time to post that video.