How to Put Studio Flash for Outdoor Photography

A flash unit works as a fill light, correctly exposing the back-lit subject.

Photography flash units are typically used indoors for studio portraiture, in which even, controlled lighting is a key requirement for perfectly exposed images. However, studio flash units can be used outdoors, especially as a fill flash for back-lit portraits – without a fill flash, the subject of the image would be under-exposed. Using flash units outdoors is also useful for low-light situations, such as enclosed, shady areas or shooting at dusk.

Things You'll Need

• Flash stand or tripod (optional)
• Flash diffuser or lightbox (optional)

Instructions

1. Decide on a location for the flash unit. If you want a front fill light for a back-lit exposure, the flash will be directly in front of the subject, pointed directly at the back light source. If you need a side fill, the flash unit will be slightly to the side of the subject.

2. Place the flash stand or tripod on the flattest, most stable surface available, if you are using one. Some stands or tripods have retractable feet that pull back to reveal spikes; if so, retract the feet and push the spikes into the ground for additional stabilization.

3. Mount the flash unit on the stand or tripod. If you are using a flash gun instead of a tripod, mount the flash unit on the flash gun.

4. Place the flash diffuser or softbox on the flash unit, if you are using a flash modifier.

5. Set your camera to manual mode.

6. Point the camera at the subject’s background and hold the shutter button down halfway to meter the exposure. Metering the exposure for the background instead of the subject will ensure that the background isn’t over-exposed and blown out in the final image. Adjust the shutter speed and aperture until the exposure meters to “+0.”

7. Adjust the flash unit’s aperture value to match the camera’s correct metering.

8. Compose the shot and take the picture.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use a slower or faster shutter speed or different aperture value to under- or over-expose the background, to emphasize the subject.

References

• Photography Monthly; Use Flash to Highlight Your Outdoor Portraits; Will Cheung; January 2009
• Photo Tuts+; An Introduction to Outdoor Flash Photography; Diana Eftaiha; December 2010

Resources

• GentlEye Imagery; Advanced Flash Tips for Outdoor Photographers; Rob Kleine
• "Understanding Photography Field Guide"; Bryan Peterson; 2009