Over the past month or so, I've been putting together an off-camera flash setup. It's quite complex in as far as understanding how everything works. You see, the camera must have a way to trigger the flashes that are not physically attached to it, and oh yeah, this all has to happen in 1/250 of a second. Fortunately, some Chinese engineers have solved that problem with the D-8P wireless trigger system. Essentially, you mount the transmitter to your camera's hot shoe, and when you take a photo, it sends a radio signal to the receivers (attached to your flash), which fires the flash. Really it's like a remote control car - you press forward on the stick and the car goes. Same idea here.
But you still have to control the light output of the flashes. If you can't do that, your system isn't worth much, because what good is it to have your own light if you can't control it? Photography is all about light - balance, shadow, key light, high lights, position, etc. So the biggest advantage of off-camera flash is the photographer's ability to completely control the light. Then it's all in the hands of the photographer - me. You can read about the properties and behavior of light all you want, but as with anything, it's always illustrated best by trying it out.
That's a little bit about what I've been working on - understanding light and how to use it. I'm very much still learning. But below are a few of my first attempts - Jase Vann's Mustang GT, and Carson and his French bulldog, Gus. There will be much more to come as I venture more into shooting portraits and engagements...
Sell photos on photrade | By BradleyMiller
Sell photos on photrade | By BradleyMiller
Sell photos on photrade | By BradleyMiller
Sell photos on photrade | By BradleyMiller
Sell photos on photrade | By BradleyMiller
Sell photos on photrade | By BradleyMiller
Sell photos on photrade | By BradleyMiller
Sell photos on photrade | By BradleyMiller
Sell photos on photrade | By BradleyMiller
