5 Off-Camera Flash Techniques Every New Photographer Needs to Know

Welcome to this comprehensive tutorial, where Pye Jirsa will guide you through 5 essential tips for mastering off-camera flash photography, tailored specifically for beginners.

Shoot with Manual Flash Power
If you're struggling with inconsistent lighting, ditch the automatic settings like ETTL or TTL and switch to Manual Flash Power. This allows for consistent power output with each shot, enhancing your ability to understand flash settings. The key takeaway is to recognize the difference between low power settings like 1/64 and high settings like 1/1, which is full power.

The Inverse Square Law Explained
When positioning your off-camera flash, understanding the inverse square law is critical. The law outlines how light intensity diminishes as you move your light source further from the subject. It’s particularly useful for shooting groups of people, ensuring everyone is evenly lit. If you're a beginner in flash photography, this concept is essential for setting up your lights correctly.

Soft Light vs Hard Light: The Role of Modifiers
Light texture is another key element. Whether you prefer soft or hard light, the MagMod brand of modifiers like the MagBox Pro 42” Octa or MagBox Pro 24” Octa offers the versatility you need. These modifiers help you control the quality of light based on the distance and size of your light source. For instance, if you're using a MagBox Pro 42” Octa, keep it 42”-84” away from your subject for the softest light possible.

Add Some Color to Your Flash Photography
Creating dynamic scenes often means playing with color. Using color gels like MagMod Pro Gels can transform an otherwise mundane shot into something visually spectacular. Whether using a single hue or a mix of colors, gels offer endless creative possibilities.

Mastering Multi-Light Setups in Off-Camera Flash Photography
As you get more comfortable with a single off-camera flash, consider adding a second one for more dynamic compositions. You can play with ratios, setting one flash at full power and the other at half power to create contrast and add depth to your photos. A good starting point is to use your second flash as a rim light, effectively carving your subjects out from the background.

By the end of this tutorial, you'll have a solid foundation in off-camera flash techniques, from understanding manual flash power to multi-light setups.

00:00 Intro
00:30 First Tip: Use Manual Flash Power
04:00 Second Tip: Inverse Square Law
07:04 Third Tip: Getting Hard Light vs Soft Light
10:08 Fourth Tip: Adding Color
12:23 Fifth Tip: Multi Flash Setup
15:03 Final Image Results