In this episode, Mark goes to “battle” against harsh light and an ugly background for an outdoor portrait. He’ll show you 5 quick tips to get a great portrait out of nearly any situation.
Gear used in this video
Category Archives: Speedlights
White Background
In this episode, Mark answers one of his most popular questions – how do I get a white background? Mark will demonstrate how to get that crisp, shadowless background with Speedlights, as well as with only one light.
The key to this technique is understanding the Inverse Squre Law and where to position both the light and your subject.
Gear used in this video
- Fujifilm X-PRO1 Digital Camera Body, 16.3 Megapixel, APS-C X-Trans CMOS Sensor, 3.0″ LCD Monitor, Hi-Speed USB 2.0
- Fujifilm XF 60mm (90mm) F/2.4 Lens
- Savage Seamless Background Paper, 107″ wide x 50 yards, Super White, #1
- PocketWizard Plus III Transceiver #801-130
- Matthews Baby Junior Triple Riser Stand with Wheels,
- Nikon SB-900 TTL AF Shoe Mount Speedlight
- Sekonic L-758DR DigitalMaster, Programmable Digital Flash & Ambient Exposure Meter
- Canon Speedlite 580EX II, Shoe Mount Flash with Guide Number of 190 Feet / 58m at ISO 100, U.S.A. Warranty
- Westcott 7 Feet Silver Parabolic Umbrella
- Interfit Photographic Umbrella Holder with Hotshoe Adapter
- Westcott Pro 8′ Free Sliding Lightstand with 5/8 Mounting Stud, 4 Sections with 3 Risers, Black Anodized
- Adorama 40″ Silver Interior Umbrella with Removable Black Cover
- Profoto 2×2′ RFi Softbox, Square
Shooting on a White Wall
In this episode, Mark teaches you how to use a light modifier that most people have – a white wall! Using the white wall to bounce the light, Mark will demonstrate lighting setups using studio strobes and speedlights.
Gear used in this video
- Profoto D1 1000 Watt Second Air Monolight Flash with Built-in Reflector & Power Cable, Coated Flash Tube
- Profoto Acute2R 1200 Pro Value Pack
- Profoto Softbox 4×6′
- Nikon D3S Body Only
- Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G AF-S VR II Zoom-Nikkor ED-IF Lens
- PocketWizard Plus III Transceiver #801-130
- Benro A2690TBH1 Travel Angel Aluminum Tripod
- Westcott Photo Basics 40″ 5-in-1 Collapsible Reflector Kit with Case, Reflector Holder Arm & Stand
- Interfit Photographic Umbrella Holder with Hotshoe Adapter
- Nikon SB-910 TTL AF Shoe Mount Speedlight
Parking Lot Studio
In this episode Mark Wallace shows you how to build a high key lighting setup in a parking lot. Mark uses foam core panels and light stands to create shade and control the light. A white background is illuminated by the sun to create a Richard Avedon style photograph. This can be done with or without an on-camera flash.
Gear used in this video
- Matthews 5 lb. Cordura Sandbag with Sand, Black
- Savage Nucor, Plain Uncoated Foam Mount Board, 40×60″, Pack of 12 Boards
- Matthews Full Apple Box – 12x8x20″
- Permacell Gaffer Tape 25 Yards x 2″- Black
- Westcott Pro 8′ Free Sliding Lightstand with 5/8 Mounting Stud, 4 Sections with 3 Risers, Black Anodized
- Savage Seamless Background Paper, 107″ wide x 50 yards, Super White, #1
- Bogen Black Free Standing Background Support System, with Crossbar & Stands
- Canon EOS-5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera Body
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM AutoFocus Telephoto Zoom Lens with Case & Hood
- Canon Speedlite 580EX II
Constant Light Versus Flash
In this episode Mark walks through the differences between using constant light and light from a flash. Join Mark in the studio for a hands-on demonstration that shows how constant light produces different results than light coming from a flash.
Gear used in this video
- Nikon D3S Body Only
- Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G AF-S VR II Zoom-Nikkor ED-IF Lens
- PocketWizard Plus III Transceiver #801-130
- Manfrotto 055XPROB Black Tripod Legs
- Manfrotto Midi Ball Head 498 with RC2 Rapid Connect Plate
- Matthews Baby Junior Triple Riser Stand with Wheels,
- Profoto Acute2R 1200 Pro Value Pack
- Photoflex Litedome Platinum, Large 36″ x 48″ Softbox
- Arri 650/3 Compact Fresnel Kit with 3 650 Watt Plus Fresnel Tungsten Lights, Bulbs, Accessories, & Wheeled Case – 1,950 Watts, 120 Volts.
- Quantum Turbo SC Slim Compact Battery Power Pack
- Quantum Cable CK-E2 for Turbo Battery
Built-in Light Meter (Part 2 of Light Stick and Speedlights)
In this week’s episode, the second part of Episode 230, Mark shows you how to activate the built-in light meter in your speedlight for use on a lightstick. Watch as Mark shows you how this technique allows you to use any brand flash with any brand camera!
Gear used in this video
- Induro AM14 Alloy 8M AM-Series 4-Section Monopod, Extends to 57.6″, Supports 17.6 lbs.
- Benro A48F Classic Monopod – Aluminum Flip Lock Leg
- Lastolite 24″ x 24″ Ezybox Hot Shoe Softbox Kit with Mark II Bracket
- PocketWizard FlexTT5 Transceiver Radio Slave for Nikon i-TTL
- PocketWizard FlexTT5 Transceiver for Canon DSLR
- Pocket-Wizard Plus II Auto Sensing Smart Transceiver
- PocketWizard MiniTT1 Transmitter for Canon DSLR
- PocketWizard MiniTT1 Radio Slave Transmitter for Nikon i-TTL
- PocketWizard Locking PC to Miniphone
- Adorama Stud Adapter Set ” Female & Male 1/4X & 3/8″ Stud
- Interfit Photographic Umbrella Holder with Hotshoe Adapter
- Quantum Turbo SC Slim Compact Battery Power Pack
- Quantum Cable CK-E2 for Turbo Battery
- Quantum Cable CZ2 Canon Cable for Turbo Battery
- Canon Speedlite 580EX II
- Nikon SB-910 TTL AF Shoe Mount Speedlight
- Nikon SB-900 TTL AF Shoe Mount Speedlight, Guide Number 132 – Gray Market
- Nikon D3S Body Only
- Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G AF-S VR II Zoom-Nikkor ED-IF Lens
- Nikon D7000 Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-105mm DX VR Lens
- Canon EOS-5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera Body
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM AutoFocus Telephoto Zoom Lens with Case & Hood
- Canon EOS Rebel T3i Digital SLR Camera, 18 Megapixels, Full HD Movie Mode, Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens
Light Stick and Speedlights: Pt. 1
In this week’s episode Mark shows you how to make a light stick and trigger off-camera speedlights. Watch as Mark builds a light stick on set and then takes you to the park for a demonstration.
Gear used in this video
- Induro AM14 Alloy 8M AM-Series 4-Section Monopod, Extends to 57.6″, Supports 17.6 lbs.
- Benro A48F Classic Monopod – Aluminum Flip Lock Leg
- Lastolite 24″ x 24″ Ezybox Hot Shoe Softbox Kit with Mark II Bracket
- PocketWizard FlexTT5 Transceiver Radio Slave for Nikon i-TTL
- PocketWizard FlexTT5 Transceiver for Canon DSLR
- Pocket-Wizard Plus II Auto Sensing Smart Transceiver
- PocketWizard MiniTT1 Transmitter for Canon DSLR
- PocketWizard MiniTT1 Radio Slave Transmitter for Nikon i-TTL
- PocketWizard Locking PC to Miniphone
- Adorama Stud Adapter Set ” Female & Male 1/4X & 3/8″ Stud
- Interfit Photographic Umbrella Holder with Hotshoe Adapter
- Quantum Turbo SC Slim Compact Battery Power Pack
- Quantum Cable CK-E2 for Turbo Battery
- Quantum Cable CZ2 Canon Cable for Turbo Battery
- Canon Speedlite 580EX II
- Nikon SB-910 TTL AF Shoe Mount Speedlight
- Nikon SB-900 TTL AF Shoe Mount Speedlight, Guide Number 132 – Gray Market
- Nikon D3S Body Only
- Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G AF-S VR II Zoom-Nikkor ED-IF Lens
- Nikon D7000 Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-105mm DX VR Lens
- Canon EOS-5D Mark II Digital SLR Camera Body
- Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM AutoFocus Telephoto Zoom Lens with Case & Hood
- Canon EOS Rebel T3i Digital SLR Camera, 18 Megapixels, Full HD Movie Mode, Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II Lens
Using a Flash in the Sun
In this week’s episode Mark answers the question, “Why are you using a flash when shooting outside in bright sunlight?”
Gear used in this video
Outdoor Speedlight Portraits
In this episode Mark shows you how you can control your speed light for some creative exposure options when shooting outside.
(This is the first episode of Season Two and that’s why the numbers have changed from episode 75 to 201. There are no “missing” episodes between 75 and 201.)
Gear used in this video
Rear Curtain Sync
In this episode Mark will show how some cameras offer the ability to fire the flash at just before the second curtain closes. This is called rear or second curtain sync and it is used to freeze motion at the end of the exposure. When making long exposures while firing a flash rear curtain sync creates the effect of motion blur trailing the main subject.
Gear used in this video