Pic Know How: Off Camera Flash: Six easy steps for under $250

©John Parmley

It has been quite a while since I have been able post. But we have had a wonderful summer and early fall shooting seniors. I am also seeing many pictures being posted online showing amateur photos of seniors and kids. There is one common issue that I am seeing across all of them.

The flash is still on the camera.

If you want to take the look and feel of your images to the next level GET THE FLASH OFF THE CAMERA!

This can be a scary proposition, but trust me that you won’t regret it. The costs are coming down that make this a no brainer once you realize the benefits.

So if you are currently shooting all your portraits with the flash on the camera, take these steps to move your photography forward. Do it for under $250.

(These steps are for Canon. The steps are the same for others, the equipment you need is just your camera’s make version).

Step 1. Get a Speedlite (Flash): You need a Speedlite that can be fired remotely. And while you can take many of them and connect wireless receivers, Don’t! Get a Speedlite with the wireless receiver built in. This gives you two choices. A) Canon 600 EX RT @ $499 or B) Yongnuo YN600EX-RT @$114. Which one do you need? Depends on what you do. Are you shooting weddings or doing a lot of work? If so, get the Canon. Just shooting Seniors, kids and family and low volumes? Get the Yongnuo. On a very tight budget? Get the Yongnuo.

Step 2. Get a wireless transmitter: Again, you have two choices and it is independent of what you chose in Step 1. A) Canon St-E3-RT @ $299 or B) Yongnuo YN-E3-RT @$79. Which one do you get? They both work well. While I am hardcore staying with Canon on most items, Yongnuo did this one better. The Canon version does not have the infrared focus assist and the Yongnuo does. This makes a huge difference in low light situations. The Yongnuo build is a little less quality, but I have used them in high profile weddings lasting all day with zero problems. I actually have one of each and only pull the Canon Version out when I have a second shooter. Either will fire both brands of speedlites.

Step 3. Get a light stand: For amateurs, avoid paying for the expensive stands. You can find 7’ stands for as little as $25 on eBay.

Step 4: Get a flash Hot Shoe Umbrella holder: This sits on top of the light stand and allows you to mount a flash and an umbrella / soft box to it. These start at $10.

Step 5: Get an umbrella. These are available starting at $8. I would spend a little more. These can be very cheap and break with use and wind. Get a few. If you are just starting out with off camera flash, start with the umbrella. It is forgiving for misplacement. Migrate to a soft box (starting at $50) after you have learned how to master the umbrella.

Step 6 (Optional): Get a battery pack for your Speedlite. This will improve the flash recycle times if you are shooting shoots quickly. This is a MUST for weddings. I have only used the Canon version but others exist. Canon CP-E4n @ $199 or Phottix @ $75.

This will get you started to improving your photography. Let me know if you have any questions.

Here are some examples with this exact setup……..Enjoy.