NATURAL LIGHT vs OFF CAMERA FLASH- A Shocking Difference! 

Personally I love the pov style tutorials! It helps show your thought process more than if you were to just have someone filming you, which helps me get more out of the video.

+1 for more GoPro! Your commentary on what you're looking for - the light, the surroundings, the composition, the posing, etc - that's where the gold is Keep it up Manny

I've used off camera flash for many years and prefer it to natural light photography. It adds a dimensionality that you don't get with natural light. You did a good job in this video of comparing the two light sources in essentially the same location. For me, if for some reason I want to use natural light I pretty much 100% utilize a reflector because, in a way, like off camera flash, it adds that third dimension that's lacking with strictly using natural light.

My business quadrupled since I learn how to use off camera flash with my outside portraits. Nobody in my area uses off-camera flash except for in the studio. And I know a bunch of the photographers and none of them want to learn how. Yes it’s a pain in the butt learning because every spot is different with your settings. You can use a light meter but I’ve learned over the past two years to set my background first and I have a pretty good idea on what power setting I need for my strobe light. For super sunny days I use the Ad1200 pro and for the rest I use my 2 ad600’s by godox. Learning off camera flash has been so rewarding because you can do so much with it adding colored flash in the background and throw in a fog machine and you got some cool creepy awesome spectacular photos. The opportunities to create stunning images with multiple flashes is endless. I can’t get enough of it.

I liked the natural lighting, but I get what you mean about appearing flat. That flash really makes a difference, and she’s a perfect model to use for these videos. I’m definitely learning a lot from you.

Honestly I feel like nowadays anybody can take amazing photos using natural light with a little bit of practice. Using and mastering off camera flash is the one of the best ways to stand out from other photographers since most know very little on how to properly use strobes.

Dope!! Thanks Manny! Both ways were fire! 👍 it’s better to have a vast knowledge of the two. The go pro route works! Please do what’s convenient for you at the time of filming, any which way you are still sharing very useful info to us (which we all appreciate 🙂 )Thanks again Manny

I agree everyone should try to know both. I will you flash in studio and at night during shoots inside outside. In my opinion (doesn’t hold much weight) I think if flash outdoors is done perfectly you don’t know there was a flash there. When using outdoor flash often times the background is darker that it should be and it’s a giveaway and some of those images look over processed. I personally would lean more toward flat rather than over processed. I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer, this is art and everything is an opinion.

Damn that off camera flash is 🔥

I love natural light but flash is way better I could control the output! 🎥📸

I can see that most photographers out there seem to prefer natural light more than OFC, but i for one love the outcome of OFC. It is definitely different & makes the subject stand out, and most importantly for me (just like u said in the video), with OFC, u can create whatever style u like with good lighting on the subject, regardless of how harsh or soft the natural is, the flash can overpower the sun.

❤️I’m really LOVING these POV videos. Thank you 🙏

having the leaf shutter in the X100V really makes this so much easier, not having to jump in HSS and waste so much power.

Excellent comparison… honestly… this made me want to get my flash photography chops up. In some of the comparisons I found I liked the natural light better like the shot at 3:33…. But honestly… knowing how to utilize flash photography for portraits is invalueable… thanks again manny!

So I been doing photography as hobby for a few years now and there are moments where I would prefer natural lighting to flash. This video is just a comparison between natural lighting and off camera flash. It is very informative and I've seen you take pictures with natural lighting when you're serious. I hardly use flash outside but I'm definitely interested in doing it more often. Amazing photos as always. Also not sure which perspective I enjoy more. The first person GoPro or having a videographer follow you around but its nice change of pace. Kinda get a better understanding of how your mind works when it comes to composition.

When you "Pay" you get models like her. When you do TFP you get all the wannabe newbies who never come with any homework done. Its not the camera its the subject!

Depending on the various locations you chose, I don't think either solution is better than the other. Depends. Nice pics as always!

I first started using flash about 3 years ago I think. It's one of the most exciting things about photography nowadays for me. It's just incredible what you can create with light and to have all that control!

Manny! seriously dude. you don't need to explain yourself. just keep doing what you do your way. you have already inspired many but you wont inspire all. Haters will always hate that's their job

I view your videos as informational or educational, not artistic. I don't think the quality of the video you're producing matters too much. Record them as you wish. The GoPro strapped to your chest also shows what you're doing with the camera, trigger, strobe(s), and model. Having someone filming you isn't going to show these elements.

Good job ... but may i suggest doing a video about on-camera flash ... since most people won't have an assistant holding a flash. I want to see what magic you can produce either on camera or holding the flash yourself.

Sony A1, EOS R3, Nikon Z9, etc. What is the next level/name/type of camera after this, what are they called?

Whenever I see a pro who doesn't use on or off camera flash. It's either they do not know how or don't bother to learn flash. I cringe a lot when I see a photographer natural light a whole wedding or event. It makes you wonder how these guys can call themselves professionals. Photography is about light and unless your body is a source of light, then every pro photographer needs to learn flash. Biggest mistake of 90% of photographers is thinking that it's all about low light cameras or 1.2 lenses whereas light is the greatest equalizer regardless of gear choice. I appreciate this video very much and thank you for opening the eyes of the community!

OFC is definitely more flexible. But it's not really suitable for street photography. For modeling, fashion and other styles OGC is the way to go.

I’m more a natural light guy but I think that’s mainly because I hate having a bunch of equipment on me on shoots. still love the off camera flash look though 😍

The thing is, natural light is just too limiting. Off camera flash u can shoot almost all situations. And natural light without any DoF will look just like a phone camera.

Great video.. the natural photos was great, buy the flash photos was next level... crazy how much of difference

Great video. I liked all the O.C.F shots. And I am ok with whatever way you shot bts. I watch your videos pretty much for shot angles, techniques, and how you setup shots for whoever is being photographed.

Someone correct me if im wrong, but in Adobe Lightroom, especially with the new masking features, can’t you mimic the effects of flash by subject selection + inversion and playing with the exposure, shadows, and highlights?

How to use off camera flash when you got no one to hold the dam thing?

Keep Moving Forward Manny ... I Love your Content Thank you for sharing Resources...

well you could've increased the contrast on natural light and darken the background a bit and the result would be more comparable. also, flash is mostly interesting in direct sunlight with ugly shadows

Once again you proved that, you don't need crazy ass bokeh to take good pictures ... Loving these kind of POV videos... Keep making them❤❤❤

I love your work and I’ve learned so much from you. Thank you. I like the gopro style. If that can increase your output, go for it!

I was someone that preferred natural lighting, however I think it was because I never understood OCF photography. These pics look amazing and encourages me to go out there and take some pics! Amazing work

In the thumbnail at least I prefer the natural light much more

Great tips as always!

Great photos!!!! Video quality is great, as long you include actual /edited photos I'm happy!

I prefer shooting with flash with portrait photography as this has often saved the photo with bad lighting conditions where the image was saved in RAW through photoshop processing.

she looks great and the photos are sick!!!

The switch to go pro is so cool and def makes things easier for you as well! I like it loads and I enjoyed this video. Great comparison of light.

I enjoy both types of videos. The POV is great though cus seeing your process from your perspective is dope. Make it easier on yourself and keep pumping out pics. Your work is fire.

Manny, those photos with the flash looked sooo good! I want to go out and buy one RIGHT NOW!!

I have been watching your videos for several years. I don't usually comment but wanted to drop a line to say that I like your POV videos. I am a wedding photographer and have wanted to get into creating some RU-vid content but never did because bring another videographer to a wedding to focus on me would be awkward and cost prohibitive. Using your gopro on the chest mount seems like it could be a great possibility. Keep the POV coming!

Хороший выпуск. Фотки 👍💪. Модель красотка. С накамерной вспышкой можно такое снять? Хотя бы примерно так.

I LOVE THE VID this gave me what i need to know for a shoot next week. btw kayla is the best model 😂

I think we sometimes forget how maybe a decade ago, nobody was using strobes. It was mastering natural light, it’s direction, what you can use to bounce that natural light, etc. this isn’t my opinion of you, but most people who use strobes on location, rely heavily on the pop that it provides, and then go hard in post production. Most, and I’m not saying you, cannot tell a story. Me growing up in NYC has allowed me to know what natural elements I will use to get the shot, no matter the time of day. Photography is about art and storytelling…not about gear. For example, I know that you enjoy shooting wide open. So that eliminates any other elements of storytelling in the foreground or background, making the only conversation depth of field and lighting. Mind you, I own two photography studios, but when I’m in my streets, just my camera and my surroundings, that’s when true storytelling begins. Embrace what Mother Nature gives you 😉

Honestly I like the natural light photos better. Maybe because I see much more natural light photos, what my eyes are used to. Photos with the flash looks like more for magazine front pages, not for facebook / insta. Great job btw :) Gopro works perfectly fine in my opinion.

The go pro is a great idea. I’m about to get one for bts for shoots.

The GoPro thing works great.

I do both, I think natural light can look more artsy or creative if you have good editing skills, plus more movement and less setup. Most people don't have assistants. Flash has that professional 3d pops look, but gets boring at times. when everybody is doing it now. A little fill light doesn't hurt, and I don't like to see grains, but I do when others do it...

I love when you work with Elizabeth. She is so vivacious. Full of life, and absolutely gorgeous!

You should keep making these pov videos there cool!

Has Fuijfilm been handing out the x100v to RU-vidrs for free or something? In the two weeks - I've seen several popullar photography RU-vidrs suddenly using it for shoots. Seems like it's secretly sponsored - especially because you cannot buy the camera anywhere right now. I get that scarcity creates demand, but why are they marketing this camera so hard when they can't sell ANY of it? Lovely shoot as usual Manny. I wish Off-Camera flash was easier to travel with as a solo shooter without the assistance of another person - but it no doubt looks fire in these images you got.

love the POV style of videos you've been doing Manny, the perspective is awesome. Don't be discouraged either, your natural lighting vs off camera flash videos are a learning tool for us so for those that don't understand that then that's their problem. Keep making them! Also, this question is to both you and any other photographers who've invested in the Westcott lighting ecosystem. I'm still fairly new to flash photography but I love it, I've been in love with the Fj400 for sometime now and almost bought it last month but opted to get a godox v860iii and the xpro trigger instead because I needed another speedlight. A part of me still wants to go Westcott at some point if it makes sense. However the godox ecosystem seems to offer more terms of the variety of flashes. Also I'm still shooting on my canon m50 and the godox system with the xpro trigger allows me all shooting modes where as the Westcott system even though all brands of cameras can work with the trigger, A lot of cameras are only limited to shooting manual mode. Now that's not so much of an issue for me right this moment since i prefer to shoot manual mode anyway because I love moody tones with my lighting. But I'm thinking for the future. I'm a hybrid shooter and am also looking to get my hands on the lumix s5 this year as an upgrade.

Hi Manny, loved the video and especially the end segment. As someone that’s just starting as a photographer, and RU-vidr, I think that what your showing people is amazing. Haters are gunna hate, it’s the unfortunate name of the game (but I know you are aware of that). I think to stand out from all the people that are on RU-vid, doing POV photography, and trying to become a well known name, the personality of the person is what makes them standout or not. You have a very wise, fatherly, at ease, and helpful personality that makes you stand out from others so much. I’m not saying that there aren’t other RU-vidrs that share similar qualities, but the levels of your qualities make you stand out from others for sure. I hope you’re doing well Manny, and thank you for being a great educator and inspiration to me and so many others. Keep on doing what your doing. 😊

People complaining should shut up, you are showing both formats, they can like what they want. It is a creative thing. As to gopros, l am happy to see gopro or 360 camera footage of behind the scenes, as long as the photos are shown sooc and edited. Which is why most are here. If a BTS person is available yeah, up the production. But it is the learning that is important.

Eh, I’m a cinema guy. Flash looks way too fake and artificial in my opinion. May be preferred for some commercial work, but it’s a different look. They have different purposes, but look wise, I’m always going natural.

I love using both natural light and strobes!! Amazing video my friend

I don't have off camera flash, I just know how to shoot with flash in my camera and natural light. This video made me fix my desire to buy my lights

i definitely prefer a half way point when either isn't ideal. I don't personally like the look of a photo when it's obvious it is a flash. even when some pro photographers think it's pro looking. I can't stand it myself. I think most of these shots in the video do a nice job of simply using the flash to properly expose the background with the subject. and sometimes it can enhance the subject depth and make things look great. but i'd prefer natural with a good background to overly flashy myself. like at 3:33 i definitely prefer the natural light. the second shot might look more properly exposed overall, or more artistic, but it looks so unnatural to me i find it distracting. whereas 4:06 looks natural but more enhanced overall than the actual natural light shot... so it just depends on the shot and what you're going fo. great video though!

POV stuff rules. Prefer it as it reals super real.. keep it up!

I absolutely do not mind the gopro POV. I actually prefer it I think. It's all about the content anyway right? Good shit Manny. One of these days I'll pull the trigger on your modifier.

Thanks Manny, the comparison was an eye opener for me. I see you and Brandon Cole use these lights inside and outside but I didn't really know why. I'm a beginner with an A7iv with a 85mm 1.4, your pictures are a great inspiration. And if anyone has something bad to say about this video , let it be know that your fans are ready to fight. Keep doing your thing Bro.

Can you make more street photography vids? I'm fascinated how you do it.

I do both, I love flash and love natural light. But the flash does make your work stand out if you know how to use it. And that does take practice. Love this video 👍

On your Fujifilm X100V, you set a function button to the "Preview Exp./WB In Manual Mode." When using flash, once you've set your exposure for the background, this function button will allow you to view your subject without seeing the actual exposure settings. The Sony and Canon Cameras do automatically when you attach a trigger or flash to the hot shoe (when the device turns on).

Manni....love your work man ....but really? LOL. Its a shocking difference because you are not in the right spot to get a beautiful natural light portrait. Also you need to sell your product i get it. But these types of comparisons are really not useful or pleasant to watch for any serious photographer. Also some of the shots are way better W/O your flash.

Just to let you know, I bought a cage for my R5 and installed a nato rail. Then I got a nato rail adapter and then I put an aluminum phone holder on that. Now you can actually Livestream in POV mode. Fyi.

How we in the same city and I never catch you out 😮‍💨 . Love The Work 📸

I'm a photographier.I would like you to help me for thé quality if m'y shoot. Please Mr.

It looks like a very bright day, were you syncing above 250 using HSS or hasn’t the 100v got a leaf shutter?

Can anyone mention exact settings for each photo taken ? Manny is the reason I decided to buy a flash and learn how to use it correctly!

Great shots Manny.m I shoot Leica SL2S and Fuji XT4 for shooting. What is the complete list I would need to shoot with Umbrella,Stand and trigger. Which units of the previous should I buy.

Filming with the GoPro is absolutely fine. Content counts! In combination with Atomos Ninja viewfinder recordings, it's a nice and easy to go with setup for quality BTS footage! At least in my opinion... :-)

If we disregard the question which one looks better, let me add that not all can afford such lights, not to mention an assistant. One of the many-many reasons I totally stopped making portrait photography and went with birding/wildlife :D Great vlog, the model is godlike!

What’s your recommend off flash. I already spent like 5 grand on a camera and about 2 lenses (apart from the lense kit on the A7IV. I also bought a 35 mm GM and the Zeiss 50mm F1.8. Any off camera flash that doesn’t cost close to 1000 dollars?

Did u set trigger on hss ? Im looking for trigger flash (up to ¹/4000) jas support LS like x100v...if we use trigger with hss feature is usless for LS system🙏🏿

Hi Manny I am big fan of Photography and being so much in love with your videos. I subscribed and added the notification bell to get new videos. I am from Papua New Guinea. I have been wishing to become a photographer one fine day. I have my profession though. I am medical officer and currently doing my residency. I have a Canon EOS Rebel T6 which I used to get photos. I am looking forward to buy one DSLR or Mirrorless camere in the near future. I would appreciate it very much if you can assist how to get a new camera or used camera. Thank you You reply will be highly appreciated. 🙏🙏

7:35 - Damn what a change of tone. I get you though. 10:30 - I don't mind the quality at all via the GoPro, it feels more real. I would consider looking at "HK Visuals" way of "passive filming." He's an English-speaking French photographer who uses a 360 cam in a very interesting way that doesn't get in the way of his shooting. I would strongly consider using that as a B-roll camera. I think you'll like it especially when in a studio setting.

Ofc to me gives a more professional and dynamic look but you can get the same with natural light depending on time of day

It's totally working with gopro, having a videographer is nice but I'd rather have more of what you know than trendy transitions in the video.

Hey Manny, just do it with your GoPro Style, absolutely enough for looking at your workflow... please do more stuff like this..!!!

I enjoy your videos Mr Ortiz, I enjoy the points and suggestions you bring, also the ladies are beautiful, the use of flash is important when necessary. Thank you 😃😃😃

Continue with the GoPro setup. I just returned from Colombia without an assistant, 1 FJ200 and tons of natural light. A real challenge. Thanks !

I used to be scared of OCF, but my work has become so much better since conquering that fear. Also, can someone clone Elizabeth so we can all work with such an amazing model? 🤷🏼‍♂️

great video! any tips on portable solution using off camera flash on location without assistant please?

Cool video. The natural light just looks natural. The flash has that pop that looks unnatural. They are cool just not something that would happen in reality.

I think the GoPro does a nice job. But be careful that you don’t start making POV style videos that are too long! For example, I love Pierre T. lambert, the images he creates and his positive vibes, but he started making hour long POV style vids which is pretty boring and the reason I stopped looking at his content months ago. So that would be my advice.. also, don’t try to make more vids, just keep the subject interesting and keep the quality the same as you do now. Cheers!

Im surprise there isn't some sorta ETTL for underexposing the background and lighting your subject.

Manny, I never hear you speak of using ND filters in your videos.. Is this a true statement? But while you were photographing her in the alley next to a trashcan - you mentioned something about an ND filter. Can you expound of that? The reason I am asking is because I'm supposed to do my first photoshoot with a young woman where I'm expecting similar environmental situations. I would really appreciated it if you could respond at your earliest convenience.

I like both in different circumstance. But this wasn't a fair comparison. Most naturally lit locations you shot in had extremely bright backgrounds. Which makes the image look a lot less cinematic. Also in some naturally lit pics you overexposed the image a lot. I feel you didn't make an effort to produce the best naturally lit photos. If you did it would've been a fair comparison. The image at 3:38 is why I don't like off camera flash in certain circumstances. Depending on where you angle the off-camera flash the subject can have absolutely zero contrast & the lighting can look completely random and unmotivated. Which makes the image look a bit too artificial & fake for me.

About to hit the homie up and trade being lighting assistants, that's honestly the reason I don't shoot ocf more on location I'm too paranoid about setting stuff up or being in people's ways unless we're shooting in like a parking garage.

I agree with everything you said in the little intermission! I do really like the photos you got with the off camera flash, super sweet!

Hi Manny! Could you please tell me, what to look for when choosing a light? I don't have the money to buy what you used, but I want to find something similar, but cheaper, but i dont know which spec are important. Thank you so much, if you answer!

What about making video natural light vs reflector. As a good starting point for newbies

First off, I really like the immediacy of the POV, so the Go pro stuff works for me. A great tutorial, gotta get that dish. Oh and I really enjoy shoots with Elizabeth, she radiates such a positive energy in her work

I just kept saying wow this whole video. Didn't realize how much a difference an OFC makes.

Awesome vídeo! Thanks a lot for the info. I have one questions Just wondering why Jpg And not raw, And if u turn on HDR set tinto in camera when u shoot on jpg! Gracias!!

I think is not fear the comparison, you know that to take a good photography with flash you need to use some techniques like direction, position, quality of light, and some instruments like a softbox, umbrella ,etc. to achieve the right portrait, the same rules ought to be for natural lighting like direction, qwality, position the light in relation to the subject, also instrument, like scrims, refletors, mirrors, to get excelent natural portrait a good examples are Dean Collins, David Hamilton, Team Scooler, Duenkel photography are some examples, of course the advantage of artificial ligh is: you can create in any place the light you need.