On-camera bounce flash tutorial 

I’ve wasted hundreds even thousands of dollars, read books, watched u-tube, etc., Don’t make my mistake! Stop buying gimmicks and pay attention to Neil. He’s the real deal.

This is, by far, the best flash photography tutorial I have ever seen. Huge thank you Neil, I really appreciate your work!

It's simple: Neil is a pro photographer with decades of experience. Others are just influencers that starts a year ago and takes photos for free once a month. I know who to believe

I have NEVER, NEVER received this level of training from ANY RU-vid video on this subject in the last ten years. My hat is off to you sir! This instruction is of the highest pedantic level I've EVER experienced from a RU-vid video. Watching this presentation was as if I were attending a formal lecture, especially considering the professorial manner of your delivery,,,so grateful to have stumbled across your channel! Subscribed.

One of the worst things RU-vid has done is this push to make videos so long which has lead to people waffling on and not actually telling you anything they claim in the title. Not this video though. This is one is of the few videos that delivers 100% as promised. It's an hour of actual usefulness. The detail and teaching in here is awesome. Thank you.

This is such a good tutorial. Not only the best flash photography class, but the best photography tutorial on RU-vid of any kind.

I couldn’t’ agree more on the positive reviews of this and your other videos Neil. I’ve been an enthusiastic photo hobbyist since the mid 80’s, but flash photography was never my thing. Never dedicated enough time to learn it properly, then came your videos and the Black Foamy Thing… this changed everything. Bought some black foam, grabbed my Godox flash and first time out… TaDa, wonderful illuminated images. Can’t thank you enough.

A Masterclass in on-camera flash!

This is superb. I've watched SO many tutorials and read so many books, but nothing comes close to this. The advice presented here is a perfect fit for what I have been trying to achieve, and it's so easy to apply. In essence, how to achieve great lighting with the simplest of setups. Grids, domes, all that stuff... tried them all. I just tried the foam/bounce/occlusion idea shown here, and muttered "FINALLY". I can't believe such a simple technique can produce such lovely results. Oh well, at least this video has only been up for a year. I don't feel so bad for having missed out on this approach for so long :)

When the student is ready, the teacher will appear. Excellent teacher, now time to play.

Neil van Niekerk is the GOAT

The man who made it all make sense to me, properly, many years ago. The only reference for on camera flash needed.

Best tutorial on bounce flash I’ve seen! Connects all the dots. Thank you!

My photography heroes are Bryan Peterson, David Hobby, and Neil Van Neirkerk. I have been using this black foamy thing for a decade now and it’s probably one of the best lighting techniques I’ve ever learned. It’s so good that I watched the whole 56:34 even though I knew this technique by heart. A lot of other photographers thought I was weird mediocre though especially when they see the rubber band and the black foam but become surprised when they see the back of my LCD😊

I bought hundreds of books on Flash Photography, well not hundreds, but you know what I mean. Despite the hype, none of these books helped me in any significant way on how to improve my flash photography. I'm not talking about Studio Flash where everything can be controlled, I'm talking about Flash Photography with speed lights such that a wedding, or event photographer would use. Like I said, I went trough "many" flash photgraphy books, but most of them were promotional "look ma no hands" books . A lot of pretty pictures, but no educational substance, or value. One day I decided to pick up one of Neil van Nierkerk's books that had been sitting on a shelf for I don't know how long ? I think this was the first book in his series on bounce flash. I lazily picked up this book not expecting much and that's when I was hooked ! For once, some educational stuff and not your usual guide-number divided by subject-distance technical punch-line. I have since purchased all the books in the series. I got to admit, at first I had to read this stuff 2 or 3 times (even more), before it began making sense. I went out and bought myself a black-foamy-thing and began practicing with a store bought mannequin. Then I began practicing with friends and colleagues. This stuff will not make any sense if you just read it. You have to put what you read to work ! As a wedding photographer this has become a new tool in my arsenal. Not to say that I have never used bounce flash before. I have, but not like this ! Understanding how to control ETTL with FEC was another boom. Before this book I never touched that button.

I saved this ages ago, and recently got my first real big boy on body flash. I was playing around with it and a bounce card and wasn't happy with the look. Remembered this video, watched it with camera in hand, and 10 minutes in I was already taking better shots by pointing it behind me to bounce. Incredible video, so glad I remembered this.

Excellent content, thanks 👍

I'm a hobby photografer since 2008, but never saw a so simple bounce and TTL lesson before. thx so much.

Thanks for the video, Neil. I really do not have a vantage point yet from which to speak as I've just recently purchased my first strobe and modifier. I normally shoot wildlife, but have started venturing into portrait type work. That said, based on my wildlife work, someone asked me to photograph their Mother's 90th birthday party (over my objections). The reason I'm leaving this comment is because I used a plastic diffusion dome (ceilings were 16-20 feet high, location was dark, walls were dark and far from the subjects). So I pointed the speedlite directly at folks, shot at the sync speed (for the most part), and used several lenses - but primarily the 200mm f2 for isolated shots at the venue. It was the diffusion dome that came with the Nikon SB-700 flash, so it didn't cost anything extra. The point of this comment was that at the distance I was shooting, the strobe on top of camera - pointed right at the subject - with plastic diffusion dome provided very soft light and wonderful illumination (i.e. the flash shots did not look like flash shots). I bring this up because I'm sure you are aware that the minute you mention using "on camera flash" - you get dirty looks. Now, with you comments at about 10 minutes into this video, using a plastic diffusion dome will get even more. I do understand your point. Just saying that the "clients" were exceedingly happy with the images - and they surprised me - because I never saw myself using OCF with a diffusion dome. Sometimes, it can work. Again, thank you very much for the video.

how is this technique not more widely taught? the results are superb and it's so simple...

Thank you so very much for this. You made everything so simple and easy to understand am truly grateful.

Great video. Just bought my first flash online and waiting to try all these tips.

This has been a very helpful start to my use of speed lights. Thank you!

I have been retired from sports and wedding photography for about 7 years. I can no longer stand it, and am planning on getting back in the game bigger than every before. I considered myself a very successful photographer, but listening to Neil steps up the process so much. Thank you Neil I will be purchasing all of your books ASAP…

Thanks so very much Neil for this wonderful video tutorial. I have the sphere and bounce from MagMod but I shall also invest in the BFT and leave the diffusers for dark situations like you do.

Excellent tutorial. Thanks for sharing your knowledge

Really excellent explanation and demonstration. I setup a test with my son's stuffed animals in a small room to test. Was able to follow and see the differences. Thank you!

I would always shoot straight up to the ceiling with a dome on my flash. This video just showed me that I was doing it wrong this whole time. Thanks for the great tips Neil. This will definitely make my pictures look better.

Fantastic presentation.

GAME CHANGING for weddings. Thank you so much for such a great tutorial

The BEST video about using on camera flash I have EVER seen! Thank you! 🙏🙏🙏

The only tutorial on on-camera flash you need!

Thank you Neil, very clearly explained and well demonstrated!

Great info, and well explained. Many thanks!

Putting this out for free is amazing. Thank you so much. I'm sure the couples who's weddings I shoot will be very thankful I've watched this!

I'm definitely an amateur, but learning to control light was a revelation to me. It's interesting to me how a cheap flash head and a piece of felt are more consequential to making arresting or professional looking photographs than any lens or camera. It's almost liberating how little gear makes a difference; a single speedlight can do so much. A little while ago I needed to take some headshots of myself and I had this whole setup with light modifiers and softboxes and when it occured to me that I could make a huge softbox simply by aiming the flash at a wall, and one at a ceiling, it was really empowering. I was always afraid of the bare flash but it's incredible how empowering it is to use it to illuminate your environment. You start to see opportunities to use indirect flash in almost all circumstances, especially since they almost always result in incredibly sharp images with accurate color, compared to mixed interior lighting anyway,

Fantastic content, very informative. Just helps. Thank you!

Excellent tutorial! Substance over flashy influencers!

Tremendous advice. So many flash tutorials concentrate on off-camera flash but that’s often impractical at crowded events.

For years I've been seeing videos using flash socks/soft boxes, diffusers, bounce cards... they talk about getting the flash off of the camera, triggers, etc, etc. All of it seemed daunting for someone whose flash skills are pretty much non-existent. The thought of more gear and choosing what gear has always been freezing me up and pushng me away from portraiture. Your use and explanation of using TTL, bounce and a piece of black foam is bringing me back to learning how to better utilize the minimal kit I have. Thanks so much. Subscribed and looking forward to seeing more of your channel. Great video.

You don't imagine how thankful I am, Neil, for this video. I finally get some good indoor shots with bounce flash, and you don't imagine for how long I've tried. That trick with the black foam is stupid, simple and best of all incredibly efficient and it costs close to nothing. I also ordered CTS gels instead of the CTO that is on my Nikon flash, and I confirm that people are less red.

Can’t believe this is free ❤

What an incredible tutorial. These type of long tutorials are worth it, no time wasting. Q: the foamy thing, can we use a black cardboard?

Fantastic Video Neil

Legendary information!

I majored in photography and didn’t learn as much practical photography technique than I have in this one hour video. 🤯 Amazing. Thank you so much!

Fantastic tutorial. Can't thank you enough!

helpful thanks, another level using flash

It is unbelievable that this tutorial is offered for free! I only wish it covered blending ambient and flash light.

Thanks Neil. Very informative. I got answers for details i was looking for in other videos but could never find. Please keep doing it. These are really educational videos, not just time wasters, repeating the very basics.

This is a brilliant lesson. Thank you so much for sharing your experience in such a simple, logical way. I went straight to the store to buy some black foam!

One of the best tutorials I've seen in the 3 yrs that I'm studying photography! You've got a new and excited subscriber. Learned more in an hour here than in half a year...

14:23 That photo of the trumpet player is exceptional. A stunningly good image. Wow.

This is by far the best Bounce flash video I've seen !! thanks Neil

Came to learn how to use flash , stayed for the photography lesson it’s 1 of a kind , you are a true master at your craft, amazing work wow!!!. I what link for your books.

Love his student tutorials

I too am based in Jersey (exit 8a off the Turnpike). I have a Nikon D3500, and I just got a Godox TT600 and a Godox X2Tn which I still haven't tried. I want to develop my photography to the point where I can start charging for my talents and I'm starting with Headshots as my entry point. Thanks for this excellent tutorial.

Many Thanks. Very clear information. Appreciated

I have been through hundreds and hundreds of RU-vid videos, but none of have described such a way that you have done thankyou sir this was really worth watching and gaining some knowledge about external flash light hats off to you sir all the way from Nepal.

Really enjoyed watching your Master Class, thank you very much !!! Surely, the multi million industry will not be quite happy now when you showed how to substitute expensive equipment with ....piece of black foam 😄. I just subscribed and thumbed up.

I really love all of the examples with comparisons! Great video!

A superb tutorial and fabulous teacher thank you ive learnt so much..

Thank you very much

Thank you, this was a brilliant video! As much as I respect (and envy, to be honest) folks who are principally in the business of RU-vid, this video shows the clear difference when someone is principally a working photographer.

Thanks for sharing! I just thought that maybe if that peace of black foam had reflective side inside (i.e. paper/foil) maybe it would help even more, as significant part of light would be bounced of it not absorbed. Theoretically this could help use less power and prolong battery life

Exceptionally great training!

wow this is the best flash tutorial I ever seen on youtube , thank you Neil 🙂🙂📸📸

Not sure how many times I've watched this tutorial over the last few months while practicing mastering on-camera flash. Very practical tutorial!

Wow , wonderfull tutorial. Thank You.

Absolutely brilliant video, great information thank you

Absolutely amazing this video has opened my eyes to many things from technique etc to stop spending thousands on equipment which is not needed . Can’t thank you enough and will be watching this many times . Sincere thanks Neil

Thank you Neil, that was the most well explained flash tutorial I ever watched...and I watched a lot, thank you sir 🙏, great video!

Amazing. Well done sir. My honest thank you.

I would love to see a lengthy presentation for using on camera and off camera flash for outdoor portraits.

Gold standard lesson. Congratulations!

You are the best!!!!!! 😀 This video is such a masterpiece. unbelievable.

Wow, that was very interesting and mind opening! I was in the process of watching videos that compares Magmod products with Godox about their flash modifiers. I'll buy one of your books instead. Your explanation about using the flatten portion of the distribution of light based on the inverse square law was kind of a revelation. It's so obvious that we just don't see it. I already did some tests with my wife yesterday and it simply works. That and hiding direct light from your subject with the black foam are the keys. Fantastic video, not too long for what we learn.

I've just watched the 2 bouncing flash tutorial late this evening and I can't wait for tomorrow to test this. Thanks a lot for this simple and clearest demo. Bravo !

Superb

Absolute best tutorial on RU-vid on flash photography!! Thanks Neil!!

Thanks so much Neil. This tutorial is almost as amazing as your black foamy thing (DFT) (Which I find so funny 😂)

🔥 wonderful !!

I've watched many videos on how to use my on camera flash and this is the BEST EVER! Kudos! Very useful.

Fantastic! Thank you soo much. This helps me a lot!!

Neil, if shooting outdoor, how can we make the bounce work better, especially if there aren't many surfaces to bounce off. Excellent sharing and thanks for making shooting with a flash less intimidating.

Fantastic tutorial, explained clearly especially about the inverse square law indoors, well done Neil and thank you! John

Such a pleasant surprise to learn how you use bounce flash. Wow. Really great tutorial. Can't wait to try it out. I always thought you had to bounce from a white wall that was close to you and the subject.

i got hypnotized......finally something interesting. Thank you

Superb tutorial, thank you!

Thank you Neil. Excellent video, extremely well explained.

The thumbnail was giving me ja rule so I came to watch. But I stayed for the whole thing, this was informative.

This such a fantastic video and resource. Simple, practical, well-explained. Absolutely the best bounce flash info I've come across, ever. Question: do you leave the flash zoom at standard setting and just use the black foam to control the spread of the light beam?

Thank you for this insightful and educational video! I watched hundreds, if not thousands, of videos, and this is the one I loved the most!

Awesome video, congrats!

Thanks so much for the new tutorial. It's reminded me to rewatch all your earlier videos.

Great tutorial. Many thanks.

Thank you for sharing your experience! Your video is insightful.

From a fellow New Jersey citizen, excellent tutorial I have learned a lot. Thank you.

This teaching worth hundreds and one of the most hands on tutorials i have come across that goes over flash and how to bounce your flash. I'm super excited to get to use these lessons. Thank you!

Thank You Sir, Excellent!!! Best Video I have ever viewed on using a Speedlight Flash, I really appreciate your imoarting knowledge to us.