The POWER of Off Camera Flash Photography (vs using available light) 

Kudos to the model for her quick reaction. She almost had it!

Those portable c-stand situations can also be dangerous, even with just a scrim. A good gust of wind turns those things into sails that can hit a model or person nearby with a lot of force. I prefer portable lighting sources that a gaffer can actually hold in their hand and move around. Good video!

I agree with your summary of the advantages and disadvantages of using flash! I get lazy and go for speed and variety during sessions (even when I am already lugging my gear in the wagon anyway) and I really need to learn to slow down and set up the flash. Seeing the side-by-side comparison of the natural light and OCF images is very convincing!

I love Manny's videos. It's always helpful just to watch how other photographers work. I personally prefer a little more balance when using ocf with the ambient light, making it appear a little more natural and less dramatic.

I like both options and both can give a different feel, that being said i do more off camera flash then natural light just because i like the control i get over the lighting. Awesome contend by the way, have been watching you grow over the years

My eye usually is biased toward natural light portraits. But, the OCF certainly provides a more dramatic look and gives great separation. I really need to practice both. I especially want to practice those beautiful backlight natural light shots. I think I was also doing what you mentioned in the video. I was underexposing the subject too much to keep the sky from blowing out. But, something I noticed here might be part of the problem. I don't think I was shooting wide open enough. When you open up more the sky is out of focus so being a bit blown out doesn't look bad. Cool video, great model! Have a rockin' day!

Man. Both styles are so good. As an alternative that's not as cumbersome as off-camera flash, on camera fill can also work pretty well. I usually use about -2/3 compensation on the flash so it's not too glaring. You get the catch light, and a similar "poster background" effect, but of course a little less 3d effect. Always enjoy Manny's videos. A great photographer, and always real.

Pro-tip - sandbags.

I love the flash over the natural lighting pics. I recently started shooting with Flash and have a lot to learn.

I love both, but the using OCF is much more unique & dramatic. Lately, I have been using a light sandbag that has water bottles to weight it down on the bottom of the light stand. It helps a bit or a backpack. Great video. Thank you.

i love these videos where you go out in the field and show how you work, i can learn so much from this! youre awesome

definitely two completely different outcomes. I really enjoy the soft/dreamy look of natural lighting but I've also never seen someone use a flash in combination with natural lighting to get a result this good. I love the end product of both. great work from the photographer & the model as well.

I always enjoy using flash. I brings that unique look to your photos that is undeniable. When shooting in your own, you have no choice but shoot natural light or bring a human light stand.

Glad to see you pushing through the stressful times. It can be distracting I know. Keep up the good work brother I love what you do.

The flash images are in a league of their own - amazing shots! And definitely WITH flash, way better than the ambients

Your mode has got great poses! She makes the work of a photographer a lot easier.

Alright, alright... those OCF shots are 🔥. Thanks for taking us along so we could watch how you approached the scene and your thought process when you switched to the flash.

Awesome shoot Manny love the light and the tip about slight movements of the light and subject really make a difference

Incredible content as always, thank you so much! I related so much with your Q&A you made! You genuinely look like a great person. I absolutely love your videos!

Nice video! Man it always feels good when your light still works after a drop like that!

Heart skipped a beat when the light fell! Brings back my old memories when my 5D with 35mm L went down crashing.

Learned from your very first OCF outside in the park! Saved it and still go back to it when I need to remind myself start simple.

Thank you for this video. I'm just starting to get into off camera flash and have been learning a ton. What's interesting is the nature light photos, by themselves, are pretty nice. The proper settings and use of the off camera flash really take it to the next level of professionalism though. Thank you for contributing to our education. (Thanks to the model to be helping out too.)

I was thinking about that flash falling before it happened. Hate taking photos with flash without assistance. It's kind of stressful when you have to keep an eye on the flash

Love the strobe shots! I felt nauseous when I saw the light falling. It’s happened to me and it’s never a good feeling.

Really nice shots, in both versions! The ones without flash look very natural but I feel a lack of contrast in the model while the ones with flash pop out very well at the cost of looking not quite as natural.

I have become very dependent on off camera flash these days but it’s definitely worth the look like you said I do miss being minimal but clients take you much more serious when you bring a light on location. It’s a nice flex on other natural light photographers out shooting too 😂

Kudos for keeping your cool at 1:16. I know you must have been dying inside! Thanks for not cutting it out, either! 🤣 Great video.

Both images look great. I'd like to see something in-between. The 1/4000 shot you did to get the correct exposure for the sky. I'd like to see it at 1/2000 with less power on the flash. That way I think you'd get the best of both. Don't think it matters if the sky will be overexposed as people will be looking at the model. Love your work Manny. Thanks.

100 percent agreed. OCF is the only way to go in 98 percent of the scenarios. Especially outdoors in direct sunlight. I only use natural light portraits when I have no other alternative and no access to my gear. (Which would never happen on a paid job)

WOW! You are AWESOME! Thank you for the most useful tutorials out there! They have been an invaluable resource for me and I am totally grateful! Thank you again!!!

Great video!! Informational and you show side by side photos this was great!

I like the natural light rendering of the pants more, but the flash highlights the model more and gives it the "professional" look. One can also use a reflector. Fall: I like to use sandbags and something like the ad1200 pro or the Broncolor Move 1200 (sell your liver) have a lower center of mass and are more stable. The other option is an assistant. Very nice work from Manny as allways.

Both photos are great, but you cannot deny that 3D pop you get out of a flash. I always get a lot out of these videos. Thanks

Thank you for sharing. I learned a lot of technics. You are the best. You show as the settings. Thank you🙏

Love your videos Manny. Keep ‘em comin 👍🏼

Manny! You are a beast! Amazing pictures. The flash make the pictures pop!

Amazing video Manny! Trying to get into off camera flash outdoors as well and I live in Chicago. Those crazy winds definitley worry me about my C-stand quality now lol

Thanks for sharing both pictures, that help me a lot, undestand how could be next pictures.

I love that you kept this in the video and that the model tried to catch it😊

Thanks for the walk through of the shoot. I took notes and one of them is to weigh down the light

I always enjoy your videos Manny!

I've been shooting for almost 2 years now and I've thought that natural light was always the best route .. then i stumbled onto this channel and my whole thought process of lighting has just done a 180 lol

I like combining both together. You get it when you use the right filters

I love these videos, I keep learning from the best.

hey Manny, i really love your videos! pls keep it up

I miss these types of videos great work 😍❤️

There's a certain level of oomph that the flash undeniably gives that makes it so much more dramatic, adds a cinematographic feel

I just ordered the flash and umbrella! Amazing results and I’m a new subscriber 🎉

Awesome video Manny

I totally agree with you about the advantages and disadvantages of using ocf ! I have yet to use off camera flash for outdoor photoshoots, partly because of being a little lazy. lol I am going to start though. I can tell the difference between natural light and using the flash. You are definitely able to control the lighting better for a better image.

Yes flash looks so great. Ty for the tips

Dude, my heart leapt into my mouth when i saw the light tipping over. Real lucky you got away with almost no damage. I had this happen with my Godox AD600 once (which i was stupidly using with an umbrella). Damaged the LCD screen and was outta commission for quite a while till i got it repaired. Ever since, I've never done location shoots without an assistant, whose only job is to hold on to that light stand with his life! 😅

Going to have to try this results are fantastic Thx.

Great video! Beautifully done.

Manny, Can you please do a video of how to use Sync, the camera settings, flash, and the thing? It's summer most of us want to know how to use it. Thank you!

fantastic work!

I had the same experience with my AD400Pro with 90cm softbox last month. It fell directly on the hard ground leaving dents on it's battery. Now, I'm using standard reflector with diffuser when windy days.

Fantastic shoot, really enjoyed it. The flash shots just popped👍 they all were good but damn the flash ones were top notch…

even those Natural Light photos look Fire bro!!

Reluctantly I have to give you the thumbs up as I'm going to apply this to a wedding reception this afternoon 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

I always prefer natural light... Because it looks more "real" and natural to me. But everyone's different. Great work regardless.

Love this we back outside! Sometimes the studio stuff be dry

I always been a flash photographer more than a natural light one. I did enjoyed the natural light photos on this shoot where she was back lit and she had a good rim light going. On the ones where she wasn’t back lit I prefer the flash ones better.

Manny -Super Photographer!!! 😍👍🏻

Thank you! Very informative and handy. Also the model is pretty and professional I’m glad your gear survived )

Dude 😮 I love natural light, but I gotta admit the flash added is 🔥🔥🔥🔥 📛 👩🏽‍🚒 🚒 🧯 big props my friend 👏🏼 🙌🏿 ❤️

I love the look of off camera flash and I’m thinking about getting into it

Wonderful Job!

Wonderful.! I love it

Great video showing the difference between two light situations. I’m surprised that more Godox users don’t use the flash extension head (and strap the heavy flash body to the bottom of the light stand).

Ooooh that flash drop has happened to me a bunch of times. 😩😩 I think depending on the scenario natural light is great (if it’s dynamic enough) and can provide some great side lighting or rear lighting but it will heavily depend On the pictures you’re trying to achieve. And also if it’s just a quick casual shoot But The flash Lighting ensures you’re getting everything right and gives you that extra “jumping off the screen” Dimension that is just too sweet to not do if you have the capability to do it.

everything about lights, Manny is the man!

Im so New to Photography and didn't know how this changes the game. I want a Flash Now! Thanks for this Video.

Thanks man. another tips for me.

Thanks for showing your talent.

Sandbag! Great vid, Manny, thank you.

Thanks for the great info mate.

So, I love the way the flash looks. Just like anything else in photography, it’s what you’re looking for. Nothing wrong with the natural light photos, but for me the flash really makes your subject pop in a way you can’t get with natural light unless timing is perfect. Even then, that lighting may only last a few seconds. I feel you have total control over a shoot with OCF. You can allow as much ambient light you want all the way until natural lighting is achieved. Flash just gives you more.

Definitely, love using off camera flash it looks so good.

Bro you know you inspire me

you are my inspiration in photography sir😍

both looks great

You are amazing!!!!

Nasty! That looks so good! Haha, love you!

Great tutorial, I got heeps from this. Totally get it now. Thank you very much. Awesome channel. ❤

Great video! I just purchased a FJ200 and a FJ400 backpack kit. I'm checking out modifiers now. Looking forward to hopefully being as creative as you one day.

You raised the point Masterclass 👍👍👍

Great video, and good try to the model on catching the light haha

Love the flash pictures.

Thanks for sharing this. I am new to strobe lighting and learning more on this. How do you check how much ambient light is going to effect your shot when you are also going to add a strobe to it?

Great video!

Like your style!

imma try these tips in Cincinnati tomorrow. thanks

After learning how to use OCF I do not take any natural light photos unless it’s a Weddings. And those photos are very few and far in between because I still use a lot of on camera flash. Using off camera flash has the ability to bring out all the colors and those beautiful skies. Natural light photography seems more like a cell phone photo with overexposed skies. And using off-camera flash just there’s so many possibilities adding gels when clients want that sunset photos when there is no sunset. And the possibilities of multiple flashes it just takes it to another level.

Ywa ang ganda♥️

I miss these types of videos 🔥🔥🔥

Definitely find myself liking the flash photos more, even though both are great. I feel like the flash images have more character & uniqueness. Thx for the techniques!

Those flash portraits are 🔥🔥🔥

Thanks for the video. I try not to click "like" on videos because my "liked" playlist is music. Instead, I'm just giving you a comment for the engagement. Keep up the solid work.