Direct Flash Done Right

When there are no other options, you may have to shoot with direct flash, but there’s a way to do it right.

Here’s a scenario for using direct flash:

  • Initial setup w/o OCF | 1 minute
  • Initial setup w/ OCF 3-6 minutes
  • No ceiling/black ceilings
  • Outdoors open sky
  • No time/OCF gear to setup (SOL)

Setting your power and keeping a steady distance is crucial for using direct flash in the best way possible (see diagram above). If you’re not careful, it’s easy to blow out the subjects with too much light or lose them in the shadows when they’ve drifted too far from the light source.

Here some key tips for using direct flash: