The first thing you need to do when attempting direct flash and shutter drags is to ensure that the key light is behind the subject. So I’ll look and see where the direction of the main light is coming from and get into position for the shot.

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DIALING IN YOUR CAMERA SETTINGS

After getting into position, I dial in my camera settings. Ideally, my shutter speed is set to 1/10 or 1/5, and then I adjust the aperture and ISO so that I get enough motion in the background, but not have the image be overexposed. Once the camera settings are in, it’s time to adjust your flash.

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ADJUST YOUR FLASH

Since we’re doing shutter drags, I make sure that rear curtain sync is on. I point the flash directly at the subject and adjust my zoom to 80-105mm. This allows me to focus on that single individual and makes the focused subject brighter than everyone else.

MAKING SHUTTER DRAG MAGIC

Once your settings are all dialed in, it’s now time to shoot! Add motion to your camera to create different effects with the lights. Different motions will create different light effects. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that you take a lot of photos so that you capture great emotions and moments.

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Make sure that the lights are usually above or below the subject. In the picture above, the lights and her face were in alignment, therefore covering her face.

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In this image, I stood at a higher angle, ensuring that the lights behind her would be below her body.

CHAPTER GETTING OVER THE FEAR, HYPE, & MYTHS

CHAPTER 2: THE BASICS OF FLASH

CHAPTER 3 UNDERSTANDING LIGHT

CHAPTER 4: ON-CAMERA FLASH GEAR BASICS

Chapter 5: DIRECT FLASH DONE RIGHT

Chapter 6: STUDIO LIGHT? JUST BOUNCE IT!

Chapter 7: MORE LIGHTS, REFINEMENT, & CREATIVITY

Chapter 8: CASE STUDIES

Chapter 9: BONUS CHAPTERS

Total Course Run Time: 8H 17M 4S