For anyone that hasn't realized this yet walking in with a big expensive rig immediately commands respect. I'm amazed how people just look at it and assume oh let me pose for you.
Dude…. this is honestly the ONLY helpful video I’ve watched about flash photography at events. Wow. Thank you. It’s sad that now with a sea of creators and content, I’ve just had to sift through a plethora of copy and paste content that’s been mostly unhelpful people saying “shoot in TTL and uuhhhh you never want to direct the flash at the subject guys uhhh just bounce the flash off the wall guys yeah uhhh make you sure bounce the flash off the wall guys uhhh it’ll make a lager light source larger light source LARGER LIGHT SOURCE” IT’S DRIVING ME NUTS. ACTUALLY INSANE. The internet is fucking huge and increidble and no matter how much I LOOK for GOOD content I can actually LEARN real TECHNIQUE from, I just keep finding mediocre basic information that really does very little but explain the most fundamentals of using equipment. That being said, brilliant video. Subbing and watching all your other content now.
But bouncing flash is a great way to create dynamically lit photos? It's a bit more difficult than pointing flash straight at your subject, but not by much.
I will add to this convo and say setting your aperture & ISO is critically important overall to the flash setting. Example, shooting couples in daylight with a mounted speedlite requires you to set your cameras aperture and ISO to mainly expose your background, while the flash fills the foreground. Keen to practice this technique to perfect more true exposures. Setting the ISO to expose your couple may result in flash hot spots and blowout backgrounds. Diffusers are great for both day and night as they can soften and diffuse your flash more naturally. I always use a diffuser on and off camera when shooting portraits. I recommend master shooting great photos without flash before moving to it. Learn your camera and it’s amazing technology. In the end it will make you a better photographer. Stay focused!!
This was really helpful. I am a begginer. You convinced me using manual mode with not too large speedlite power. With TTL my camera had to take 6 seconds to recharged and now I can flash with every shot. AMEN!
Thank you for this video. I am facing the situation, that I've alredy pohographed many sport, school and outdoor events, but I am invited to do the photodocumentation of "stužkova"(a Slovak version of prom) and (as far as I have no further experience in that) I found many answers and helpful ideas in your video. Despite this, I would like to ask, whether it is so different from other events (especially daytime) or I should give it a try. Thank you very much.
You’re going to need an on camera flash for that event! Make sure to practice using it a few times before the event if you don’t have a lot of experience using one.
It depends on the situation. I rarely bounce the flash but do use a diffuser at some events and point the flash directly at the subject. I just got the $15 frosted diffuser off Amazon for the 430ii
Number one is actually what I started doing. I never really thought about the feeling comfortable or how to feel comfortable. I guess that part came naturally to me. That's odd to say and I don't mean it in a weird way. I just mean that the fact that I don't feel like it was a big deal tells me how comfortable I am with it and I don't see that from the inside if that makes any sense. To backtrack I got new gear for work work bought it for me. It's awesome and I'm learning it and that's why I wanted to go to new places to force myself to take new pictures and learn the new equipment.
I appreciate the good information. I just wanna say. IF your camera has two card slots, you're a fool to but shoot redundant. Clearly you've never had a card fail or a dog eat your card! I literally had a dog eat my SD card after shooting an irreplaceable event. ALWAYS shoot redundant cards and put the back up card in a safe location. Ideally have enough cards for at least two events. Do not reformat a card until you absolutely have to. I have been doing this for decades and I have had too many hard drives and/or cards fail. Also, if you're charging money always shoot raw
Thank you very mucb for this video. I have done my third beginner event cover and this vid made me realized a lot to improve. Thank you very much. Now I know what to do on my next event. Keepsafe and more power!!! 💯❤️🤙🏻
Thanks and you’re welcome:) I use a canon R5 with a 24-70 which is overkill if I was just shooting events based on file size and price. Ive been testing out the EOS R out for exactly what you are interested in shooting and have been getting great results! I’m most likely going to make a video on it soon:) thanks for watching and I wish you your photo journey😊📸✨
@JesseDeyoung It would be great if you could do a video on that 😀 and how one should not run after the equipment he or she necessarily needs😉 bcz we all want the new and the best but it's not always needed. I'm looking forward to more of your content.💙
Thank you for this video! I’m trying to practice at family gatherings, but I find that sometimes my photo taking annoys them. 😬 (And especially when I use my on camera flash.) I also love candids and rarely ask for poses. I kind of just want to blend in. I’m thinking I might need to try more with a longer focal length so I don’t have to get too close and a wide aperture to skip the flash as much as I can.
You’re welcome! Yes I’ve heard this before and have actually seen the annoyance this Christmas when I let my brother take over shooting. Family events can be tougher then friends events. Two things to keep in mind are how long are you spending with a camera shoved (in the nicest way) in their face and are you interacting /directing something small will go a long way. Thanks for your comment and keep shooting!!
Hi Jesse! Great video, I found it really helpful. Would you recommend using a lens with a zoom rather than a fixed focal length for event photography? I heard fixed focal lengths have some advantages when it comes to quality, so just making sure before I go ahead and purchase a new lens. So far, I've been using a 60mm focal length and found it to be a little too close. In smaller rooms, it's basically impossible to get full body shots...
I’m glad this was helpful! Great question:) I think primes are the way to go in the 24-35mm range on full frame sensor. You definitely get more for your money on the less expensive options. I agree 60mm can be challenging to use if you don’t have a lot of space to move back.
I love your videos…great quality content and information. To the point! Keep going.🙏🏽 also do you have any recommendations for an affordable speed light that is still good quality. What is your go to light? Thanks!!!
Thank you! Ive heard good things about the Godox speed light as an affordable option. I used the canon 430ex ii for 9 years you can get them used for less than $100 right now. The quality is great on both the light it produces and the build. I would recommend getting the cheap $15 diffuser on that one.
I used the 430ex ii for years it’s great! The newer flashes now have rechargeable battery packs though so I recently upgraded to the profoto A1 which is also great! I would recommend both of them. The canon is really affordable now you can get them used for $100
If anyone doesn't know rechargeable batteries recharge the flash way faster. It was a slow learning process for me first. I got those fast Rechargeable double a's which made an improvement and then I got a new flash with a dedicated Rechargeable battery. Incredible difference in the transfer of power from the battery to the flash. I didn't know that was an issue with regular Brand new Non rechargeable. batteries. With rechargeable batteries the flash is ready many times sooner.
Thanks for this info! I tried rechargeable batteries years ago and they would get really hot during use so I just used disposables with a low flash power output.
Yes I use a defuser and point my flash directly at my subjects. I linked the defuser that I used for years in the description. I recently upgraded to the profoto flash and use the defuser that came with it.
Hi bro...thanks for the video but I didn't understand if you only used one flash which is mounted on your camera. Because I've seen many photographers using two. I'm a bigginner aged 20...love from Zim 🇿🇼 Africa
Most of the time I’m pointing the flash straight at my subjects using a diffuser. It’s very rare for me to bounce my light off of anything. I’m going to make a video on flash soon since I’ve been getting a lot of questions about it!
You can litteraly upload photos to mega or mediafire and share link and that can stay active for a time u choose or forever so u dont have to think about that.
I bought the battery extender. I think it came with the kit for my R5 so 2 batteries. Can last me? 500 plus photos just offering that as a reference. Even with that I'll probably never exceeded but it's smart to have back a batteries so I'm looking to order then soon
That should last you for 4-5 hrs depending on how much you’re shooting. I usually carry 2 extra batteries with my R5 and rarely use the second one. If it’s an all day shoot I bring a charger and keep one charging onsite
great video!! I have a question, do you lock in the white balance to 5600 or do you use auto white balance, or do you use another setting for white balance? Thanks!
Thanks! I usually lock it in to 5600 because AWB bounces around too much which makes the edit a pain! I will adjust from 5600 if the color feels off in the test shots though
Yes sometimes I go higher than 1600 but that’s usually my starting settings. Every event space is different lighting wise so there might be some differences. I try to stay at f4 though for focusing reasons.
How do i get rid of red eyes when flashing? I use the in Camera flash of my x100v and its pointing Directly onto the subjects. They always get red eyes 😭
Have you tried using the red eye removal setting? It’s in the main menu in flash settings. I do get red eyes in my photos sometimes too but don’t mind it..
I shoot community and family events. I never shoot posed photos, boring, I like to capture people as they really are in real life. I cringed at the end when you mentioned doing stuff via your phone. You are a true millennial. I hate tiny phone screens, hence desktop computers with big screens. I was hoping for some tips on shooting the event, not so much gear or setting (I don’t use flash, as people will ask you to stop shooting them). More along the topic of composition. Thanks for the video.
@@goat2503 I find that if it's too dim, the photos will come out noisey. Thankfully, I don't shoot those events. For instance at my family gathersing, if they turn down the lights, then I stop shooting. I have purchased a flash, though I don't like using it anymore than using a tripod. LOL.
Then you've never photographed an event with black, or very dark, walls at night with extremely low lighting. Try doing that with no flash. I been in this business a long time and I know no camera will yield an acceptable image in that situation and I've had many events and receptions in conditions like that.
Friends? Party? Imagine having those and being invited to anywhere.
mann this vid don’t help, my population is 300, we don’t even got ppl for a get together
For anyone that hasn't realized this yet walking in with a big expensive rig immediately commands respect.
I'm amazed how people just look at it and assume oh let me pose for you.
Dude…. this is honestly the ONLY helpful video I’ve watched about flash photography at events. Wow. Thank you. It’s sad that now with a sea of creators and content, I’ve just had to sift through a plethora of copy and paste content that’s been mostly unhelpful people saying “shoot in TTL and uuhhhh you never want to direct the flash at the subject guys uhhh just bounce the flash off the wall guys yeah uhhh make you sure bounce the flash off the wall guys uhhh it’ll make a lager light source larger light source LARGER LIGHT SOURCE” IT’S DRIVING ME NUTS. ACTUALLY INSANE. The internet is fucking huge and increidble and no matter how much I LOOK for GOOD content I can actually LEARN real TECHNIQUE from, I just keep finding mediocre basic information that really does very little but explain the most fundamentals of using equipment. That being said, brilliant video. Subbing and watching all your other content now.
Thanks so much! Glad to help. The bounce quote 🤣🤣🤣 thanks for watching I’ll be back with another event photography video soon.
@@JesseDeyoung YEAH
But bouncing flash is a great way to create dynamically lit photos? It's a bit more difficult than pointing flash straight at your subject, but not by much.
I will add to this convo and say setting your aperture & ISO is critically important overall to the flash setting. Example, shooting couples in daylight with a mounted speedlite requires you to set your cameras aperture and ISO to mainly expose your background, while the flash fills the foreground. Keen to practice this technique to perfect more true exposures. Setting the ISO to expose your couple may result in flash hot spots and blowout backgrounds. Diffusers are great for both day and night as they can soften and diffuse your flash more naturally. I always use a diffuser on and off camera when shooting portraits. I recommend master shooting great photos without flash before moving to it. Learn your camera and it’s amazing technology. In the end it will make you a better photographer. Stay focused!!
@@chrismancini3781 That is good advice, thank you. I am still struggling to get a handle on my speedlight, but I really do need more practice.
This was really helpful. I am a begginer. You convinced me using manual mode with not too large speedlite power. With TTL my camera had to take 6 seconds to recharged and now I can flash with every shot. AMEN!
Glad to help! Yes 6 seconds between shots is way too long! I bet your battery is lasting longer too:) thanks for watching!
Thank you for taking time to do this
You’re welcome! Hopefully it helps
Awesome video including even the sharing side
Thank you!
Thank you for this video. I am facing the situation, that I've alredy pohographed many sport, school and outdoor events, but I am invited to do the photodocumentation of "stužkova"(a Slovak version of prom) and (as far as I have no further experience in that) I found many answers and helpful ideas in your video. Despite this, I would like to ask, whether it is so different from other events (especially daytime) or I should give it a try. Thank you very much.
You’re going to need an on camera flash for that event! Make sure to practice using it a few times before the event if you don’t have a lot of experience using one.
@@JesseDeyoung Thank you very much :)
Good video, but maybe an intresting point to mentions. How do you diffuse your light? Do you bounce, use a diffuser?
It depends on the situation. I rarely bounce the flash but do use a diffuser at some events and point the flash directly at the subject. I just got the $15 frosted diffuser off Amazon for the 430ii
Honestly, this was SO helpful! I feel inspired to get started ☺Thank you so much for this video!
You’re welcome! Perfect timing with all the holiday events coming up! 📸☺️
GREAT INFO! As an urban photographer in Chi-Town, this video is REALLY helpful! :)
Glad to help! Thanks for your comment:)
Number one is actually what I started doing.
I never really thought about the feeling comfortable or how to feel comfortable. I guess that part came naturally to me.
That's odd to say and I don't mean it in a weird way. I just mean that the fact that I don't feel like it was a big deal tells me how comfortable I am with it and I don't see that from the inside if that makes any sense.
To backtrack I got new gear for work work bought it for me. It's awesome and I'm learning it and that's why I wanted to go to new places to force myself to take new pictures and learn the new equipment.
Nice! Feeling confident with your gear is definitely part of the equation:) good on you for taking the time to practice
Jesse my guy just saved me. I suck with on camera flash lol but this helped alot
Ah glad to help!! Just keep practicing it gets easier!
I take my camera to the club and shoot the djs, so tough but definitely a learning lesson!
Nice!! That’s a great place to practice and learn :)
I appreciate the good information. I just wanna say. IF your camera has two card slots, you're a fool to but shoot redundant. Clearly you've never had a card fail or a dog eat your card! I literally had a dog eat my SD card after shooting an irreplaceable event.
ALWAYS shoot redundant cards and put the back up card in a safe location. Ideally have enough cards for at least two events. Do not reformat a card until you absolutely have to.
I have been doing this for decades and I have had too many hard drives and/or cards fail.
Also, if you're charging money always shoot raw
Thanks for this comment and your insight! Sorry about all of your card failures :(
Everything in 5 steps!! ❤️
That’s right! :)
Thank you very mucb for this video. I have done my third beginner event cover and this vid made me realized a lot to improve. Thank you very much. Now I know what to do on my next event. Keepsafe and more power!!! 💯❤️🤙🏻
You’re welcome! Glad to help!
Great video! Very down to earth. Thanks! May i ask what gear you use? As i want to begin shooting small family events and birthdays . Thanks ❤
Thanks and you’re welcome:) I use a canon R5 with a 24-70 which is overkill if I was just shooting events based on file size and price. Ive been testing out the EOS R out for exactly what you are interested in shooting and have been getting great results! I’m most likely going to make a video on it soon:) thanks for watching and I wish you your photo journey😊📸✨
@JesseDeyoung
It would be great if you could do a video on that 😀 and how one should not run after the equipment he or she necessarily needs😉 bcz we all want the new and the best but it's not always needed. I'm looking forward to more of your content.💙
That’s a great idea! Thank you:)
Thank you for this video! I’m trying to practice at family gatherings, but I find that sometimes my photo taking annoys them. 😬 (And especially when I use my on camera flash.) I also love candids and rarely ask for poses. I kind of just want to blend in. I’m thinking I might need to try more with a longer focal length so I don’t have to get too close and a wide aperture to skip the flash as much as I can.
You’re welcome! Yes I’ve heard this before and have actually seen the annoyance this Christmas when I let my brother take over shooting. Family events can be tougher then friends events. Two things to keep in mind are how long are you spending with a camera shoved (in the nicest way) in their face and are you interacting /directing something small will go a long way.
Thanks for your comment and keep shooting!!
@@JesseDeyoung Ha - I can imagine! Thanks for the tips! 😊
These tips are so helpful, thanks for sharing 🙂
You’re welcome glad to help:)
This very good information .. that you for spreading the knowledge ... I am going to subscribe to your channel ...
Glad you got something from it! Thanks for the comment and sub ☺️
I wonder why people don’t talk about how mirrorless sucks for event work where you have disco lights or constantly changing party lights.
What are some exact flash settings lol🙂
Hi Jesse! Great video, I found it really helpful. Would you recommend using a lens with a zoom rather than a fixed focal length for event photography? I heard fixed focal lengths have some advantages when it comes to quality, so just making sure before I go ahead and purchase a new lens. So far, I've been using a 60mm focal length and found it to be a little too close. In smaller rooms, it's basically impossible to get full body shots...
I’m glad this was helpful! Great question:) I think primes are the way to go in the 24-35mm range on full frame sensor. You definitely get more for your money on the less expensive options. I agree 60mm can be challenging to use if you don’t have a lot of space to move back.
@@JesseDeyoungStupid question - what are primes? 😅
A prime lens is just a name for a fixed focal length lens :)
Most helpful video ever! Thank you
Thanks! And you’re welcome ☺️
Great content and explanations. Thank you
Thank you and you’re welcome ☺️ good luck on your next shoot! 📸
Love this info! Thanks. Subbed and liked.
Glad to help! Thanks for watching and your support 🙏🏻😊
These are some awesome tips thank you for being so true and helpful!!
Thank you and you’re welcome! Glad to help!
do you have any videos on the settings like Single Point or 50-point settings
I don’t but can make one!
Have you tried TTL over manual? I use to be a manual flash shooter. TTL has been great benefits.
I used to use TTL only but found having control over the flash made the batteries last longer and the flash stays cooler throughout the event.
I love your videos…great quality content and information. To the point! Keep going.🙏🏽 also do you have any recommendations for an affordable speed light that is still good quality. What is your go to light? Thanks!!!
Thank you! Ive heard good things about the Godox speed light as an affordable option. I used the canon 430ex ii for 9 years you can get them used for less than $100 right now. The quality is great on both the light it produces and the build. I would recommend getting the cheap $15 diffuser on that one.
@@JesseDeyoung thank you! I’m starting off with Godox now and will eventually work my way up to the canon one! Your photos looks great. 🙏🏼
Do you have any flash suggestions? Thanks
I used the 430ex ii for years it’s great! The newer flashes now have rechargeable battery packs though so I recently upgraded to the profoto A1 which is also great! I would recommend both of them. The canon is really affordable now you can get them used for $100
If anyone doesn't know rechargeable batteries recharge the flash way faster.
It was a slow learning process for me first. I got those fast Rechargeable double a's which made an improvement and then I got a new flash with a dedicated Rechargeable battery. Incredible difference in the transfer of power from the battery to the flash.
I didn't know that was an issue with regular Brand new Non rechargeable. batteries. With rechargeable batteries the flash is ready many times sooner.
Thanks for this info! I tried rechargeable batteries years ago and they would get really hot during use so I just used disposables with a low flash power output.
Do you use a flash defuser for indoor events at night ?
Yes I use a defuser and point my flash directly at my subjects. I linked the defuser that I used for years in the description. I recently upgraded to the profoto flash and use the defuser that came with it.
4:18 I don’t have a kit lens, but I just so happen to have gotten a 50 and 24 as my first two lenses?
Hi bro...thanks for the video but I didn't understand if you only used one flash which is mounted on your camera. Because I've seen many photographers using two. I'm a bigginner aged 20...love from Zim 🇿🇼 Africa
Hi Zim! I just use one flash mounted on my camera sometimes diffused sometimes not☺️ depends on the event space.
@@JesseDeyoung okay thanks very much. Will definitely try that one
Do you prefer direct flash or are you bouncing flash and/or using mods?
Most of the time I’m pointing the flash straight at my subjects using a diffuser. It’s very rare for me to bounce my light off of anything. I’m going to make a video on flash soon since I’ve been getting a lot of questions about it!
You can litteraly upload photos to mega or mediafire and share link and that can stay active for a time u choose or forever so u dont have to think about that.
Thanks for sharing. I’ll look into them
I bought the battery extender. I think it came with the kit for my R5 so 2 batteries. Can last me?
500 plus photos just offering that as a reference. Even with that I'll probably never exceeded but it's smart to have back a batteries so I'm looking to order then soon
That should last you for 4-5 hrs depending on how much you’re shooting. I usually carry 2 extra batteries with my R5 and rarely use the second one. If it’s an all day shoot I bring a charger and keep one charging onsite
great video!! I have a question, do you lock in the white balance to 5600 or do you use auto white balance, or do you use another setting for white balance? Thanks!
Thanks! I usually lock it in to 5600 because AWB bounces around too much which makes the edit a pain! I will adjust from 5600 if the color feels off in the test shots though
loved this video man, very helpful
Thanks! Glad you got something from it! 📸😊
Thank you man ❤
You’re welcome! Hope the tips help you on your next shoot☺️
are you pointing bare-flash direct for those shots?
I usually have a diffuser on the flash and point it at my subject
This is helpful! Thank you 😊
You’re welcome! Good luck capturing some events!
I also rent another flash because of the overheating problems on flashes...
Have you ever had one overheat? I haven't had one overheat yet but noticed higher temperatures while using rechargeable batteries.
Thanks
You’re welcome
06:22 Pierson??? i didn't expect her lol😂❤
Yep that’s her :)
Your iso is 1600 Eve with the flash and f4?
Yes sometimes I go higher than 1600 but that’s usually my starting settings. Every event space is different lighting wise so there might be some differences. I try to stay at f4 though for focusing reasons.
@@JesseDeyoung what is your speed light settings for that?
subscribed!
How do i get rid of red eyes when flashing? I use the in Camera flash of my x100v and its pointing Directly onto the subjects. They always get red eyes 😭
Have you tried using the red eye removal setting? It’s in the main menu in flash settings. I do get red eyes in my photos sometimes too but don’t mind it..
@@JesseDeyoung omg, thanks a lot. I was thought I was using the setting, but I didnt.
Wasn't expecting much but not bad decent info
Thanks for watching
No diffuser?
I do use a diffuser. I prefer that over bouncing the flash because there isn’t always things to bounce off of.
@@JesseDeyoung Which diffuser do you use? 👍
When you buy a Canon camera you'll have Digital Photo Professional fro FREE! It can do EVERYTHING to correct your photo's!
Stupid question - what are primes? 😅
Fixed focal length lenses :)
Lenses that you can't zoom and usually are sharper and can open up more like f 1.4
I shoot community and family events. I never shoot posed photos, boring, I like to capture people as they really are in real life. I cringed at the end when you mentioned doing stuff via your phone. You are a true millennial. I hate tiny phone screens, hence desktop computers with big screens. I was hoping for some tips on shooting the event, not so much gear or setting (I don’t use flash, as people will ask you to stop shooting them). More along the topic of composition. Thanks for the video.
You find you get enough ambient light to suffice even in dimly lit situations without flash?
@@goat2503 I find that if it's too dim, the photos will come out noisey. Thankfully, I don't shoot those events. For instance at my family gathersing, if they turn down the lights, then I stop shooting. I have purchased a flash, though I don't like using it anymore than using a tripod. LOL.
I never use flash to photograph events.
Why?
@@JesseDeyoung Because my cameras are sensitive enough in low light situations.
Then you've never photographed an event with black, or very dark, walls at night with extremely low lighting. Try doing that with no flash. I been in this business a long time and I know no camera will yield an acceptable image in that situation and I've had many events and receptions in conditions like that.