Kansas City wedding photographer | boudoir photographer | family & newborn photographer » Darbi G. Hebrank is Kansas City portrait, boudoir and wedding photographer located in the Kansas City area ( including Lee

This little light of mine…

Since I started my photography business, I’ve been mostly a natural light photographer. I typically only get out the flash for receptions, when available light is scarce. I have experimented with an off-camera flash for portrait work a few times, but usually with peers who are a bit more seasoned.

Off-camera lighting is challenging…but equally as rewarding when done well. It allows the photographer to manipulate the lighting conditions, creating more dramatic effects in some cases.

My pal Stephanie, whom you might recognize from her wedding and her extreme bridal…which won me two awards…was a dear and volunteered to model for me. Here are some of the images… (I admit, I didn’t focus much on poses etc… was mostly trying to harness the light…)

I’ve edited this to add in notes on the set up…

I used a 580exII on my camera to trigger (I turned the master flash off, and just used it to fire the slave, which was also a 580exII.)

I set up the flash to my left…probably a 45 degree angle between Steph and me… To see actual camera settings, click on the photo and it will take you to the FLICKR upload… then click on MORE PROPERTIES on the bottom right under ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
I had the off-cam flash shooting through a large white umbrella…

Darbi G Photography-portrait-off-camera-lighting002
This was essentially the same set up, but I lowered the flash and she is sitting. 😉
Darbi G Photography-portrait-off-camera-lighting004
For this one, the flash was at my right, I folded the umbrella down and turned it around so it shot the light directly at her… rather than losing it in the diffusion.
Darbi G Photography-portrait-off-camera-lighting013
these next few are the same set ups as the standing/sitting ones above…but cam settings were adjusted.
Darbi G Photography-portrait-off-camera-lighting016Darbi G Photography-portrait-off-camera-lighting017
Darbi G Photography-portrait-off-camera-lighting018Darbi G Photography-portrait-off-camera-lighting019
Darbi G Photography-portrait-off-camera-lighting022Darbi G Photography-portrait-off-camera-lighting020

She reminds me of Mandy Moore here…for this one, the umbrella was folded down, too…and I incrased my shutter speed to kill most of the natural light.

Darbi G Photography-portrait-off-camera-lighting021

This, the flash is to my right… and I killed more of the ambient. Shooting through the white umbrella normally again.
Darbi G Photography-portrait-off-camera-lighting015

Ain’t she gorgeous??

Ok, for these laying down ones, it was quite hard. I didn’t have someone to hold the flash for me, which would have been VERY helpful. But I wanted it to point downward…but due to the umbrella’s long stem, I couldn’t get my light to do just that. SOOOOO… I somehow became a pretzel, intertwined with the lightstand…and shot holding it aimed downward… and then for some of them, I just lowered the stand and fired the flash upwards into the umbrella…closed down…so it would come back down at her.
Darbi G Photography-portrait-off-camera-lighting008

Darbi G Photography-portrait-off-camera-lighting005

Like a true model…
Darbi G Photography-portrait-off-camera-lighting009

And my absolute FAVORITE
Darbi G Photography-portrait-off-camera-lighting012

Despite my radiopoppers malfunctioning and having to rely on the flash’s laser for the trigger… I would consider this bout with off-cam flash a success. THANK YOU, STEPH!!

Back to topShare itTweet itGet in touch
  • Jody - Ok so I am also a natural light photography. I am reading up on using off camera lighting…but wondered if you would explain exactly how you set your shots up?

    How many light sources did you use ect…

    The photo’s are Incredible!!
    And yes she’s gorgeous =)ReplyCancel

  • Darbi G. Photography - don’t worry, jody…I just edited it to include those set-up notes since you asked…
    Thanks for stopping by… happy week!ReplyCancel

  • Holly - Darbi, I think these are great! Good job.ReplyCancel

  • Dreaming Tree Photography - I love playing with off-camera lighting but I suck at it. LOL! You did a great job and I am glad I stopped by 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Enjoem - Now if you ever need to practice taking taking pics with a person that has "darker" skin please let me know. I would be more than happy to assist you 🙂

    ~EnjoReplyCancel