Remote Flash Photography Tips with Radio Triggers

Flash Photography  •  Photography Tips

As a photographer, plenty of time is spent focusing on one specific element: light. From the quality of your picture to how the colors are portrayed, this one simple medium can change a wide variety of aspects within your image. In fact, lighting is often one of the first elements an amateur photographer tries to change, and that’s where radio triggers come in. While there are numerous flash trigger options available, Ireland based photographer Marcin Lewandowski created this edition of The Viewfinder to help viewers understand a little more about how he approaches a shoot with this incredible device:

Prior to his shoots, Lewandowski likes to search for locations. This ensures the site can be accessed without any sort of problems. If you’re unsure how to find a good location, you can start by either driving around and looking, or asking your friends. Often times, they may have seen something worth checking out.

When looking for a great backdrop location, look for landscapes that won’t distract from your subject. While some locations are better than others, for the best results try finding a backdrop that allows your focus to stand out nicely. However, keep in mind, once you have decided on a location it doesn’t mean you’re finished. The sun can alter the way a location appears, so try going out at different times of day to see how the lighting and contrast are affected, making sure to keep an eye on the forecast.

If possible, give yourself time to look around your location. Check out the angles and see what appeals to you the most. To figure out your settings, try taking a few photos using the automatic settings. Then you can switch up with different apertures or exposures to start tweaking your controls to fit the overall look you’re trying to achieve.

As with your exposure, when you first introduce your ray of light use the Auto TTL mode. This will allow you to see how the photons will spread out around your subject and allow you to indicate how the light is going to behave. To further fine-tune your lighting, you can also tweak with the power output. When your main two light sources (natural light and strobe) are set, you can add a splash of color throughout your photo (or in specific areas) by utilizing more strobes.

“My absolute favorite way for modifying a strobe light on location is the mighty Rogue FlashBender kit…” –Lewandowski on on-site light modifiers