Nikon® Creative Lighting System Digital Field Guide, Third Edition

Chapter 7: Flash Techniques for Portrait Photography

Two of my favorite settings in which to use a speedlight and the CLS are portrait and wedding photography. Creating a portrait can be as simple as raising your smartphone, pressing the shutter button, and swiping on a few filters. However, I’ve found that the best portraits come from a well-thought-out plan and solid execution.

It’s beneficial to have an understanding of your subject to determine the best way to capture his personality. Consider what the client wants to communicate, what you want to convey, and what tools will help you accomplish both.

Also, think about the mood you and the client want displayed in the image. Would something bright work best or are you going for something more somber? Deciding these factors beforehand will help you place your subject in the scene and light it accordingly.

A single speedlight used in conjunction with the sun as ambient light can yield adramatic effect.

Indoor Portraits

The beauty of an indoor portrait is having a controllable environment. This means no puffy clouds constantly changing the ambient exposure, no wind gusts to topple over your softbox, and no dogs mistaking your light stand for a fire hydrant. Often when shooting indoors, you’ll be met with low and/or mixed lighting. While you may be able to simply position your subject next to a large window and use a diffuser ...