In this outdoor lighting tutorial, I test three different ways to balance flash with sunlight: High-Speed Sync (HSS), a Variable ND Filter, and a Basic Reflector. You’ll see how each method affects exposure, efficiency, and overall image quality — and find out which one gives you the most control for your outdoor portraits.
We’ll look at how HSS lets you shoot wide open in bright sun without filters, why ND filters can save battery power and recycle time but in the end slow you down, and how a simple reflector can still create great light when you’re on a budget.
By the end, you’ll see all three results side-by-side so you can decide which lighting method best fits your shooting style.
If you enjoy learning about lighting, check out my book “The Photographer’s Journey” — it covers everything from one-light setups to multi-light color theory. Download your copy at https://johngress.com/downloads/
Assisting me today is Xavier Campbell https://www.instagram.com/xaemedia/
Gear
Canon R5 Mark II
Adorama: https://howl.me/cmGHhNpXDZw
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cJZyir
Canon BG-R20 Battery Grip for EOS R5 Mark II
Adorama: https://howl.me/cm5MF0r2iLL
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3B3Bg5f
Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.0
Adorama: https://howl.me/cjCnaWOwhRU
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vkEWbE
Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM
Adorama: https://howl.me/cjCnaWYcCHb
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3tHbPxm
Elinchrom FIVE
Adorama: https://howl.me/cjCnmmUpjV1
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Um6V61
Elinchrom Maxi Reflector 40cm – White
Adorama: https://howl.me/cjCnv9NF31n
Amazon: https://amzn.to/38VCStY
Matthews Beefy Baby Triple Riser Steel Stand with Rocky Mountain Leg
Adorama: https://howl.link/z2uuizdmifoap
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Cs7W9j
Tiffen 82mm Variable Neutral Density (ND) Filter
Adorama: https://howl.link/bqnhu8t9ns6ni
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3WJzwFM
Glow 5-in-1 Collapsible Circular Reflector with Handles (52”)
Adorama: https://howl.link/qor02xlc7aen9
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4onX8eU
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