Outdoor Portrait Lighting with One Flash (My Complete Workflow)

August 7, 2026
12:09 pm
100

Outdoor portrait lighting doesn’t have to be complicated. In this video, I’ll take you behind the scenes of a real beach portrait session and walk you through my simple 1-2-3 approach to balancing flash with natural light.

You’ll see why I chose a 70 cm Elinchrom Octabox instead of my usual 40 cm reflector, how I determine exposure outdoors, why safety always comes first when working with light stands on location, and how I’m using the latest version of Capture One Mobile to tether wirelessly during the shoot.

If you’ve ever struggled to balance flash with daylight, this workflow will help you get consistent outdoor portraits without guessing.

Learn More

Want to go deeper into lighting?

Check out the Academy with John Gress: https://johngress.com/academy/

Capture One setup advice:

https://support.captureone.com/hc/en-us/articles/35841313187357-2nd-Gen-Wireless-Tethering-for-Canon#maximizing-performance

I tried recording my iPad screen during the shoot but it failed to save. So I recreated it after the shoot for this video.

Capture One Offer

Use the links and codes below to receive 20% off an annual Capture One All in One subscription, including upgrades from Capture One Pro. You can also start with a free 7-day trial.

New Capture One All in One Annual Plan: JOHN20AIO

Upgrade from Capture One Pro to Capture One All in One Annual Plan: JOHN20UPGRADE

Start your free trial or subscribe here:

https://link.captureone.com/try-for-free

BTS Footage by https://www.instagram.com/rylworldphoto/ Thank you for all of your help!!

Gear List

Matthews Beefy Baby Triple Riser Steel Stand with Rocky Mountain Leg
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Cs7W9j
B&H: https://bhpho.to/3Cs85JT

Elinchrom Rotalux Deep Octa Softbox 70 cm (27.5″)
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3IxitgV
B&H: https://bhpho.to/3AIN1uy

Elinchrom FIVE
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Um6V61
B&H: https://bhpho.to/3LcypYZ

Canon R5 Mark II
Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cJZyir
B&H: https://bhpho.to/3Yc4YyB

Canon BG-R20 Battery Grip for EOS R5 Mark II
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3B3Bg5f
B&H: https://bhpho.to/3XJFyaT

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.0L USM
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vkEWbE
B&H: https://bhpho.to/426bKEM

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction
00:17 – Why Backlit
00:51 – Camera settings are as easy as 1-2-3
02:01 – Today’s Camera Settings
02:39 – Capture One Mobile
03:24 – Sandbag Safety
03:44 – Snack Shack
04:16 – Composition
04:32 – Beach Grass & The Academy
08:06 – Final Thoughts