Direction of Light: Your Key to Better Portrait Photography

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11 жыл бұрын

* Click the show more button below for more info and links*
I was asked the following question in an interview:
Is there a single thing that you can tell us that would improve our flash photography instantly if we were to do this one simple thing?
My answer came from a simple realization that took me years to really grasp:
It is all about the direction and the quality of the light. Whether you use natural light, on-camera flash, off-camera flash, multiple light setups or video light -- it all comes down to exactly that - the direction and quality of light. Once you recognize this aspect of photography and lighting, then the door is wide open for you to be able to comfortably use any light source.
Neil van Niekerk's Site
neilvn.com/tangents/

Пікірлер: 176

@shadyninja1 2 жыл бұрын

This guy has the best illustration of flash photography on KZfaq.

@Bevieevans8 8 жыл бұрын

I actually purchased Neil's On and Off Camera courses on the Craftsy platform - the best £25 I've ever spent. I love the way he explains everything and after watching this video and those 2 courses, I also got the 'light bulb moment'. Neil is the best teacher out there on lighting.

@christimothy12 11 жыл бұрын

That was fantastic. Interesting, informative, yet not arrogant. Its rare this kind of information is shared for free. Thanks

@r.toddgibson1233 10 жыл бұрын

I loved this video because he answered so many questions and was very clear in his teaching. I laughed out loud a few times throughout the video. He made lighting easy to understand and fun to learn.

@eddietang68 8 жыл бұрын

Neil must be the Bruce Lee of wedding photography. Simple, fast, efficient and very effective. Love this tutorial. One of the best from B&H.

@danielrussell2190 10 жыл бұрын

That was probably the best lighting tutorial I have seen yet, and I've been consuming them at a voracious rate. His pictures are so, so, so much better than most of the other professionals giving advice. Just absolutely beautiful. Must get a good video light!

@douggottlieb 7 жыл бұрын

One of the best instructors I've seen -- emphasizes thought over gear, but also demonstrates a variety of tools and how to app,y them for a consistent vision. Really impressive show

@Isotope1213 9 жыл бұрын

The only workshop I have seen with truly great photographs. Not one picture was ordinary. Great work. Plus he answered questions sensibly

@its4harish 8 жыл бұрын

Wow!! one of the best lecture on the subject... Normally professionals do not share their knowledge especially in this field.. He is an exception and he knows his area pretty well !

@DanielFazzari 9 жыл бұрын

A fantastic video! Neil really knows his stuff, and is very generous with sharing his tips. If you think this video is a waste of time, you are probably the type who wants the "fix-all" lighting solution, or you don't have the patience to really learn something.

@DannyMolyneux 10 жыл бұрын

Every time I watch this I learn something else new. Superb stuff.

@tmewborn1 2 ай бұрын

Thank You Sir, Your knowledge of Flash Photography, and unique ways of using Speed Lights is fascinating. I have learned so much about using flash, direction of light, and very appreciative of your knowledge & teachings.

@TomKaszuba 6 жыл бұрын

Neil has been pumping out the best most helpful info about lighting anywhere on the web. The man is a genius. This is pure gold. Thank you.

@BandH 11 жыл бұрын

Most welcome. Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you all for watching.

@gentlegnt 2 жыл бұрын

Most likely THE most informative video about lighting I have yet to see. Simplistic approach and easy to understand with accompanying sample images. Now, I look for his books.

@nicejungle 10 жыл бұрын

This vid is pure gold. Full of information, tips and guidance. It's so rare when a profesional can explain his beautiful work in a simple way. I like his "keep it simple" approch. Thanx !

@efik.977 10 жыл бұрын

Thanks Neil for sharing and thanks B&H for uploading this fantastic session !

@staj 10 жыл бұрын

9mins in and I've learnt a Great Deal already. Shoutout to Neil and B&H for this !

@neilvn 11 жыл бұрын

Jay ... this will depend on distance / aperture / ISO ... and what light modifier I have. The aperture and ISO, in turn, usually depend on the ambient light to some extent. So there are just too many variables to give you one specific answer.

@staj 10 жыл бұрын

BEST LIGHTING VIDEO TUTORIAL ON THE WEB, OUTSTANDING !!!

@dadnoonan 6 жыл бұрын

“I shoot in manual. I tell the camera, what it needs, to be”. (So artistically emphasized). Well said.

@BandH 11 жыл бұрын

Very welcome and thank you for watching.

@BandH 11 жыл бұрын

Most welcome and thank you for watching.

@1995Benzo 11 жыл бұрын

This is the best lighting tutorial I've ever seen! Neil Rocks!!!

@gyalbobhutia2825 2 жыл бұрын

He makes the seemingly complex very simple. Thanks I am beginning to understand the Lighting.

@old4004 8 жыл бұрын

I have watched this before, and I learn new things each time that I watch it. Thanks for this splendid video.

@noynic 6 жыл бұрын

I learn something each time I watch this vid. Awesome job!

@ShandizS 11 жыл бұрын

I've been following your blog for years. This video put all your tips together for me. Great work Neil.

@lesliesmith7626 11 жыл бұрын

The most helpful and simple flash tutorial ever, hands down. Used this technique at home right after watching it. Amazing and immediate results! Thank You so much Neil, B&H!

@Micantropo78 5 жыл бұрын

Amazing lightning tutorial. Really clear explanation and amazing pictures of course!

@StevenScholten 11 жыл бұрын

I LOVE this workshop (and the other one form Neil) excelent stuff and very inspiring. Thanks Neil for sharing his knowledge and thanks to B&H for putting this on youtube.

@seppvt 8 жыл бұрын

This was honestly a pleasure too watch and so much good information to use

@noynic 7 жыл бұрын

Understood so much more this second time around. Watched it last year and it made sense but this time around I had the "ahh ha!" moment. Great vid!

11 жыл бұрын

The best lecture about light I've ever seen. Thank you

@BandH 11 жыл бұрын

Please contact Neil directly at neil@neilvn.com. Thanks for watching!

@1984jtk 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this I can't believe how much I've learned. Kinda felt like a college class where everyone else in class is 2 yrs behind you with these questions!

@Needacreate 10 жыл бұрын

My first reaction to the beginning of this video was, Gee, this breathless guy is so full of himself, he uses his pointed finger way too much. But, boy, I'm really glad I kept watching, because I can't think of another video that helped me as much in understanding how on-camera bounce flash, off-camera bounce flash vs. video light works. Here's a seasoned master of light who really knows what he's talking about. Thank you, B+H, for making this available.

@ChrisBoland 11 жыл бұрын

One of the best videos - packed with great info and well presented.

@rpavich 11 жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting this...I'm a huge fan of Neil's..he changed the way I handle flash.

@SheriJohnsonPhoto 11 жыл бұрын

Neil, you did a fantastic job on this, thank you for sharing!

@jfelixgs 11 жыл бұрын

Great! Thanks B&H. And thanks, Neil. His first book is so good and so "illuminating"...

@clark7894 11 жыл бұрын

Really enjoyed this! Excellent information. It was a great supplement to Neil's outstanding books.

@plaidmom 10 жыл бұрын

Another great teacher, B and H. I learned a lot and liked his presentation and teaching! Learned a ton!!!!! :)

@heatherweston6360 10 жыл бұрын

thank you! so much information. very, very instructional. love his sense of humor, too!

@davidreichstadter8587 11 жыл бұрын

One of the most informative presentations I've seen and very professionally communicated. Many thanks.

@weddingbells100 8 жыл бұрын

Excellent tutorial, very informative and straight to the point.

@NECHOLA Жыл бұрын

Just came across this fantastic video. I can’t wait to try the bounce flash technique he described.

@Strnge1957 11 жыл бұрын

Thank you Neil....and thank you B&H! I learned so much!

@9mak 11 жыл бұрын

Wow!.. Neil is great, and his lesson is just amazing!!!

@zkristeenify 8 жыл бұрын

Excellent. Got the 'light bulb' factor after watching this video. Thank you so much for sharing.

@Athreehourtour 10 жыл бұрын

great video man... love the one book i own of yours.... also love how this tweeks peoples paradigm ... oh and thanks BH again for a great presentation

@ChristianoDebarry 11 жыл бұрын

This guy knows what's he talking about! The best tutorial I've watched!

@AnthonyBurkephotography 11 жыл бұрын

That was awesome and i hadn't really thought about the possibilities of directional lighting with on camera flash.... it seams so easy now it has been explained. Great job and thank you.

@MrFullframefotos 11 жыл бұрын

This is a great video. I learned a ton from the information. I can't wait to get out and experiment with many of the new techniques. Thanks for sharing this valuable information!!!

@CristianruboniPhotography 11 жыл бұрын

Best tutorial! Thank you Neil!

@Larrythebassman 5 жыл бұрын

The best explanation of why one must shoot raw when photographing events , where there are 💥📸multiple cameras💥📸 going off in the room …completely understandable ✨👏👏👏👏👏👏👏. Thank you sir, now I truly understand why everybody is so excited about raw

@ChrisAuditorephotography 11 жыл бұрын

Very Nice! Learned a lot from a fantastic communicator and photographer ! Outstanding !

@lavernewhite8 9 жыл бұрын

Great lighting tutorial full of information, Thanks for sharing

@Killzone2You 11 жыл бұрын

Love this video, Thank you so much for uploading it.

@medo6067 11 жыл бұрын

Neil van Niekerk, I loved you. Thanks a lot.

@ezdariz 11 жыл бұрын

very professional, awesome presentation. really open my eyes about flash, once again, awesome !!! four thumbs up !!

@andreafine439 10 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video. What a great explanation of style.

@mackeymedia 11 жыл бұрын

I learned allot from this enlightening video and took lots of notes. Very interesting points like ISO settings and histogram reading (aim for the brightest point), black foam to direct the bouncing of the light and avoid direct light from hitting the subject, skimming the light, orienting the subject towards the natural light, using trees, corridors and otherwise to control how the light falls on the subject, metering from the brightest point then increasing the exposure compensation higher etc

@fallyhag 11 жыл бұрын

I feel like I should be paying good money to receive such valuable lessons. Huge thank you for sharing :)

@Reactor10k 11 жыл бұрын

Thanks Neil (and B&H), that was great.

@Stuclinton 11 жыл бұрын

i learned loads from this got to be the best video/presentation i'v see to date, your approach is great in every way keep up the good work many thanks.

@AlanPlatt 11 жыл бұрын

Have just watched 2 youtube video's .............light bulb moments galore Ahhhhh some pennies drop. I enjoyed the laid back lecture

@valletlydie 11 жыл бұрын

I love this video, an excellent tutorial, tanks a lot for the photographer too, thanks BHP

@buttershugg 9 жыл бұрын

Hey Neil...as you would say, YOU ROCK!!! Fantastic presentation. I love his style. I had several, "AH HA" moments...

@R580NZ 11 жыл бұрын

Great presentation Neil. Already bought and read your latest book but picked up a lot from watching this video. Thanks.

@fragino 11 жыл бұрын

Thank you, thank you! Very informative and a great speaker.

@alokshr8317 11 жыл бұрын

liked the class..nice guy..interesting topic..lots of information..quite helpful

@blossombogart2 11 жыл бұрын

what a great learning experience!...thank you

@atheintun 11 жыл бұрын

Truly amazing teaching on Flash !!! I better get video light now !!!

@brandonkapana2453 6 жыл бұрын

Dam its few days away from 2018 and I'm only now discovering this video. It's simplified and explained from one of the best in the business. And when Neil just whips that dudes flash on the camera is hilarious at 1:04:00 lol

@afalco54 11 жыл бұрын

Brilliant! I just love your videos.

@ArtSmalley 11 жыл бұрын

1:06:06 "That is just stupid - I know that is the technical explanation!" Almost spit my coffee onto the screen laughing. Great work Neil as usual. Can't wait for the new book to come out. Appreciate the time and effort you put into this and your outstanding website.

@babakbaradaran107 11 жыл бұрын

This guy is amazing ! Great job B&H !

@annm8073 11 жыл бұрын

Absolutely awesome lecture.

@nailntoothfairy 6 жыл бұрын

This was amazing.

@alexzuniga8671 2 жыл бұрын

2021 and I learn from this video, thank you : )

@BandH 11 жыл бұрын

@Leslie Smith, @aellah1, Most welcome. Thank you for watching.

@onlinephotocourses2154 10 жыл бұрын

Useful stuff, we need more of that.

@neilvn 11 жыл бұрын

Noor ... I reply to all the questions via my Tangents blog.

@AKINGzhu 7 жыл бұрын

Love this guy, very informative

@safeharbor7 11 жыл бұрын

Much enjoyed... Big thumbs up...

@lehnrry79 6 жыл бұрын

Extremely helpful. Thanks.

@pieceofdebri 10 жыл бұрын

He's like the Christopher Hitchens of photography. Enjoyed your wit, Sir...

@Fotomanafrica 11 жыл бұрын

Very informative. Great video.

@witchking1810 11 жыл бұрын

That was indeed an inspiring video!

@rc2011ish 11 жыл бұрын

fantastic!! i had major A-HA moments!! thx!!

@SimonPageVideo 11 жыл бұрын

Very very interesting and informative. Thanks for sharing.

@heipuntnl 11 жыл бұрын

coooollll, Its Neil. Thanks guys.

@GoodIntended 11 жыл бұрын

Great video, thank-you for sharing!

@eldorado5960 4 жыл бұрын

If you use an incident light meter properly, you won't have to worry about the zone system and can expose properly for a bride's white dress etc. Just my two cents. Otherwise, this tutorial has been excellent and I still learned a whole lot! Just be sure to calibrate your light meter for your model of camera as Neil suggests!