Flash Photography For Portraits: ND Filter vs High Speed Sync Technique

Рет қаралды 308,353

Күн бұрын

Learn the differences between using a flash with an ND filter versus using high-speed sync! Check it out and tag me on IG with your results!
Gear Used (Amazon affiliate links):
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Пікірлер: 425

@MiguelQuilesJr Жыл бұрын

The question is, which do you prefer for shooting portraits wide open with flash? ND or High Speed Sync? Sound off in the comments below!

@steverogers1039 Жыл бұрын

I have been using clip in ND filters (rather than HSS) for the past 18 months. The main reason is it liberates more power for my strobes, and has meant that I can now do all I need with a dinky little Godox AD100 in a modifier most of the time, and if really bright, an AD300. Previously I was needing an AD400 and AD200's for the same results. This has really allowed me to save weight and space in my camera bag.

@stkuj Жыл бұрын

I actually shoot both sometimes LOL

@zenphotocraftmedia8326 Жыл бұрын

Though I am guessing some camera can go upto 1/8000 sec and some camera can do high speed sync 1/4000 and it also what f stop will used and if dose it requires the nd filter

@MMPAspergerian Жыл бұрын

HSS for sure. Great videos as always Miguel, thank you!

@PeteySmoothJazz5059 Жыл бұрын

I use both, however, in the spirit of the question, I favor ND filters.

@Joe-gl8sr Жыл бұрын

ND allows better battery usage. HSS uses up more battery. So if it is going to be a longer shoot, might want to use the ND to have a spare battery. Both are great tools to get the job done. 🙂👍🏻

@MiguelQuilesJr Жыл бұрын

Exactly right!

@MartinKamin Жыл бұрын

I wrote my one note - the same...

@ZachGrayPhotography Жыл бұрын

HSS doesn’t have power either as it’s bursting the flash.

@BrianCarey Жыл бұрын

Thanks, I was wondering about this!

@fostervf16 Жыл бұрын

Wrong. Using an nd filter means you need to increase the power of the flash. Hss makes the flash use less power but it technically is firing more times. But it balances out.

@beerborn Жыл бұрын

A word of advise, whenever you change the power of the flash you must purge the flash first before you take the photo. If you took a photo with a 4.0 setting and then went down to 2.0, you must purge the flash first because the flash charge is still at 4.0. Once the purge has been made the battery will charge the capacitor to 2.0 which is now ready to take a photo.

@DiagnosticDennis Жыл бұрын

Good advice thank you 🙏

@Drasengan75 Жыл бұрын

how do you purge the flash? a power cycle?

@ooltimu Жыл бұрын

@@Drasengan75 just fire it

@Drasengan75 Жыл бұрын

@ooltimu ohh haha thanks. Cuz i was literally confused. Thanks again.

@JakobeOcho Жыл бұрын

What’s purge it mean

@bolajibadmus175 Жыл бұрын

Love them both. Thank you for educating a beginner photographer here.

@ap2582 Жыл бұрын

Miguel has the best off camera flash instructional tutorials on KZfaq. PERIOD. Thank you for uploading these quality videos. It is directly influencing my photography purchases.

@MiguelQuilesJr Жыл бұрын

Wow, thank you for the kind words! Glad my content is helping you out :)

@PeteySmoothJazz5059 Жыл бұрын

I concur!! I love his instructional tutorials!

@芝さん Жыл бұрын

I am just starting out in photography. I was thinking of buying a strobe but it is quite expensive and I was thinking of a model without HSS.(It is way more cheaper than that with HSS.) I thought I might have problems shooting with a wide aperture in daylight, but then I found out there is a way to use an ND filter! I learned a great deal. Thank you!

@onlysublime Жыл бұрын

For portraits, I'd always go with nd filters. It's just more manageable for a photo shoot. The only times i use hss is for things in motion.

@jbello9398 Жыл бұрын

I bought an ND filter and love how the images came out... plus I don't lose power on my flash, so I'm happy with the ND filter

@MiguelQuilesJr Жыл бұрын

Very true!

@davec28 Жыл бұрын

Great vid - thanks for that. It had been confusing me but now it's all clear. Keep up the good work !

@coreyford9418 Жыл бұрын

This is very helpful. I struggle with off camera flash. This video put a lot of things in perspective for me. Thanks a lot!

@jerrypollatos7935 Жыл бұрын

Hi Miguel: Another great tutorial!! Love your explanation of the two techniques really makes it easy to understand. Think my next purchuse will be an ND filter.

@StefanAlexandruGeogloman Жыл бұрын

Great video! For professional shootings, well, whatever works best in the situation, but for people who do it as a hobby, clearly an V-ND filter is best - cheaper than lights/triggers with HSS, less battery consumption, and the filter is useful also for other kinds of photos or for video.

@NiniRockX Жыл бұрын

I just came across this topic yesterday. I watched another video by a photographer about it, and now I saw yours on KZfaq about the same topic. However, yours was explained better because you went into more depth with the individual stops. Thank you, Miguel. Beautiful images !!

@MiguelQuilesJr Жыл бұрын

So happy to hear it! That's why I went into KZfaq creating tutorials. I see that kind of thing far too often. Hope it helps!

@thanhhuuvu2617 Жыл бұрын

One of the best tutorials on just using OCF and even easy follow on the HSS. Thank you for doing this tutorial Miguel

@MiguelQuilesJr Жыл бұрын

Thank you!!

@davidjones8070 Жыл бұрын

I’ve done both methods and honestly it doesn’t matter much to me personally…it’s just another great tool option to have in your bag. I remember watching Joel Grimmes..years ago use nds for his portrait work and do amazing work . I just like options and a variable nd takes up little space in your bag so why not.

@sirbondman007 Жыл бұрын

Thanks!!!!! Really informative for me, as an advanced amateur. Personally, I think that the combo worked the best. HSS seemed entirely too bright overall. ND alone, in your time of day was unable to bring out the model's features and seemed to fall flat. Will definitely try w/my D500 & off camera flash.

@mikeuptonphoto Жыл бұрын

This is an awesome video, I love how you did this kind of iterative approach that shows how each step of the way influences the final result. Definitely subscribed now!

@MiguelQuilesJr Жыл бұрын

So happy to hear you enjoyed it, and thanks for subscribing! More to come next week 😁📸

@bwebmasta1 Жыл бұрын

Great video & tutorial, I think i will try both techniques!

@josehijo Жыл бұрын

Great topic, I believe it's a matter of choice whether you're in for maximizing power like with a smaller light, going for ND it is... and if power isn't an issue, then High Speed sync is more flexible! Both are great tools, and your shots are awesome!

@MiguelQuilesJr Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching and I totally agree!

@iLLSinceProductions 5 ай бұрын

Youre a great photographer and educator. Loved the video

@MSmatt76 Жыл бұрын

You're photographing thru another lens so remember to take care of the ND filter, don't abuse it. Some cameras may struggle with focus with a really dark ND, and if the lens becomes warped from heat or misuse, you'll struggle with focus.

@gustavofleury389 Жыл бұрын

Amazing video and what wonderful photos, very explanatory.

@RustyBrownPhotography Жыл бұрын

If given the choice, I'd go w/HSS. I think it makes for a 'cleaner' shot (if that's even possible). Having a trigger/strobe that works natively w/your camera makes it easy. Once you've adjusted for abient (to get the real colors of your sky, there), it's then just a matter of finding the right power output from the strobe, based on the distance between the strobe and the model. As always, very well done, mate -- thanks!

@VENCESS Жыл бұрын

Awesome video Miguel, now I will try the ND filter, thank you

@alanplatt888 Жыл бұрын

Very informative, I understood...............great video. I watched it after watching your most recent ND filter video. The pieces of the puzzle are beginning to fall into place for me.

@carlosIC 4 ай бұрын

Beautifully explained. Thanks

@CesarMartinez-zb1zb 10 ай бұрын

Great video!!!!! Learned a lot !!

@DoveSharma Жыл бұрын

Learned something new today, thanks Miguel

@MrTrapo56 Жыл бұрын

I guess it will depend on the type of light you use, if you have a speedlight the best option will be to use the ND. If you don't have power problems with the flash you use the HSS. Excellent demonstration.

@nickcucchiara Жыл бұрын

Nice video, as I do have high speed sync and plan on getting the Nikon 85mm 1.2 with Z8 contemplating the ND for that lens specifically for this. I preferred the ND based on the colors as the pink top was perfect to express this. Also the softer light on the face as well. Both shots a greats and in a pinch one way other the other will make it happen.

@saliyawickramasinghe9811 Жыл бұрын

I'm new to photography..Thanks for the technique..This is great

@dalebender7726 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for the video! Using both methods, as/when needed, will help anybody be a better photographer... I hope!

@jimsmith556 Жыл бұрын

Nicely explained and demonstrated Miguel!

@MiguelQuilesJr Жыл бұрын

Thank you! 🙏

@mattorrz759 Жыл бұрын

Budget is my limitation. Great vid man 🤙

@DPhotos Жыл бұрын

Your videos are really dope. Thanks for the info!💯‼️

@MiguelQuilesJr Жыл бұрын

I appreciate that, thank you!! 🙌

@Michaelajacksonfilms Жыл бұрын

Thank you again, actually had to refer back to this video before buying NEW nd filters

@marquisecarter9543 Жыл бұрын

You know you're a natural beauty when you're dressed down and still looking beautiful. Thanks Miguel as always for the lesson and nice work.

@MiguelQuilesJr Жыл бұрын

I appreciate the uplifting words and support! I'll be sure to share with Katelyn. Thanks for watching :)

@QUINPANO Жыл бұрын

He was talking about you

@juanrmartinez6598 Жыл бұрын

Your videos are very helpful, you're an excellent teacher 👏

@MiguelQuilesJr Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for the feedback!! 🙏

@MikeDMedia816 Жыл бұрын

Great video, full of information

@LandscapeFotografi Жыл бұрын

Woww nice Bro, so beautiful shot.. good job 🤙🤙🤙

@lost13559 Жыл бұрын

Great video, it helped me out a lot I’m just starting to get into photography, I’m doing my home work first to see what I need

@MiguelQuilesJr Жыл бұрын

Hope it helps! If you have any topics that you'd like me to cover along the way let me know. 👍

@shootwithray 10 ай бұрын

I don't know how or why I never subscribed. Miguel you are a legend. As always a big fan here!

@MiguelQuilesJr 10 ай бұрын

I appreciate your support!! 🙌

@codm_fire820 Жыл бұрын

The subject is good at what she does. Great vid, it was helpful.thanks.

@heavengroup5273 Жыл бұрын

Great topic, thank you so much

@rakeshgodbole3083 Жыл бұрын

Excellent work sir

@sanjayt5633 2 ай бұрын

I would go with an ND with wide aperture during the day time. Informative video. Thanks! 👍👍

@paceyombex Жыл бұрын

As a complete newbie to flash photography (still deciding on my first Speedlite), HSS intrigues me a lot because it's easy and simple. I guess once I get it, I'll use HSS for now, especially since every flash with HSS could also do standard sync.

@hazard3020 Жыл бұрын

dont forget the cost of these things !!!

@paceyombex Жыл бұрын

@@hazard3020 I decided to get a TT 685 II for my first flash, and for my need it's plenty for now. Now if I'll get another unit it'll be something from godox's wistro line since I really appreciate the HSS on my TT 685

@dartagnanpascaljoseph3985 Жыл бұрын

Hi Miguel. That's some powerful content here! Looking at your side-by-side comparisons, the ND filter frames look more contrasted as if the filter reduces overall luminosity to increase contrast. But it's so subtle that you wouldn't know. Great tutorial!

@MiguelQuilesJr Жыл бұрын

Thanks brother! The ND shots definitely had a bit more contrast to them. I imagine I could have made them look fairly similar if I edited them but it's cool to see the results. 🙏

@TonySkraba Жыл бұрын

@@MiguelQuilesJr i wonder if, because your ND is variable, it is due to it being a polarizer

@rnic74 3 ай бұрын

great vdo ... thank you ... and you go at a good speed .. we can actually keep up!

@Roy88772 Жыл бұрын

Very nice video. It's good to point that with HSS we are loosing about one stop of light from the flash so if you want to overpower the ambient light in a more sunny day ND filter is the way to go.

@jasonbodden8816 5 ай бұрын

You lose more than that the further past your flash sync speed you go. ND filters for me.

@tommynikon2283 Жыл бұрын

Nice work Miguel; alot of shooters mangle this topic- you didn't. Love the results. Old dude here/67; been using an old school (portable) Norman 400B flash unit for years + ND filters. I have a Big Stopper, 1-10 as needed. AF on my Nikons/DSLRs can sometimes wander, specific focus points....but WHEN it works, it works fine, and unlike HSS units....my flash doesn't have the continuous pulse- which eats up about half it's power. Plus a diffusion panel, etc. IF I went HSS, it would have to be high-power: 800+ watts min. Distance, Diffusion, Design eat up the Output.

@Notagain640 Жыл бұрын

Brilliant video thanks.

@john2000l Жыл бұрын

While I think it depends on your shooting style, for me, I have always used ND filters as it offers me more fast flexibility, without having to constantly try and punch up additional light from the flash. This is nothing against HSS, and in certain situations where you need to catch something that is in motion (even slightly), it will work much better than the ND filters

@drrrw 8 ай бұрын

Tons of value from your 2 videos about this topic. In my budget case, I already have my ad200 with trigger, since the battery and the ND filter cost the same, either same battery with ND filter or add another battery because HSS uses more battery. I would go with battery. If you're a hybrid shooter go with ND filter for video purposes also. Thank you M.

@bradmiller9993 Жыл бұрын

Cool! I've never used an ND filter with flash....time to experiment ! Thank you....

@edgardbmedia 3 ай бұрын

I like the ND filter look for some reason. Great Video

@fredandjaytv Жыл бұрын

Excellent tutorial simple and effective

@MiguelQuilesJr Жыл бұрын

Thank you!! That's always my goal 🙏

@jmitchvision Жыл бұрын

Good work brother!

@jasonbodden8816 10 ай бұрын

They look almost the same to me. I like how both look but I do favor ND filters. Great vid! :)

@deenugent473 Жыл бұрын

To save battery and refresh battery time, I'd shoot without HSS. As far as the comparison between the two, it's really hard to tell because they look very similar. Of course, it helps when you have a pretty model 😉

@josephchan4198 Жыл бұрын

The ND looks good and when I was in studio did go over 200. Awesome class.

@MiguelQuilesJr Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the kind words and support! 🙏

@zbruch66 Жыл бұрын

nice model. Nice tutorial, Thank you!

@MiguelQuilesJr Жыл бұрын

Glad you like it!

@aizen8185 Жыл бұрын

I’m new on this so new subscriber here 👋 thanks for sharing your tips 👍🏻

@MartinV. Жыл бұрын

Great Video!!

@MiguelQuilesJr Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@joalva63 Жыл бұрын

HSS never give a color cast, ND filter may introduce color cast depending on the quality of the filter.

@SuperMassara Жыл бұрын

Just buy quality filters. It's EASY.

@headbang3r519 Жыл бұрын

ND filter is amazing !

@NapTuazon Жыл бұрын

Excellent!

@MiguelQuilesJr Жыл бұрын

Thank you!! Glad you enjoyed it :)

@YasinKaradeniz 11 ай бұрын

Very nice photos :) thank you

@MiguelQuilesJr 11 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@tonyjr1279 5 ай бұрын

Great video

@andydlamini 4 ай бұрын

Great tutorial

@paulkarassr6253 10 ай бұрын

Thanks, great topic. Probably leaning towards ND so that my speedlight doesn't overheat in HSS.

@AngelFreak_ Жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing, Miguel! I'm new to photography and using a flash has been very difficult for me. I got a question, do I have to turn off my radio every time I adjust anything on the camera so the new settings will take effect? Thanks again!

@officialbrandoncoleman Жыл бұрын

Dope video bro!

@MiguelQuilesJr Жыл бұрын

Thanks Brandon! 🙏

@castielvargastv7931 Жыл бұрын

Both look great

@MiguelQuilesJr Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@harryvuemedia5106 Жыл бұрын

Both are great! Just that you would be spending at least $200 on a True Color ND filter. Definitely worth it if you want to always shoot at full power because using HSS cuts your flash power in half. So to get full power equivalent to 1/16 with HSS, you have to use 1/8. If you dont want to spend another $200 on an ND filter, then best to go with HSS.

@ToniiCurtisSmith Жыл бұрын

I love the ND filter great photos

@hiidenwarrior2698 Жыл бұрын

Been using this technique ever since learning shoot on site

@omegaman1409 Жыл бұрын

I am so used to hss I can’t think being without it. By big strobe has plenty of juice and my speedlights use lithium batteries so that helps. Thanks for the video.

@DanielCarbs Жыл бұрын

I love soft soft so so so so much!

@veselinvasilev9362 4 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@ahmadmoussaoui4513 Жыл бұрын

Great video Miguel. I will personally always side with HSS over ND as I personally believe adding an extra layer of glass on top of the lens (unless super high end ND glass) will degrade image quality to an extent.

@jasonbodden8816 10 ай бұрын

If it's a good quality filter it's negligible. Probably even imperceptible.

@NabranAboubacar Жыл бұрын

Shout out to the lady too :), amazing no one mentions her 😅. Sharpe explanations thx

@photorekastudio8528 Жыл бұрын

Although the one with the ND filter and HSS mode is exposed correctly, aesthetically the first overexposed background one looks more natural to me. Btw thanks for sharing

@modulacja Жыл бұрын

Very good lesson. Take care...

@MiguelQuilesJr Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@CanadianArchivist Жыл бұрын

I do have speedlites and just bought a monolight. The two speedlites can do hss. Im on a budget do the camera model i have, and the monolight that is arriving this week, are incapable of hss. So for me, the ND filter is the choice for me.The results look similar in your video, but that may not be the case when looking at a raw file. Thank you for the video.

@avadhutghorpade2197 Жыл бұрын

Nice photography sir

@DennisRosenberg Жыл бұрын

Great video as always. Would love to see this same comparison in a brighter setting. Maybe a daytime beach shoot with HSS vs. ND? Then we could really see the effects of the power output limitation of HSS. and the potential real advantage of ND. Thanks!

@MiguelQuilesJr Жыл бұрын

Thanks Dennis! Now that I'm feeling better I'm definitely doing that. 📸

@andrinhettinger Жыл бұрын

It‘s funny, I just watched your video from 6 months ago and at the end I saw this video linked. And it‘s made 1 day ago 😮‍💨 Lucky me haha

@MiguelQuilesJr Жыл бұрын

Crazy timing! 😂

@ThomasJM980 Жыл бұрын

my nikon d5600 dont have hss but i do have nd filters this is a great technique - thanks for info

@technoalah Жыл бұрын

Thank you awesome video.

@MiguelQuilesJr Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@idrissstudio8943 Жыл бұрын

Awesome =, thanks!

@eosfan1dmkii Жыл бұрын

I believe HSS has some issues if you're shooting any volume. I typically have to do 8 environmental sittings in a day, and the Godox lights go into overheat protection mode after a number of pops.

@JK-jl1bf Жыл бұрын

I would say that a filter is what you want in cases of doing longer shoots to save power on the batteries because HSS uses strobe bursts that can eat up batteries fast.

@Jwitherow1964 Жыл бұрын

This was a great one. I like both as well . Is it possible to use both at the same time. I

@thephotographersunny Жыл бұрын

Great Information Thank you Sir from INDIA

@RichardCornelius Жыл бұрын

Both depending on the time of day.

@MiguelQuilesJr Жыл бұрын

Exactly this! It's all about having options based on what you run into.

@stanspb763 Жыл бұрын

I like the smoother light on her cheeks with the ND. I usually use HSS because it is always available but I would like to use ND but screw on filters in my kit are 77mm dia. but my preferred portrait lens is the 85 1.8S. Using the F mount 70-200 2.8 however will work. Most of my portrait work is done with a Z6 so I can use S lenses but I have a D850 and D800 with plenty of F lens choices. I just leased a new studio with 76sq meters/690sq ft with 6m high ceiling/20ft high ceiling so as soon at the build out is done next week I will experiment with these options. wall is 80% window so there is some work to do in making multiple drapes, blackout and translucent. My old studio had a large cyclorama but I do not want to go to the effort and expense to build one in the new place.

@MRJAY-xl7ce Жыл бұрын

not going to lie best damn video on the internet

@MiguelQuilesJr Жыл бұрын

I appreciate the love! That's the goal with every upload, glad this one hit the mark 🙌

@MRJAY-xl7ce Жыл бұрын

@@MiguelQuilesJr definitely I’ve been looking at a lot of videos trying to learn but everyone is just showing u how the pics look with the light not showing you the camera settings , you were by far the best thanks again brother

@peterguman7298 Жыл бұрын

great video as usual. any focusing tips when using an ND filter? thanks.

@LindtBunny Жыл бұрын

Hi Miguel, new follower here. Thank you for this and your other videos. I have a question regarding aperture. In one of your videos you showed you don’t need a wide open aperture to get a great portrait, you went up to f11. However in this video you’re at the widest aperture, and everything is sharp with the flash. Can you use aperture to control the light in the sky instead of cranking up shutter speed?