Improve your outside photos with flash

[NIKON D5, 28.0-300.0 mm ƒ/3.5-5.6, ISO 500, ƒ/5.6, 1/125]

When should you use a flash, inside or outside? Would it surprise you that I use the flash more often outside than most people?

[NIKON D5, 28.0-300.0 mm ƒ/3.5-5.6, ISO 640, ƒ/5.6, 1/100]

Compare this photo without a flash of the couple exchanging vows to celebrate their 25 years of marriage—no flash in this photo.

Carmen & Reaves Newsome 25th Anniversary Party [NIKON D5, 28.0-300.0 mm ƒ/3.5-5.6, ISO 500, ƒ/5.6, 1/80]

Now, having a flash of the camera could put some light on the husband’s face.

You see, outside, you get some sunlight that will create harsh shadows. Off-camera flash lets you put the light where it needs to be.

[NIKON D5, 28.0-300.0 mm ƒ/3.5-5.6, ISO 640, ƒ/5.6, 1/80]

Often outside, like at this party, the background is so bright, and the people are in the shade. Without a flash, you would have blown out the background and very flat light on their faces.

[NIKON D5, 24.0-105.0 mm ƒ/4.0, ISO 2000, ƒ/9, 1/25]

In this group photo, I have the flashes off at 45º from my camera, which lets me improve the faces’ light.

[NIKON D5, 24.0-105.0 mm ƒ/4.0, ISO 1000, ƒ/4, 1/100]

I find that an off-camera flash at 45º to 90º creates three dimensions to an object.

[NIKON D5, 14.0-24.0 mm ƒ/2.8, ISO 25600, ƒ/3.5, 1/100]

I also take photos without the flash outside. Knowing when to use a flash and when not to use one is good. Sometimes the image can look great both ways, with and without a flash.

I recommend you try using off-camera flash outside. See what it can do for your photos.

Here is the Godox flash system I use and tips on using it.