As a photography instructor at the YWAM School of Photography, I always look for creative ways to teach my students about lighting, composition, and teamwork. This week, I decided to challenge myself and my class by attempting something unconventional for our group photo: having each student hold their own Godox V860IIN flash and point it at themselves. At the same time, I triggered them with the Godox X1NT transmitter. Here’s a glimpse into how we made it happen.
The Concept
The idea behind this group photo was to capture a memorable moment and provide a hands-on learning experience for my students. Having each student hold their flash and adjust its position and power settings would give them practical knowledge about lighting and control. Additionally, it would add an element of creativity and individuality to the final image.
Planning and Preparation
Before the shoot, I discussed the concept with my class and demonstrated how they would hold and position their flashes. We also examined the importance of communication and teamwork to ensure everyone’s flashes were pointed in the right direction and synchronized with the trigger.
Execution
On the day of the shoot, we gathered. I positioned student, holding their Godox V860IIN flash. I carefully positioned myself \with the Godox X1NT transmitter, ready to trigger the flashes. All flashes are triggered in manual mode at the lowest setting of 1/128. Camera settings: NIKON Z 9, NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S, Mode = Manual, ISO 1250, 1/400, ƒ/7.1, (35mm = 24)
Trial and Error
As with any experimental shoot, we encountered some challenges along the way. Coordinating the timing of the flashes and ensuring everyone was illuminated correctly required several trial runs. Additionally, one student didn’t have the same Godox flash, so I used a Flashpoint XPlor 600 HSS TTL to light them separately in the background.
Row 2: Vegard Andersen, Dennis Fahringer, Hania Moody, Chris Küsel, & Lisa Groves
Final Result
After a few attempts, we finally achieved the desired effect. The group photo captured the unique personalities of each student, with their flashes adding dynamic lighting to the scene. The student lit separately with the Flashpoint XPlor 600, which added an extra dimension to the composition, creating visual interest and depth.
Lessons Learned
This experience taught us valuable lessons about collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity in photography. We expanded our skills and grew as artists by stepping out of our comfort zones and trying something new. Moreover, the process fostered a sense of camaraderie among the students as they worked together towards a common goal.
Conclusion
Creating the group photo for the YWAM School of Photography class was not just about capturing a moment in time—it was about the journey of exploration and discovery. We pushed conventional photography’s boundaries through experimentation and teamwork and created something unique. As an instructor, witnessing the enthusiasm and growth of my students fills me with pride, and I look forward to many more creative endeavors together in the future.