Play introduction video
Course

How to mix flash with ambient light

Part 1 of 3 in the Fundamentals of Lighting series

£49.00

100% satisfaction guaranteed. We offer full refunds up to 14 days after purchase.

Get help buying
  • Description
  • What you'll learn
  • What you may need
Description

About this course

David shows you how to create perfect shooting conditions and natural-looking images by means of mixing ambient light with flash. 

David photographs a subject in a small indoor space and in a challenging gym environment. He demonstrates how you can easily set the camera for perfect exposure in difficult conditions when mixing flash with ambient light in an easy, safe and controlled way. 

Shooting a Hollywood stunt actress, we see how flash allows us to enhance existing conditions while maintaining a natural feel. We also discover how to use the background to light your image in a natural way. These techniques will change the way you work with light and make your images really stand out.

What you get in this course

  • Online light shaping course
  • Downloadable step-by-step guide
  • Scenario based teaching with real life photographic shoots
  • Unlimited access on all devices
What you'll learn

Discover how to:

  • Use bouncing techniques with an on-camera flash
  • Match flash with ambient light using gels with flash
  • Assess available light
  • Handle the most common challenging conditions
  • Choose the type and direction of light with your flash
  • Shape light easily with an off-camera flash
  • Control background blur with aperture
  • Control ambient light using shutter speed

What you may need

Essential information

Here are some things that are good to know, as well as useful gear to use for this course. These are simply recommendations, not requirements.

Recommended gear

To do the exercises you need at least one light for off-camera use.

For the final hero image in this course we used:

  • 4 x light for on- and off-camera use
  • 1 x strip box
  • 1 x color gel

  • Extras: light stands

Useful knowledge

  • Lighting skill level: Suitable for all levels of knowledge
  • Camera skill level: Comfortable handling a camera in manual mode

Meet the teacher
David Bicho
A highly experienced photographer, David has shot everything from Hollywood celebrities to high end Profoto products, as well as producing award-winning magazine covers. He’s also trained hundreds of professional photographers in advanced studio lighting and lectured thousands of semi-professional amateurs. Renowned for his witty and inspiring teaching style, David brings his knowledge and passion to Profoto Academy.
Meet the teacher

David Bicho

A highly experienced photographer, David has shot everything from Hollywood celebrities to high end Profoto products, as well as producing award-winning magazine covers. He’s also trained hundreds of professional photographers in advanced studio lighting and lectured thousands of semi-professional amateurs. Renowned for his witty and inspiring teaching style, David brings his knowledge and passion to Profoto Academy.

Profoto products in action

You don’t need to own Profoto products to learn from this series. But just in case you’re interested, here are the ones we used:

New

Profoto A1

Profoto B1X

New

Gel Kit

OCF Softbox Strip

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a series and a course?

A series consists of three or four courses from the same photographer. If you buy a series, you will benefit from a bundled offer for the entire package. Also, when you complete a series, you’ll receive personal feedback from one of our instructors and become a Certified Light Shaper.

Do I have to own Profoto products in order to take your courses?

No. All our courses are designed to improve your photography, regardless of what equipment you’re using.

How do I access the courses I buy?

As soon as we’ve received payment, you can view or take all your courses online - simply by logging on to the Profoto Academy website. You’ll find your courses at the Profoto Academy start page.

Can't find what you're looking for? Profoto Academy FAQ