We all know the relevance and importance that light has in photography. Essentially, without it, there isn’t any. And it is one of the first things we learn about when we are starting out with photography. But there are a few techniques and ideas that can transform your lighting game, which include the use of the (sometimes dreaded) flash. Here are 4 free guides to give you an insight into extra techniques you can try out!

1. Shooting Portraits With 1 Light

We’ve all seen the studio setups or professional shoots with several lights, bouncers and diffusers, and a ton of equipment. Unfortunately, this is not something accessible to a lot of us. The good news is that you don’t need a lot to shoot great portraits! Kent DuFault walks you through a few considerations with working with a single light source to achieve amazing shots. Download here →

2. Three-Point Lighting

Three-point lighting is a lighting method used as a standard format and basis for almost any type of lighting system. It is a system which uses three different point sources, each with a specific function which is determined and assigned by the photographer.
These three points of lighting are key light, fill light, and edge light. Karlo de Leon explains what each one is about to help you further understand it. Download here →

3. High Speed Flash Mode

It’s a good idea to learn how to handle flash, whether it is the one built into your camera or an external one. But the resentment that generally accompanies this tool makes sense as it is a bit difficult to master. In this guide, Robin Nichols gives you a better understanding as to why that is and a couple of new concepts to apply regarding high speed flash mode and how it works. Download here →

4. Working With Backlighting

Light coming from behind a subject adds drama, depth, dimensionality, translucency, allure, and detail in a photograph. It does not have to be directly behind a subject, so it can require a little practice to really notice it. But this is a lighting technique that can be found in nature, as well as in a controlled setting. Check out this quick guide to begin training your eye to see and work with backlight. Download here →

Bonus Recommended Reading: Understanding Light Book I

Get a more in-depth understanding of how light works and how you can use it to your advantage with Photzy’s premium guide, Understanding Light Book I which goes a step further and shows you how to control light to establish composition, texture and color and how to use different lighting tools as well. Interested? Read more here →