Exploring the Creative Possibilities of a Global Shutter for Portrait Photography

The Sony a9 III, featuring the first-ever global shutter in a full frame camera, is revolutionizing photography by offering unparalleled shutter speeds and flash synchronization capabilities. This innovation is particularly crucial for photographers who require precise control over both ambient and strobe lighting, and this fantastic video tutorial will show you how to take advantage of it. 

Coming to you from Ashley Boring with Westcott Lighting, this detailed video explores the Sony a9 III's groundbreaking features and their practical applications in a real-world shoot. The global shutter's ability to read every pixel simultaneously eliminates the limitations of sync speed when working with strobes. This capability allows photographers to shoot at any shutter speed up to an astounding 1/80,000 of a second without losing flash power, a common drawback of high-speed sync with mechanical shutters. Boring highlights how these features are not just for capturing fast-moving subjects but are also invaluable for portrait photographers seeking to manipulate lighting for dramatic effects or to control ambient light more effectively.

Boring's hands-on demonstration in a brightly lit greenhouse showcases how to leverage the a9 III's capabilities to achieve various lighting effects, from dark, dramatic portraits to bright, airy scenes. The tutorial illustrates how adjusting shutter speeds, flash timing, and using different modifiers can dramatically alter the mood and atmosphere of the photographs, underscoring the importance of understanding and experimenting with these technical aspects to enhance creative expression. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Boring.

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

Log in or register to post comments