Flash does not have to be restricted to the studio; in fact, you can make some pretty creative and fun images by combining flash with natural light outside. If you would like to get started with working with flash for outdoor portraits, check out this fantastic video tutorial that will guide you through lighting and shooting such a set of photos.
Coming to you from Jiggie Alejandrino, this awesome video tutorial will show you how to light and shoot an outdoor portrait. The beauty of using a flash outside is that it frees you from being dependent on the direction and strength of the sun, while still allowing you to incorporate both it and other natural elements or set pieces in your images. For example, you can shoot a portrait with a sunset behind the couple for a dramatic composition, then use the flash to light the couple so you can expose for the sun to avoid blowing the highlights without severely underexposing your subjects. It's a great technique full of creative potential. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Alejandrino.
If you would like to continue learning about how to light a portrait, be sure to check out "Illuminating The Face: Lighting for Headshots and Portraits With Peter Hurley!"
I know this is a pretty quick demonstration, but some of the pictures he's showing look like flash pictures. I'm still on the steady learning path to outside flash photography, and that's one thing I'm trying to avoid-flash looking pics, shiny faces, etc. Could it be because the softbox is small? The model's face is sweaty? Or, it's something else?
Here is why:
https://fstoppers.com/lighting/how-make-flash-look-natural-light-638234
I think it's because:
1. flash power was high for ambient/background. Gives it a spotlight look.
2. the ground in front of the subjects is being lit up. Makes it very obvious of flash use.
I don’t think it's because their softbox was small. The below photo I took was with a 4.7" reflector in the afternoon, 1:32 pm.
Here is why:
https://fstoppers.com/lighting/how-make-flash-look-natural-light-638234