High Speed Sync vs Standard Flash: Take and Make Great Photography with Gavin Hoey

If you shoot portraits on location with flash then you've probably looked into using high speed sync flash. With the right trigger and flash unit, HSS flash is a great tool for getting shallow depth of field portraits but before you make it your "go to" way of shooting, consider the options.

In this video Gavin Hoey walks you through a shallow depth of field portrait, exactly the sort of scenario where HSS flash excels. He then moves location to one with a closer background and uses a wider lens, two things that make standard flash his preferred way of working.

Related Products at Adorama:

Olympus E-M1 Mark ii

Xplor600 Flash

Sekonic L-308X-U

Photos by Gavin Hoey

[AlexisABermudez]

I don't need to increase playback speed with Gavin, thought I had at 1.5 when he started talking... You're the best Gavin, many thanks for so much great content over the years!

[waynehollman]

I love Gavin Hoey he has taught me so many ways to be a better Photographer he explains things so easy and his demonstration are fun to watch. Keep the videos coming Gavin.

[balamina]

Thank you Gavin and Adorama for the great tutorial and tips! God bless you all!

[kennethhouston]

Haven't seen Gavin in a Adorama video in quite a long time. Glad to see him back in action. Always makes learning relatively easy.

[deewonda]

Thank you, Gavin! Most of my portraits have been in-studio because my outdoors work isn’t that good. I didn’t know about HSS. NOW I KNOW!😊

[pmbartley]

Just saw this video...great explanation! Even being 3 years old it's timeless. Thanks again.

[IslandFilmMaker]

That was a great breakdown of high-speed Sync vs Standard Flash exposure. It wasn't that long ago we weren't able to shoot above 60th of a second... how far technology has come! This is the best comparison I've seen yet !! Thx Gavin 🍻

[Impostertot]

Wonderful demo and explanation of HSS vs normal flash use Gavin. Thanks for this tutorial. Personal favourite shots, 2:45, 4:53 and 5:24. Adorama, this gent desires a raise!

[rjtech]

You explain so well. Wish you had your own channel.

[RalfWeyer]

And as usual Gavin explains a topic that’s not easy so easy that I think it just is that easy 😉👍

[RiadyawanAcoustica]

I see Gavin Hoey, I click. 😂

Great video, as always.

[stephanes]

Un petit salut de la France pour dire que j adore toutes tes vidéos

[MichaelVincentMagic]

Thanks Gavin, that’s very helpful. I see HSS as a silver bullet in my tool box, ready and waiting if I really need. It gives confidence knowing that the shot can be created no matter what thank you sir 👍🏽

[jennym.]

My favorite host, Thank you, Gavin, for another wonderful presentation!

[cowboystuff]

Excellent video, and an excellent model. You can't go wrong with a model that needs no direction.

[dagrape]

Hey Gavin another great video sir! You've instantly become my favorite flash tutorial channel. Great job Adorama!

[pscully]

I love it when you shoot at the airfield. :) I could spend days there making portraits! Another great shoot!!

[markus]

Fantastic work Gavin, really like the wide angle shots!

[jamesr.donaldson]

Really love your educational videos, I moved from the Canon system to the Olympus system when they came out with the OMD EM1 MK II and being new to the system I looked for some good instructional videos and Gavin you stand out as one of the best with the Olympus system. I love your energy and tips. Thanks for the info.

[MichaelVincentMagic]

Thank you, that was excellent. Just what I needed👍🏽