Flash Photography 101: Speedlights v Strobes? Triggers? WTF? | Off Camera Flash for Beginners Part 1

Flash Photography 101: Why choose strobes vs speedlights, the pros and cons of each for off camera flash, the way they both work and more is in here - the off camera flash for beginners, Part 1!

Off camera flash can be incredibly confusing, all these new bits of kit, terminology and things to remember. But if you're brand new, the differences between a speedlight and a strobe, how they each work and what the benefits are can be mind-blowing. So, today we dissect the strobes v speedlights situation in terms of most uses, we look at good recommendations for newbies with a budget, and we also look at the triggers.

How lights are triggered from the camera is something that I remember being overwhelmed by, so I did want to pop a section of the video down for off camera flash triggers, as well as mention the mounts and things you need to be aware of an off camera flash beginner.

Part 2: Released 19th March 2021

Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:44 Speedlights
2:45 Strobes
8:23 Triggers

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[cristinarenedowilliams]

This has to be one of the BEST YouTube channels I've seen for learning everything about photography!
I have only recently discovered your channel (bit late to the party) as I have loved and practiced photography for quite a few years now, but never gave it too much time to actually learn in depth about different aspects of it. I have now decided I want to invest my time in becoming a better photographer and also start give dog photography a go, and that's how I found your channel on YouTube. And THANK GOD FOR THAT! Because it's really helping me understand and learn so much about lights, studio photography and dog photography, three things I never really new much about as I've always done more sort of landscape and travel photography.
I don't know if you will still read these comments, but I just want to say THANK YOU for all the invaluable and informative content you offer.

[shellythompson]

I'm so thankful that I found your video!! I've been asked to do a small wedding and a baptism and was struggling to figure out which light source I should start with. Not sure these events will work their way into something consistent, but I surely don't want to disappoint my peeps!! This info helped me make that decision!!

[SassyMausi]

This is exactly what I needed! I had part of the info but not all and it’s starting to come together for me. I’m excited for part II!

[dominiqueprin]

Merci pour les explications et surtout la bonne humeur que vous dégagez !! J'attends avec impatience chaqu'une de vos vidéo ....Thank you for the explanations and especially the good humor that you release !! I look forward to each of your videos

[Jamie-Plays-vr]

So glad you're addressing the subject. I've only ever used natural light or a cheap speedlight on camera. I've always found off camera a little complicated and if I'm honest a bit intimidating.
It's so helpful to see it broken down into simple terms to help me understand how to get started. Thank you.

[greghughes]

Wish I came accross something this clear and thorough when I got serious about learning about OCF. Excellent job summarizing the essentials. Love your style of explaining things. More please!

[fionabond]

Oh how I wished I'd seen this video years ago, being self taught I've struggled to understand what it quick obvious and simple when you explain it Jess xx

[benholmes]

Always a pleasure to watch your videos Jess thanks for all the effort you go to and Dan also

[johnfanning]

Thank you....marvellous video again, Jess.

[annettefreeman]

THANK YOU!!! I have been asked to take band backstage photos next week and I do not have the strobe for it and know NOTHING about them! This is SUPER helpful as I cram to get prepared for the event.

[pmichalo]

Thank you so much for this helpful tutorial.

[berettaberetta]

Thank you for this video! It will help many to make a decision on what to buy and what will suit their photo style best 👍 Keep up the good work 🥰

[a.j.sunderland]

Girl you are the best! I love learning from you. Just got my first flash and am excited to get started. Thank you for always sharing great yet understandable information always with a smile, joke, and occasional snort 😊🐶📸

[rpchesson]

I see someone mentioned that the Godox speed lights have rechargeable batteries. They are absolutely amazing and last and last. The current versions also have built-in receivers. You do not have to attach them to a separate receiver. It’s wonderful. You set the channel to whatever your transmitter is...And they communicate just fine. 👍🏻

[lexiecataldo]

Thank you! I've always felt intimidated by strobes. I just bought a Westcott J400 (and love it!) but I needed to know the term "mount" to get one that would fit my softbox. Love all your videos!

[suerichardson]

Thanks so much for this video. Lots of great info. The only problem is I choked on my tea when you blinded yourself with your strobe!!😄
Can’t wait for part two, I may get flashes figured out yet.

[jmewest]

Oh yes very interested for part two!!! 📸

[jer]

Being a Speedlight-er I loved seeing the inner works of a strobe—thanks for taking one apart! 😁 No wonder they cost so much. Like another commenter below, I chose the Godox Speedlights because they are rechargeable and have the receivers built-in. Convenience! How did I get so smart? By watching 140 conflicting vids and making the head-spinning decision. I wish your 2-parter was available a year ago. I did make use of your on-site dog photo studio video (in a barn?) where you explained what modifiers are. Thank you—I had no idea what a modifier was at that time. You were my first lighting teacher! Now I even have an umbrella! 🤣 Two Godox Speedlights (one with a tiny, cute little grid 😁), Godox X-Pro-N trigger, and an umbrella—what a kit! Thanks for your head start on my path to lighting.

[judywright]

Very thorough and clear explanation of a very confusing (to beginners) subject, thank you! I will admit to laughing out loud when you blinded yourself with the light. :-D

[nancygrosh]

Girl you are talking my language! When you flashed your face hahaha🤣😂 I could so relate. Thank you for explaining all this.