Flash Photography: TTL vs Manual Exposure. Which is Right for Event Photography?

In this video, I discuss the differences between TTL and manual exposure when using camera flash, and which one is right for event photography. In truth, shooting in manual will be impractical for most situations. I have heard arguments in favor of it - one such argument being that it gives you more control over your flash - but in reality it can severely limit your creative control on top of giving you inconsistent results as you adapt to the dynamic conditions of a live event.

As always, I'd love to hear your take on flash photography. Do you shoot in manual? Do you shoot in TTL? Are you a working professional photographer or an amateur?

#eventphotographer #eventphotography #losangeleseventphotographer #flashphotography #ttlvsmanual #flashsettings #eventphotographyflashsettings

[MikMilman]

Several more videos on flash photography are in the works, so make sure to like, subscribe, and most importantly click the bell icon so that you'll be the first alerted when they go live.

[Augnos]

Went back and forth between TTL and manual at show last night, and going TTL definitely keeps it simpler for me to focus on just getting the composition and catching the moments without worrying a ton about the lighting.

[saraalder]

Brixton was a fabulous model! Thank you for demonstrating and explaining these features for us. 😊

[AlHawaniTV]

Hahahahhhahah🤣🤣🤣
I couldn’t stop laughing as soon as I saw Bricks 😂😂 that calm on the chair is insane 🤣

[afk]

I definitely agree with shooting in TTL for 99% of the events I go to. It’s the most sure fire way to get consistent exposure in a rapidly changing environment. Great video!

[AndresHernandez-fdhi]

When I started shooting for huge groups in restaurant and bars, TTL is so important because you don't have time to think about the flash settings. It's all about capturing the right moment as much as you can. TTL is perfect for that.

[geekytography]

Love your channel, been doing a lot more event photography this year and advice you have given has given me so much more confidence in my use of flash and my consistency is 100% improving.

[nashhall]

Great video, l just shot my 3rd wedding yesterday & realised that I am wasting too much time in full manual, halfway through I swapped to TTL & it was much faster to tweek. Thanks for confirming my suspicion on using TTL v Manual!👍😀

[raymondji]

Very helpful, thanks Mik! One thing that I would find helpful is showing all four photos together (e.g. in a grid) to see the different exposures better.

[mattp]

thank you for this. I'm completely comfortable in manual mode, but manual on the flash just feels like too much tinkering. Lots of folks saying manual is the way to go.

[guyphoto]

I shoot events in ETTL, studio and/or a consistent light source relative to a stationary subject then I shoot in manual. Like you I like to keep it simple and as easy as I can with good results. Great video and really good information. I shoot a lot of models, glamour, etc. too, but have never had a model quite as charming as Brixton, and who works for treats--does he have a website? Can I hire him?

[bciecko]

Last wedding I shot was in a tent outdoors. Flash in the back of the tent. Flash in the front of the tent. I set them on manual and just moved around bouncing off the ceiling. I had two studio strobes, cross cross, outside the tent on the patio (dance floor) as well. No matter where I wandered or which direction I was facing I had a fill and a rim light. I could be out of the tent and using my 200mm to get candids iknthr tent and my lighting was always great. Worked great. This was a time when manual worked out just fine. It comes with the territory of being familiar with your gear and also the look you want. Knowing how to achieve what you need in your surroundings goes a long way to differentiate a pro from a hobbyist. In a roving situation and in a very large room with areas that had different levels of light, I'd shoot in TTL with an On Camera flash as well.

[deliciouslyme]

I love how Brixton’s face lit up when you mentioned ‘treats’ and how soon he jumped off the stool when he realised there was going to be a longer wait! 🤣🤣🥰 but he’s a great model! 🥰
Don’t know how the heck I managed nighttime events on manual when I was taking pictures for clubs when I first started out! I’m not even sure my camera had the option 🤔 .. but definitely think it’s a good idea when one doesn’t want to mess up / miss a moment that you wouldn’t be able to get back.

[nickyc_royster]

Thank you SO MUCH for this! Explaining between the two and finding TTL is BEST for me has REVIVED my joy in food photography ! 😂

[christopher.walker]

Shooting an event tonight for Max Mara, I normally shoot in manual going to give TTL a go after watching. Thank you!

[leosardoinutan]

Hello, Mik! I'm a neophyte photographer, and this video provides a straightforward explanation.
It aids in my comprehension and selection of the speedlight I'm going to buy.
I appreciate it. More subscribers.

[fightingforfaith]

Great vid Mik - the overwhelming majority of the time I shoot in TTL. As you said, all that calculating guide numbers, power, distance, blah blah takes too much time. On those rare occasions when I shoot manual, it's when I'm not under pressure to get the "perfect" shot.

[chrismancini]

Overall great explanation and example. I’m new to strobe photography and still experimenting with modes, diffusers and lighting environments. TTL is certainly a can’t lose strategy if your not static shooting.

[PA-gtdd]

Can we just another moment to love on that dog. Look at the dog knows how to respond when he says look at the camera. And tht face...OMG. You better make sure that dog is being spoiled rotten and cared for like royalty. freakin cute!

[mhdickson]

i use manual on 1/4 power mostly - using a diffuser - partly as i want to use it to brighten the shots, not necessarily ensure everything in view is brightly lit. also it saves so much battery power - since i stopped using TTL I find they last much longer during an event, and recycle faster.