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How do I start to shoot off camera flash portraits?

Started 5 months ago | Questions
Onetwoshot Forum Member • Posts: 54
How do I start to shoot off camera flash portraits?

Hey folks, I want to start taking some portrait shots (nothing serious, just family, daughter + partner and also some friends to update their LinkedIn etc) but with flash.

I can take 2 routes regarding the device:

Samsung NX 1/ 500 or Lumix S5

For NX500 / 1 I have the following suitable lenses: 50-150 S / 85 / 16-50 S / 45

and the following flash units: 2 x Metz 44 AF-1

for Lumix S5 I have: 50mm 1.8 / 20-60 kit

No flash or any other accessories for L mount

Now, seeing that I already have 2 Metz flash units, I want to give it a go with Samsung first as it would be more economical to begin with.

With NX1 , I can fire up the 2 Metz flashes wirelessly but the problem is that the NX1 integrated flash fires up as well. Any ideas on how to block that light?

I am still not sure if Metz in Slave mode, wirelessly triggered is in Manual mode or TTL...Does anyone know this? The flash unit is so basic, and the manual doesn't even cover this for NX, as probably when Metx 44AF-1 was launched, NX1 with wireless capability wasn't on the market yet.

Next, I need 2 light stands, I looked into Manfrotto nano plus stands but they don't come with an umbrella adaptor ?? Am I missing something?, can you recommend some stands and adapters, please? I live in UK.

I have a standard tripod, wondering if that can be used as a light stand?

After that, I need 2 umbrellas, Either 2 white ones or 2 softbox type like this . Potentially some adapters as well.

Mention here, that space is at a premium currently, later when moved to a larger house it won't, and also appreciate portability as I might travel with the gear to take photos of friends.

A bit daunting since I've never shopped for something like this, and I would like to buy some decent quality items, not something I would throw away.

If I get good at it, I will then buy flash units for my full frame camera.

Your help is appreciated.

 Onetwoshot's gear list:Onetwoshot's gear list
Samsung Galaxy NX Samsung NX1 Samsung NX500 Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX85 Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 +14 more
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Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 Samsung NX1 Samsung NX500
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CyberDEL
CyberDEL Regular Member • Posts: 234
Re: How do I start to shoot off camera flash portraits?
1

Wow, too many questions, I'm gonna try to give as many answers as I can.

Onetwoshot wrote:

With NX1 , I can fire up the 2 Metz flashes wirelessly but the problem is that the NX1 integrated flash fires up as well. Any ideas on how to block that light?

Try to use something like a Pop up Flash Diffuser. Instead of diffusion use a monotonic tape in front to block the light.

Onetwoshot wrote:

I am still not sure if Metz in Slave mode, wirelessly triggered is in Manual mode or TTL...Does anyone know this? The flash unit is so basic, and the manual doesn't even cover this for NX, as probably when Metx 44AF-1 was launched, NX1 with wireless capability wasn't on the market yet.

Yes you can do both, manual and TTL. Put Metz speedlight in SL mode and the NX1 in Internal wireless flash ON and choose manual or TTL.

Onetwoshot wrote:

I have a standard tripod, wondering if that can be used as a light stand?

This is the cheapest way to use your speedlight on tripod

Dimitri D
https://www.flickr.com/photos/135820506@N02/ My Flickr Photostream

 CyberDEL's gear list:CyberDEL's gear list
Samsung NX1 Samsung NX500 Samsung NX 30mm F2 Pancake Samsung NX 20mm F2.8 Pancake Samsung NX 85mm F1.4 ED SSA +21 more
CyberDEL
CyberDEL Regular Member • Posts: 234
Re: How do I start to shoot off camera flash portraits?
1

Onetwoshot wrote:

Next, I need 2 light stands, I looked into Manfrotto nano plus stands but they don't come with an umbrella adaptor ?? Am I missing something?, can you recommend some stands and adapters, please? I live in UK.

You can use a Swivel Flash Bracket For Umbrella Holder. This one has 3 sections for better position of the speedlight in the center of the umbrella.

But the best is a S Type Bracket Bowens Mount Holder for Speedlite. Not only for umbrellas, but with everything that has Bowens mount on it, softbox, beauty dish, snoot etc.

Dimitri D
https://www.flickr.com/photos/135820506@N02/ My Flickr Photostream

 CyberDEL's gear list:CyberDEL's gear list
Samsung NX1 Samsung NX500 Samsung NX 30mm F2 Pancake Samsung NX 20mm F2.8 Pancake Samsung NX 85mm F1.4 ED SSA +21 more
CyberDEL
CyberDEL Regular Member • Posts: 234
Re: How do I start to shoot off camera flash portraits?
1

Onetwoshot wrote:

After that, I need 2 umbrellas, Either 2 white ones or 2 softbox type like this . Potentially some adapters as well.

The cheapest way is the umbrella but the best way is Portable Octagon Softbox Umbrella. I use this one which has diffusion and grid too.

-- hide signature --

Dimitri D
https://www.flickr.com/photos/135820506@N02/ My Flickr Photostream

 CyberDEL's gear list:CyberDEL's gear list
Samsung NX1 Samsung NX500 Samsung NX 30mm F2 Pancake Samsung NX 20mm F2.8 Pancake Samsung NX 85mm F1.4 ED SSA +21 more
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