Many photographers use strobe lights outside, along with natural light, to achieve a desired look in a photograph.

Strobe lights workshop

This last week I took part in a lighting workshop in Kansas City during which we used strobe lighting while shooting outside. The workshop was put on by Sallee Photography of Dallas.

I realize that the average person may not understand why flash lighting is being used outside when there already is plenty of light. I once had a client ask me that very question.

There is more than one answer. Sometimes the sun is so bright that strobe lighting is used to overpower the sun. Photographers may want to lighten someone’s face and eyes. Often when shooting in shadows a little more light is needed for the photograph. Changing camera settings to obtain the needed light on a subject may result in other parts of the photograph being too light.

This is why I have long used additional strobe lighting when I shoot outside. I see photographers all the time not using extra lighting. I, on the other hand, will usually be seen carrying a light stand with a small flash or larger strobe light on it. I feel this gives me just the pop of light I need to make the photo better.

The lighting workshop explored different ways of using light and where strobe lighting should be placed when shooting outside.

During the lighting workshop, sometimes the lights were on a light stand in front of the subject. Sometimes they were held at an angle above the subject’s head. Sometimes the lights were placed both in front and behind the subject. Each movement of the lights would achieve a slightly different look.

I learned some new lessons at this workshop and had a great time photographing the models that were hired to pose for us.