If you already own a hot shoe strobe you already have one of the most powerful tools for shaping light. Now, if you only took it off camera it would do a great deal to the final image. And you’d be surprised at how low of a cost it actually takes to move a hot shoe strobe off camera.
Photographer Manuel Ortiz (previously) shows how with only $100 worth of gear you can take your strobe off camera and add another layer of light to your photography. (See what I did there?).
Now, Manuel uses a Flashpoint R2 speedlite, but the cost of a transmitter (godox X1T here), a generic brolli, swivel and a generic stand is just about $100 for many 3rd party brands.
This video is definitely a strong demo of why moving a strobe of camera is such a powerful tool. Here are some photos to help see the difference.
This is the basic exposure, it sets the ambient light. even shooting at ISO 100, going with F1.4 forces a 1/3200 shutter speed
no strobe, 1/3200 1.4 iso 100
On camera fill flash (with HSS) added and opens up the shadows, but lighting is flat
on camera strobe, 1/3200 1.4 iso 100
Lastly the strobe is taken off camera (and moves to 1/5000)
off camera strobe, 1/5000 1.4 iso 100
Here is a quick comparison between no flash and off camera flash
and between on camera and off camera flash
Here is a rough cost calculation for you, even got spare for a visit at In and Out burger:
- godox X1T: $46
- generic brolli: $15.95
- swivel: $6.29
- generic stand: $15.99
- Total: $88.23
Manuel Ortiz has a great youtube channel so check it out for more tutorials. You can also catch Manuel on his site,Instagram and Facebook page.
