1. Equipment:
* External Flash (Speedlight/Speedlite): This is much more powerful and versatile than your built-in flash. Crucially, it allows you to direct the light. Look for models with:
* TTL (Through-The-Lens) Metering: This automatically adjusts the flash power for proper exposure.
* Manual Mode: Essential for fine-tuning and understanding flash power.
* Swivel and Tilt Head: Allows you to bounce the flash off surfaces.
* Camera with Hot Shoe: Where you mount the external flash.
* Diffuser (Optional, but recommended): Softens the flash light. Can be a dedicated diffuser for your flash, a DIY diffuser (tissue paper, etc.), or bouncing the light.
* Light Stand (Optional): For off-camera flash placement.
* Wireless Triggers (Optional): For off-camera flash triggering without a cable.
* Reflector (Optional): To bounce ambient light or fill in shadows created by the flash.
* Fast Lens (Optional): A lens with a wide aperture (f/1.8, f/2.8, or wider) will allow more ambient light into the photo, helping to balance the flash.
2. Understanding the Goal:
* Balance Flash with Ambient Light: The best night portraits don't look like they were taken with a flash. The goal is to use the flash as a *fill* light, complementing the existing ambient light, not overpowering it.
* Avoid Direct Flash: Direct flash creates harsh shadows, red-eye, and a washed-out look.
3. Techniques:
* On-Camera Flash Techniques:
* Bouncing Flash: This is the *best* on-camera technique. Angle the flash head upwards and slightly backward (around 45-60 degrees) so the flash bounces off the ceiling or a wall. This creates a much softer and more flattering light.
* Check the Ceiling: If the ceiling is too high or dark-colored, bouncing won't work effectively. You'll need to explore other options.
* Using a Diffuser: If you can't bounce, attach a diffuser to your flash. This spreads the light out, making it less harsh. Many flashes come with built-in diffusers.
* TTL Mode: Start in TTL mode. Let the camera and flash communicate to determine the initial flash power. Then, use flash exposure compensation (FEC) to fine-tune the brightness of the flash (usually by dialing down the FEC to a negative value, like -1 or -2 stops). This will reduce the flash's output, making it more subtle.
* Manual Mode (More Control): Switch to manual mode for more control. Start with a low flash power setting (e.g., 1/64 or 1/32 power). Take a test shot, and adjust the power up or down until you get the desired effect. Manual mode takes practice but gives you consistent results.
* Dragging the Shutter: Slow down your shutter speed to allow more ambient light into the photo. This will brighten the background and help balance the flash. Be careful with shutter speed - too slow and you'll get motion blur. Use a tripod if your shutter speed is getting too low (below 1/60th of a second, generally).
* Off-Camera Flash Techniques:
* Positioning: Place the flash to the side of your subject (around 45 degrees is a good starting point). This creates more interesting shadows than a direct-on flash.
* Distance: Move the flash closer to or farther away from your subject to adjust the intensity of the light.
* Modifiers: Use softboxes, umbrellas, or grids to shape and soften the light. A small softbox is a good starting point.
* Wireless Triggers: Use wireless triggers to remotely control the flash.
* Multiple Flashes: Use a second flash to fill in shadows or add a rim light.
4. Camera Settings:
* Aperture: Choose an aperture that gives you the desired depth of field. Wider apertures (e.g., f/2.8, f/1.8) will blur the background and let in more ambient light. Narrower apertures (e.g., f/5.6, f/8) will keep more of the scene in focus, but require more flash power or a slower shutter speed.
* ISO: Keep your ISO as low as possible to minimize noise. Increase it only if you need more ambient light, but be mindful of noise levels. Modern cameras can handle higher ISOs better than older ones.
* Shutter Speed: As mentioned above, choose a shutter speed that allows you to capture ambient light without motion blur. "Dragging the shutter" often involves using a slower shutter speed than you normally would, but remember to balance this with avoiding blur. If shooting handheld, 1/60th of a second is a general starting point, but depends on your lens' focal length (use the reciprocal rule: 1/focal length).
5. Flash Settings:
* Flash Mode: Choose TTL or Manual based on your preference and the complexity of the situation.
* Flash Power: In manual mode, adjust the flash power to achieve the desired balance of light.
* Flash Exposure Compensation (FEC): In TTL mode, use FEC to fine-tune the flash output.
6. Steps for Taking a Night Portrait with Flash:
1. Scout your Location: Find a location with interesting ambient light (streetlights, signs, etc.).
2. Set your Camera to Manual Mode (M): This gives you complete control.
3. Set your Aperture, ISO, and Shutter Speed: Start with a wide aperture (e.g., f/2.8), a low ISO (e.g., ISO 100), and a shutter speed that captures some ambient light without motion blur (e.g., 1/60th of a second). Adjust these based on the scene and your desired look.
4. Mount and Turn On Your Flash: Attach your external flash to the hot shoe.
5. Set your Flash Mode and Power: Start in TTL mode with flash exposure compensation set to 0. Alternatively, if using manual flash, start at a low power setting (e.g., 1/64).
6. Position your Subject: Consider the background and the direction of the ambient light.
7. Take a Test Shot: Review the photo on your camera's LCD screen.
8. Adjust Settings:
* Brightness: If the photo is too dark overall, try slowing down the shutter speed or increasing the ISO. If the photo is too bright, decrease the ISO or increase the shutter speed.
* Flash: If the subject is too bright or looks washed out, reduce the flash power (either using FEC in TTL or by lowering the manual power setting). If the subject is too dark, increase the flash power.
* Ambient Light Balance: Pay attention to the background. You want it to be visible and contribute to the photo, not be completely black. Adjust the shutter speed to control how much ambient light is captured.
* White Balance: Make sure your white balance is set correctly. Auto white balance may work, but consider setting it manually based on the ambient light (e.g., "Tungsten" for streetlights).
9. Repeat Steps 7 and 8: Continue adjusting your settings until you are happy with the results.
10. Focus Carefully: In low light, focusing can be tricky. Use autofocus if possible, or focus manually.
Tips and Tricks:
* Practice, Practice, Practice: The more you practice using flash, the better you will become at balancing it with ambient light.
* Use a Tripod: Especially helpful for slower shutter speeds.
* Shoot in RAW: This gives you more flexibility in post-processing to adjust exposure, white balance, and other settings.
* Post-Processing: Use photo editing software (like Adobe Lightroom or Capture One) to fine-tune your images. You can adjust exposure, contrast, shadows, highlights, and white balance to create the desired look.
* Consider Backgrounds: Pay attention to what's behind your subject. Cluttered or distracting backgrounds can detract from the portrait.
* Communicate with your Subject: Direct them on posing and expressions.
* Embrace the Darkness: Don't be afraid to let some of the scene fall into shadow. This can create a more dramatic and moody portrait.
* Experiment! Try different flash positions, modifiers, and camera settings to see what works best for you.
By following these tips, you can take stunning night portraits with flash that look natural and professional. Good luck!