Balancing Strobe Light with Ambient Light Using High-Speed Sync

A Step-by-Step Guide for Studio Masters Educational Online Platform 'Develop'

Balancing strobe light with ambient light using high-speed sync (HSS) allows photographers to
create dramatic portraits with control over the ambient exposure. This guide will take you
through the process step-by-step, explaining key concepts and techniques.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Equipment

• Prepare Your Camera and Flash: Ensure your camera and strobe light support high
speed sync. Attach the strobe light to your camera using a compatible trigger.

• Choose Your Lens: A lens with a wide aperture (e.g., f/1.8 or f/2.8) will allow you to
achieve a shallow depth of field, adding to the dramatic effect.

• Set Up Your Background: Decide on the background you want for your portrait. This will
influence how you balance the ambient and strobe light.

Step 2: Deciding the Background Darkness

• Determine Ambient Exposure: Choose how dark you want the background to be by
adjusting your camera's ISO and aperture settings. Take a test shot to see how the
ambient light affects the background.

• Lower ISO for Less Ambient Light: A lower ISO setting will reduce the sensitivity to
ambient light, making the background darker.

• Adjust Aperture: A smaller aperture (higher f-number) will decrease the amount of
ambient light, increasing the background darkness.

Step 3: Setting Shutter Speed

• Enable High-Speed Sync: Activate high-speed sync on your camera and strobe light. This
allows you to use shutter speeds faster than the camera's standard sync speed.

• Increase Shutter Speed in One Stop Increments: Start with a base shutter speed and
gradually increase it by one stop increments. Observe how each increment darkens the
background while keeping the subject well-lit by the strobe light.

• Monitor the Balance: Continuously check the balance between ambient and strobe
light. Increasing the shutter speed reduces ambient light without affecting the strobe
exposure.

Step 4: Managing Strobe Power

• Aware of the Trade-Off: High-speed sync reduces the strobe's power output. As you
increase the shutter speed, the strobe's ability to illuminate the subject diminishes.

• Adjust Strobe Power: Compensate for the reduced power by increasing the strobe's
intensity if possible. Be mindful of the strobe's limits and capabilities.

• Balance Within Capabilities: Find a balance that works within the strobe's power range.
Test different shutter speeds and strobe power settings to achieve the desired dramatic
effect without overextending the strobe.

Step 5: Fine-Tuning Your Setup

• Review and Adjust: Take multiple test shots and review them on your camera's screen.
Make any necessary adjustments to your settings to achieve the perfect balance.

• Experiment with Angles: Experiment with different angles and positions for your strobe
light to add dimension and drama to your portrait.

• Final Check: Ensure that both the subject and background are well-balanced in
exposure. Make final tweaks as needed.

Conclusion

Balancing strobe light with ambient light using high-speed sync is a powerful technique for
creating dramatic portraits. By carefully adjusting your camera settings and managing the
strobe's power, you can achieve stunning results. Keep experimenting and refining your
approach to master this technique.