Training | Cambridgeshire

Details

Introduction to Outdoor Flash: Ambient Balance and High-Speed Sync Workshop

Workshop Overview

Transform your outdoor photography by mastering the art of balancing flash with natural light. This intensive, hands-on workshop takes you beyond basic flash techniques and into the realm of professional outdoor lighting, where you will learn to control both ambient light and artificial light sources to create stunning, dimensional images in any environment.

Working outdoors with professional models throughout the day, you will discover how to use fill flash to enhance natural light, eliminate unflattering shadows, and add professional polish to your portraits. You will then progress to advanced high-speed sync techniques that allow you to overpower bright sunlight, create dramatic effects, and shoot wide open even in challenging midday conditions.

Too many photographers avoid using flash outdoors, believing natural light alone is sufficient. The reality is that controlled fill flash separates amateur work from professional results. Whether you are shooting portraits, weddings, fashion, or commercial work, the ability to balance ambient light with flash gives you complete creative control regardless of time of day or weather conditions.

This workshop is designed to demystify outdoor flash, giving you the technical knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to work in any lighting scenario. By the end of the day, you will understand exposure balance, flash-to-ambient ratios, high-speed sync capabilities, and the practical techniques that allow you to create consistently excellent results outdoors.

This workshop is suitable for photographers who have a basic understanding of flash and exposure but want to elevate their outdoor work to a professional standard.

Workshop Schedule

9.30am – Arrival, Meet and Greet

Welcome to the studio. Tea and coffee will be served as you settle in and meet your fellow photographers. This is an opportunity to introduce yourself, share your outdoor photography experience, and prepare for an exciting day of location shooting.

10.00am – Presentation: The Foundation of Outdoor Flash

A focused introduction to the principles of balancing flash with ambient light. We will cover the technical fundamentals of exposure triangle management, understanding flash-to-ambient ratios, why fill flash is essential for professional outdoor work, and an overview of high-speed sync technology. This session establishes the technical framework for everything that follows.

10.30am – On Location: Live Demonstration of Fill Flash and Ambient Balance

We move outdoors to work with a professional model in natural light conditions. Watch as we demonstrate how to assess ambient light, meter correctly, introduce fill flash to eliminate shadows and add dimension, and fine-tune the balance between natural and artificial light. You will see how small adjustments in flash power and positioning create dramatically different results, and learn how to adapt your approach based on the quality and direction of available light.

11.30am – Hands-On Practice: Balancing Flash with Ambient Light

Now it is your turn. Working with the same model and equipment, you will have the opportunity to practice metering ambient light, introducing fill flash, and adjusting the balance to achieve professional results. Experiment with different flash-to-ambient ratios, practice reading light conditions, and receive real-time feedback on your technique. This is a supportive, collaborative environment where you can refine your approach and build confidence.

1.00pm – Lunch Break

Time to relax, recharge, and reflect on the morning's learning. Lunch is provided. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements.

2.00pm – Presentation: High-Speed Sync Explained

A technical deep dive into high-speed sync technology. We will cover what high-speed sync is, how it works, when to use it, and the creative possibilities it unlocks. You will understand the trade-offs between power and speed, how to set up your equipment correctly, and the scenarios where high-speed sync becomes essential for achieving your creative vision.

2.30pm – On Location: Live Demonstration of High-Speed Sync Techniques

Back outdoors with a professional model, we will demonstrate advanced high-speed sync techniques in challenging lighting conditions. Watch as we overpower bright sunlight, shoot wide open for shallow depth of field in midday sun, and create dramatic lighting effects that would be impossible with standard flash sync speeds. You will see the technical setup, power requirements, and positioning strategies that make high-speed sync work effectively.

3.00pm – Hands-On Practice: High-Speed Sync in Action

Your opportunity to experiment with high-speed sync techniques. Working with the model and equipment, you will practice shooting wide open in bright conditions, balancing high-speed sync flash with ambient light, and creating the dramatic effects demonstrated earlier. This hands-on session allows you to push the boundaries of what is possible with outdoor flash and gain confidence using advanced techniques in real-world scenarios.

4.30pm – Workshop Close

Depart with new skills, practical experience, and the confidence to control light in any outdoor environment.

What You Will Learn

• The fundamental principles of balancing flash with ambient light outdoors
• How to meter ambient light correctly and determine appropriate flash power
• Understanding flash-to-ambient ratios and how to adjust them for different effects
• Why fill flash is essential for professional outdoor portraits, even in good natural light
• How to eliminate unflattering shadows and add dimension to outdoor images
• The technical principles of high-speed sync and when to use it
• How to overpower bright sunlight and shoot wide open in challenging conditions
• Advanced high-speed sync techniques for creative and dramatic outdoor lighting
• Equipment setup, positioning strategies, and power management for outdoor flash
• Hands-on experience working with professional models in real outdoor lighting scenarios
• How to adapt your approach based on time of day, weather, and available light conditions

Why This Workshop Matters

Natural light alone is not enough for professional outdoor photography. The ability to control and enhance ambient light with flash separates competent photographers from true professionals. Fill flash eliminates unflattering shadows, adds catchlights to eyes, and gives you consistent, polished results regardless of lighting conditions.

High-speed sync takes this further, allowing you to shoot wide open for beautiful background separation even in bright sunlight, and to create dramatic lighting effects that would be impossible with standard flash sync speeds. These are not optional skills for professional photographers. They are essential tools that expand your creative possibilities and ensure you can deliver excellent results in any scenario.

This workshop gives you the technical knowledge and practical experience to work confidently with outdoor flash, transforming your ability to control light and elevate your outdoor photography to a professional standard.

What to Bring

• Your camera and preferred lens for portrait work
• A notebook for taking notes during demonstrations
• Weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor shooting
• An open mind and a willingness to experiment with advanced techniques

Investment

This workshop is priced at £89.99 per participant, with a maximum of 10 attendees to ensure personalised attention and plenty of hands-on time with the models and equipment.

Master outdoor flash. Control any lighting scenario. Create professional results every time.

Address:

Home Studio, Russets, Mudds Drove, Three Holes, PE14 9JU

Mobile: 07850 419498

Your Model for the day is Holly Lemin