Many photographers start their careers by learning natural lighting techniques. Once these skills are established, complacency can begin and the photographer can choose not to strain himself to learn more advanced lighting skills. When photographers do this, they leave a considerable amount of value on the table.
There are many ways to learn Camera Flash Off (OCF) that will enhance your value both technically and commercially as a photographer. This article will discuss the many ways that OCF can transform your work and why making the effort to learn this skill set will transform the value of your work.
Technical benefits of OCF
Light and environment control
When using OCF, you are no longer limited to the time of day or the lighting conditions in which you are shooting. This is because you can have better control over the ambient light, the direction and quality of the light, and the amount of light you want the Environment. When these elements come together, you have 100% creative control over the outcome of your product. This does not happen with natural light, where you are limited to early morning or evening when the light becomes ideal.
Bring dimension to your work
When you illuminate your subject with artificial light, you can create separation between the subject and the background. This creates what some photographers call a ‘pop-up’ to the image. This is essentially adding a new level of dimension that you can’t create through other means to your images. This not only gives you creative control over how you contrast your subject against the background, but also how you highlight the subject in the frame. Ultimately, this results in a very dynamic looking image that stands out in a noticeable way.
Creative runway
When you learn the skills you need to become proficient in OCF or artificial light, you will open yourself up to a vast world of creativity. Not only can you control every element of the image, but you can also add countless elements that can turn your creative visions into reality. This can be the color gel to create a moody portrait. You may want to add additional lights to mimic a sunset, or add hair lights to your subject to create a taller look. There are several options you can make that essentially translate into creative freedom and allow you to truly communicate your vision into your work.
Market Benefits of OCF
In fact, you will find there is a separation between photographers in your local area: those who use OCF and those who do not. You’ll also see a large segment of what photographers using OCF can charge their clients compared to those who don’t. This is basically because the end product is of higher quality. This is not to say that natural light images cannot be of high quality or do not have a similar market value. However, it should be said that images created with OCF tend to look more refined, so can be marketed at a higher price point than other images.
When shooting with OCF, your portfolio is sure to be enhanced with these types of images. You will have a wider range of services that you can offer to your customers and thus be able to increase your prices. This is a strategy by which you can differentiate yourself from other photographers in your market.
Tips to get started with OCF
Don’t get overwhelmed
If you’re considering getting started with OCF, it’s important not to get overwhelmed with the technical details of the skill. Don’t go through everything on the internet about the subject, or you’ll easily get overwhelmed. Learn the basics of OCF from 1 or 2 YouTube videos and start practicing!
Start with a light & modifier
There are countless products on the market for every budget to start with. Find a simple Speedlight or strobe light that fits your pocket and a simple modifier (like a softbox) and start with these as your basic kit. You will be amazed at the amazing images you can create with just one light and one simple modifier.
Practice Practice and Practice Some more
The sooner you can prove to yourself that with some basic skills you can enhance the image you are creating, the more confident you will have to continue to develop this skill set. The fastest way to reach this milestone is to practice as much as possible. Recruit your children, spouse, friends or neighbors, and do the original for you. Allow yourself to fail and learn from your mistakes. This skill will take some time, but once you have the basics you should be able to develop it pretty quickly.
Working with a Mentor
One of the best things you can do is find a more experienced photographer who has the skills you want and work with them. Ask if you can mask them while shooting or if you can assist them on a project. You will then have the opportunity to see how they do their jobs and why they make the decisions they do. As you progress, they can provide valuable feedback on your work and suggest how you can improve.
Grow OCF Portfolio & Start Marketing
Once you have the basics, start creating a portfolio of images. It can be beneficial to compare your OCF image with the rest of your portfolio to see the difference your new skills are making in your work. Furthermore, you will need a basic portfolio that you can use to market your new skills to future clients. Be sure to raise your prices to accommodate your higher quality work and skills.
Inference
Learning OCF has many benefits, most importantly it enhances the quality of work you are creating as well as enhances your ability to be more active in your work. Through a little research, buying a basic kit, and practice, you’ll be able to transform the work you’re doing and become closer to the photographer you’ve always wanted.
