On Camera Flash by Laura Mansur Guerra
A workshop review by Fred Rogers
Same as with any class that Laura teaches, there wasn’t a wasted moment throughout her recent On Camera Flash workshop. Hosted at Dee Zunker’s studio, the workshop started with a preview of the different elements we’d be covering and the distribution of class materials and even an onboard light subtraction modifier for each attendee – black foam squares with attachment material. Throughout the workshop, Laura showed several short YouTube videos that served well to highlight the relative topics without replacing or overtaking them.
The syllabus started with a discussion of the difference between on camera and off camera flash before moving to a thorough description and class participation during which we learned how to switch between TTL and Manual and how to refine both settings to adapt to different shooting environments. Next we dove into a thorough description of the different scenarios and options for using bounce flash and practiced using different reflection options available in the studio.
Utilization of different types of flash diffusers rounded out the morning session as we practiced with and discussed the pros and cons of different diffusers from the modest onboard white card up through more robust and expensive options like the MagMod. Before lunch we watched a video on why and how to use light subtraction before practicing with the homemade kits that Laura provided for each of us. We also hit on the importance of practicing Flash Exposure Compensation when in TTL mode.
During a tasty group lunch from Jax Grill, we engaged in a rousing round of “where the heck are you from and how did you find the Guild.” We then shifted into hands-on demos as we learned about and practiced High Speed Sync both inside and outside in a blazing sun before retreating back indoors to learn about and practice optimizing color temperature of the flash with ambient light using different grades of CTO gels. We finished the day with a Shutter Drag Dance Party so we could practice “barrel rolls” on each other utilizing a darker environment with medium/strong background lights to emulate a reception area and dance floor.
Laura is a natural educator: engaging, encouraging and eminently prepared. Her classes are all highly enjoyable and go by in the blink of an eye and at the end you wish there was more.
