To trigger your off-camera flash, use either a second Canon Speedlite flash, a wireless flash trigger or (if compatible) your camera's pop-up flash.
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Getting started with home studio photography requires a few simple pieces of kit – here we have two Canon Speedlites – a 470EX-AI and 600EX II-RT, a Canon EOS RP camera with an RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM lens, a light stand, a white shoot-through umbrella and an umbrella holder.
To trigger your off-camera flash, use either a second Canon Speedlite flash, a wireless flash trigger or (if compatible) your camera's pop-up flash.
Pick a space with a large bright wall, or use a makeshift backdrop for a simple, clean background.
An 85mm lens, such as the RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM used here, is ideal for portraits because the focal length offers a pleasing perspective for faces.
A white shoot-through umbrella is inexpensive, versatile and ideal for beginners who want to soften the light when shooting portraits.
The shadows are harder in this image because the Speedlite has been used bare. Taken on a Canon EOS RP with an RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM lens at 1/100 sec, f/11 and ISO100.
Using an umbrella gives a softer finish. Taken on a Canon EOS RP with an RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM lens at 1/100 sec, f/5.6 and ISO100.
Set your manual exposure first then tailor your flash power to suit it.
Set your Canon Speedlite flash to Manual (M) mode – you may have to experiment with different powers, but start with ¼.
Placing the light to one side creates 'split' lighting and plunges the opposite side into shade. Taken on a Canon EOS RP with an RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM lens at 1/100 sec, f/8 and ISO100.
Angling the flash down from above left results in 'Rembrandt lighting', with an attractive triangle of light on the right cheek. Taken on a Canon EOS RP with an RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM lens at 1/100 sec, f/8 and ISO100.
Firing the flash directly above the face gives us 'butterfly' lighting and accentuates the cheekbones. Taken on a Canon EOS RP with an RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM lens at 1/100 sec, f/8 and ISO100.
Under-lighting from below looks unnatural, as we're used to seeing daylight coming from above. Taken on a Canon EOS RP with an RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM lens at 1/100 sec, f/8 and ISO100.
Backlighting a subject from behind enables you to create an atmospheric, low-key portrait. Taken on a Canon EOS RP with an RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM lens at 1/100 sec, f/8 and ISO100.
With a second flash placed behind our subject you can create a spotlight on the backdrop. Taken on a Canon EOS RP with an RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM lens at 1/100 sec, f/5 and ISO100.
A second flash placed behind your subject can blow out the flash for a high-key look. Taken on a Canon EOS RP with an RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM lens at 1/100 sec, f/5 and ISO100.
Using a second flash placed behind your subject, you can also angle the flash back at the subject for a hair or edge light. Taken on a Canon EOS RP with an RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM lens at 1/100 sec, f/4.5 and ISO100.
A Speedlite fitted with a pink gel is placed on a stand directly behind the subject here and angled towards the backdrop.
Using a coloured gel is a simple and effective way of inserting some vibrance into your shot. It can also add contrast to an image, if you use colours that clash with your subject. Taken on a Canon EOS RP with an RF 85mm F2 Macro IS STM lens at 1/100 sec, f/5 and ISO100.
Professional Flash
Add dynamic lighting with power and precision to your EOS images.
Professional Flash
Take complete control even in the most demanding situations.
Wireless Transmitter
Fire compatible radio-frequency Speedlite flashguns over distances of up to 30m.
Mirrorless Cameras
A small, lightweight and intuitive full-frame mirrorless camera designed for travel and everyday photography.