High-speed synchronization (HSS) is a revolutionary asset for excelling in flash photography under tough lighting conditions. If you have ever faced issues with motion blur or excessive brightness outdoors, this method provides a means to take charge of your photographs.
Brought to you by John Gress, this informative video elucidates the workings and advantages of HSS. High-speed sync enables your flash to trigger at shutter speeds that exceed your camera’s sync speed, which is usually limited to 1/200th or 1/250th of a second. Without HSS, using quicker shutter speeds along with a flash leads to dark streaks in your images. HSS circumvents this issue by emitting the flash in rapid pulses, functioning like a constant light source. This capability is particularly advantageous for outdoor portraits where a shallow depth of field with a wide aperture, such as f/1.4, is desired while ensuring appropriate exposure.
The video also emphasizes the significance of HSS in freezing motion. Under bright conditions, action shots frequently require rapid shutter speeds to capture sharp details without blurriness. High-speed sync allows you to combine those shutter speeds with flash, guaranteeing your subject is adequately illuminated even in sunlight. However, it’s crucial to recognize that HSS diminishes flash power. This may necessitate tweaks to ISO or aperture, particularly at extreme shutter speeds such as 1/8000th of a second.
The configuration for high-speed sync is uncomplicated but reliant on your equipment. Gress underscores the importance of verifying compatibility among your camera, flash, and trigger. Some systems automatically enable HSS when you exceed your camera’s native sync speed, while others request manual activation within the settings. Grasping the specifics of your devices is essential for maximizing this feature. Adjusting settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO in accordance with your creative intentions is the subsequent step towards achieving a well-balanced exposure.
The technical explanation of HSS functions is straightforward: the flash emits multiple light bursts as the shutter travels across the sensor, aligning these flashes with the opening of the shutter. This coordination allows you to photograph at high speeds without the constraints of standard flash photography. Watch the video above for a complete overview from Gress.
If you wish to keep learning about illuminating portraits, make sure to check out “Illuminating The Face: Lighting for Headshots and Portraits With Peter Hurley!”
