Flash photography with TTL function

A TTL-capable outdoor flash — the Quadralite Reporter 200 TTL — has just arrived at our rental. You can rent the flash on its own or as part of our specially prepared outdoor promotional set with a tripod and softbox. On this occasion we would like to explain the TTL and HSS functions: what they are, how to use them, and what settings are required.

What is TTL?

TTL stands for Through The Lens and refers to setting the correct flash parameters by measuring the flash light coming through the lens. In simplified terms, it works like this:

  • when the shutter is pressed, the camera fires a pre-flash whose intensity is measured inside the camera
  • the camera calculates the amount of incoming light and sets the intensity for the main flash
  • the camera takes the shot, firing the flash at the correct intensity
  • all of the above happens instantly, in a fraction of a second — virtually unnoticeable to the photographer

TTL works in such a way that even if you change the aperture, ISO, or shutter speed settings, the flash intensity will be automatically adjusted to correctly expose the frame. To use TTL you need a TTL-capable flash and a compatible TTL transmitter (trigger). Apart from enabling TTL mode on both the transmitter and the flash, no additional camera settings are usually required. Everything is fully automated. With our Reporter flash you will receive the appropriate trigger for Canon or Sony systems.

What is HSS?

HSS stands for High Speed Sync — the ability to shoot with flash at very high shutter speeds, e.g. 1/1000, 1/2000, 1/4000. With traditional flashes you had to use a specific sync speed, e.g. 1/200. With HSS-capable flashes you are no longer so restricted. This is very important for outdoor shooting in sunlight, where shutter speeds must be sufficiently short. When using HSS with Sony cameras it is advisable to disable the "Electronic Front Curtain" option in the menu. This prevents banding at short shutter speeds.

Outdoor set

Finally, we would like to encourage you to rent our promotional outdoor set, which includes the Quadralite Reporter 200 TTL flash discussed above. It contains everything you need for outdoor photography: softbox, tripod, trigger, and reflector. The set is very mobile and fully battery-powered. It is ideal for outdoor wedding or model sessions.

More: http://creativegrapes.pl/site/promo?promo_id=7

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