Controlling Light With Off Camera Flash


When I first ventured into photography many years ago, I struggled to understand how to use a flash. Mastering manual mode on my camera was challenging enough, and the concept of using a flash was beyond me. At that time, a good friend had a camera with a flash that she rarely utilized, so I decided to purchase it from her. This Canon flash attached to my camera via the hot shoe, making it ideal for weddings, but I found it quite perplexing as it came without instructions. I discovered that the TTL settings functioned more like an auto mode, so I just left it there, completely lost in the meaning of all those numbers. It was incredibly confusing and frustrating.


Feeling stuck and disheartened with my photography journey, I decided to pursue education. Following the onset of Covid, everything transitioned online, which felt like a blessing to me since I dislike traveling or driving, particularly during the frigid Minnesota winters. I enrolled in the Professional Photography and Design Program at Ridgewater College in Willmar, MN, and I was so thrilled that it brought me to tears.The online format allowed me to learn at my own pace, and soon I was diving deep into the intricacies of lighting, composition, and post-processing. The instructors were incredibly supportive, offering personalized feedback that helped me grow not only in technical skills but also in creative expression.


As I progressed through the program, my confidence blossomed. I began to experiment with different styles and techniques, exploring everything from portraiture, product, wedding and landscape photography plus video. The world through my lens became a vibrant canvas where I could capture fleeting moments and tell compelling stories.


The once-daunting flash now felt like a tool of endless possibilities. I learned how to manipulate light to create mood and drama, enhancing the emotional impact of my images. With each click of the shutter, I felt a sense of accomplishment and joy that I hadn't experienced before.

Graduating from the program was a turning point in my life. It wasn't just about earning a degree; it was about discovering a passion that brought me fulfillment and purpose. Today, I look back at those early struggles with gratitude, knowing they were stepping stones on a path that has led to a rewarding career and a lifelong love for photography.



This session featured Alex, a senior from Montevideo, Class of 2025. He has a passion for duck hunting. We ventured to Lac Qui Parle State Park and headed to the swimming beach. Despite the cloudy and windy weather, the atmosphere created ideal conditions for stunning duck hunting photographs. For these shots, I utilized a single light equipped with a 36-inch softbox and a Godox 600 AD Pro light, which I absolutely love. I positioned the light approximately six feet in front of him, exposing for the background before incorporating my light. The entire session was fantastic, and I even created a Ducks Unlimited cover using one of his images. These examples truly illustrate why I adore using flash. Check out more of his session below.

Duck hunter in beige coat crouches in tall marsh grass at sunset with shotgun.
Hunter in camouflage gear sits in wetland grass during dramatic cloudy sunset.
Black and white portrait of hunter with shotgun kneeling in tall marsh grass.
Dramatic black and white shot of hunter with firearm among tall wetland grass.
Hunter in light jacket crouches in marsh grass under moody sky at dusk.
Duck hunter stands in water surrounded by decoys during cloudy sunset.
Black and white image of hunter standing in water with ducks under stormy sky.
Duck hunter in camouflage waders stands in a lake with decoys at sunset against dramatic clouds.
Black and white photo of hunter standing in water surrounded by duck decoys at dusk.
Duck hunter in camouflage waders and boots poses on rocky outcrop with hunting gear.
Hunter in full camouflage gear stands on rock formation with hunting equipment and decoys.
Hunter in camo overalls and beige jacket holds fishing rod while standing on rocky surface.
Hunter in camouflage gear crouches on rocky terrain with hunting equipment.
Black and white portrait of hunter kneeling with rifle against natural backdrop.
Hunter in traditional gear kneels on rocky surface against green foliage background.