Off-Camera Flash for In-Home Photographers: How to Get Started
I was a natural light photographer for the first twelve years of my career. Natural light is beautiful after all, and being able to see it and work with it is part of the magic we do as photographers.
But then I started working in clients’ homes, and quickly realized that natural light wasn’t always enough.
Sometimes I was asked to work in rooms with no windows.
Sometimes the window light was blocked by houses, or trees, or just the clouds in the sky.
Sometimes the windows produced unpleasant shadows, or objects outside created unpleasant color casts.
That’s when I learned to love off-camera flash. It gave me the ability to create soft, natural-looking light—even in the darkest, most challenging situation.
Natural light: Notice the green color cast caused my trees outside the window.
Flash: The light from the flash eliminated the color cast, and looks very natural.
Why Flash Works (Even for Natural Light Lovers)
When used the way I teach it, flash isn’t about overpowering natural light—it’s about enhancing it and creating consistent, professional results. Here’s how flash solves the most common problems in-home photographers face:
✅ No Windows: If you’re working in a room without windows (like a nursery or hallway), flash gives you the light you need without relying on overhead lighting.
✅ Color Casts: Mixed lighting can create weird color casts (like green reflections from outdoor trees). Flash is daylight balanced at 5500K, which gives you clean, neutral light.
✅ Unflattering Shadows: When natural light comes from the wrong angle, flash allows you to fill in shadows and create even, flattering light.
My Equipment List
You don’t need a ton of expensive gear to create beautiful light at home. My go-to setup includes:
✔️ A Westcott fj200 strobe
✔️ A Westcott fj80 flash
✔️ A Westcott 45” convertible umbrella with a diffusion panel
✔️ A travel stand and trigger
Most of the time, I bounce the light off a wall or ceiling to create soft, even light that mimics natural window light.
How to Get Started with Flash
Assess the environment – Check the natural light, shadows, and color casts in the room.
Position your light – Start by placing your flash near a window or wall, and aim to bounce it to create soft, diffused light.
Adjust your power settings – Start at low power and adjust as needed.
Want to Learn More?
If you want to master lighting in any space, I created a detailed guide, "Lighting on Location: An In-Home Photographer’s Guide to Off-Camera Flash”, to get you started!
👉 Click here to download the free guide and start creating professional-quality light—rain or shine!
