Danish photojournalist Nikolai Linares needed a flexible setup with a fast, powerful flash to capture action-stopping environmental portraits on a clear, sunny day. Shots like this were possible thanks to the Canon Speedlite EL-1's support for wireless high-speed sync at fast shutter speeds. Taken on a Canon EOS R3 with a Canon RF 28-70mm F2L USM lens and a Canon Speedlite EL-1 at 28mm, 1/3200 sec, f/3.5 and ISO160. © Nikolai Linares
"When I have to photograph someone on a sunny day, they often say that it's such good weather for pictures. And I always tell them that a photographer's favourite weather is actually overcast and grey!"
Photojournalist and Canon Ambassador Nikolai Linares frequently shoots portraits for a range of news outlets, and he often supplements ambient light with artificial light sources – from Speedlite flashes to portable LEDs – to achieve the desired look. This is especially important to ensure that details are not lost in the deep shadows caused by bright sunshine. On a recent outdoor assignment, photographing skateboarder Diego Fiorese at Fælledparken Skatepark in Copenhagen, Denmark, Nikolai paired a high-speed Canon Speedlite EL-1 with the equally rapid Canon EOS R3.
With its blistering 30fps burst rate and ability to flash sync with its electronic shutter, the Canon EOS R3 is the perfect choice for outdoor portraits. It's as adept at capturing subtle shifts in a portrait-sitter's expression as it is at freezing lightning-fast action.
The Canon Speedlite EL-1's combination of flexible power control, fast recycling, active cooling and long battery life ensures that it doesn't miss a beat when it comes to high-speed shooting. To extend his lighting options further, Nikolai used a Canon Speedlite Transmitter ST-E10 on the EOS R3's Multi-function shoe to control the Speedlite EL-1 wirelessly.
How did Nikolai get the most from the gear on this shoot, and what advice would he offer to photographers taking on a similar portrait commission with flash?