Street photography is all about capturing real moments as they happen, but great lighting can be the difference between a good shot and a standout one. Whether you're chasing the golden hour glow or using a compact flash to brighten up a scene, knowing how to work with light is a game-changer.
Here are some practical tips for using both natural light and portable speedlights, plus our top flash picks available now at Camera House to give your shots a creative edge.
Tips for using natural light in street photography
Reflectors come in a variety of materials and colours, each offering a different effect on the light
- Use directional light for drama: Early morning or late afternoon light (also called "golden hour") creates long shadows and adds depth. Position your subject so the light hits them from the side for natural contrast and texture.
- Backlight for silhouettes or glow: Shooting into the sun might seem counterintuitive, but it’s great for creative silhouette shots or a glowing rim light around your subject. Expose for the highlights and experiment!
- Embrace overcast days: Don’t be discouraged by cloudy weather. Overcast skies act as a giant softbox, evenly lighting scenes and minimising harsh shadows, perfect for capturing candid street moments.
Why use portable flash in street photography?
Natural light doesn’t always cooperate, especially at night or in shaded urban areas. A portable flash or speedlight gives you control in unpredictable lighting conditions, and it’s more subtle than you'd think when used properly.
Key Benefits
- Fill in shadows during harsh daylight.
- Add pop and isolation to your subject in busy environments.
- Shoot confidently in low-light or night scenes.
Top flash recommendations
To get started with on-the-go lighting, here are some compact and reliable options.
Godox V1 Pro C Round Head TTL Speedlite Flash for Canon
Featuring a round head design that provides soft, even lighting with natural fall-off. It supports TTL and High-Speed Sync (HSS), this flash offers a rechargeable battery system, making it a favourite among professionals seeking versatility and high-quality output.
Designed specifically for EOS R series cameras, the EL-10 Speedlite offers a guide number of approximately 40, a tiltable head for bounce flash photography, and high-speed sync capabilities. Its lightweight build and advanced features make it an excellent choice for photographers starting to explore flash photography.
Godox TT685C II Flash for Canon
This powerful and budget-friendly TTL flash offers wireless triggering, a zoom head, and high-speed sync, perfect for both beginners and advanced photographers seeking reliable and consistent lighting performance.
Godox V350S 2.4G TTL HSS Speedlite Flash for Sony
Compact and rechargeable, this flash is tailored for Sony users. Its lightweight design and dependable performance make it an ideal option for photographers who need a portable lighting solution during long photo walks.
The SB-700 offers bounce/swivel flash control, TTL metering, and an intuitive user interface, delivering reliable performance across a wide range of photography scenarios.
Weather-sealed and compact, this flash is a great match for OM System shooters looking to stay agile. Its design complements the portability of Olympus cameras, making it a convenient and dependable addition to your gear.
Tips for using flash outdoors without drawing attention
- Soften your light: Use a small clip-on diffuser or portable softbox to keep your flash from looking harsh in natural environments. It helps blend the flash with ambient light for a more natural look.
- Keep it subtle: Lower your flash power to just fill in shadows rather than overpower the scene. A touch of light can lift your subject without making it obvious you're using flash.
- Position with purpose: Angle your flash slightly to the side or use a tilt head to avoid flat, direct lighting. This creates depth and dimension without being too dramatic.
These small adjustments go a long way in keeping your lighting natural and unobtrusive, perfect for capturing authentic moments outdoors.
Light makes the moment
Whether you’re catching shadows in alleyways or freezing motion at dusk, understanding light is essential to street photography. Combine ambient light with a portable flash to open up creative possibilities, no matter the time of day.
Shop Portable Lighting at Camera House
Seek advice from Camera House’s knowledgeable staff in-store and online to find the portable lighting that are right for you! Check out our shipping information online and enjoy free regular delivery on orders over $99, or view our store locator to visit a Camera House store near you.
Browse the full Lighting Collection here
