Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
If shallow depth of field portraits lit with flash is your goal the classic neutral density, or ND filter for short, is a low tech solution that every portrait photographer should know.
ND filters are an alternative to HSS flash. But unlike high speed sync flash a neutral density filter can be used on any camera brand, with any flash and any trigger. It also has the potential to maximise the flash output but in this video photographer Gavin Hoey takes you back to basics with a simple explanation of how to use an ND filter to get a blurry background with off camera flash.
Gavin starts by explaining how a 4 stop ND16 filter allows him to open up his aperture without overexposing the ambient light. Next he adds a single off camera flash to create beautiful portraits on location with a soft background that retains highlight detail.
Timestamps and Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:18 Why ND filter over HSS flash
0:56 Exposure with just dalight
1:45 Adding an ND filter
2:46 How much flash?
3:59 Match direction of flash and ambient light
5:15 Shutter speed controls background brightness
6:15 ND filter and flash photo session
7:25 Conclusions and Subscribe
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➥ youtube.com/user/adoramaTV
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Be the first to shop our great deals and sales by signing up for emails from Adorama! adorama.com/MyAccount/Login
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Save 5% Every Day† or Special Financing* On purchases of $199+ with the Adorama Edge Credit Card. Learn More: adorama.com/g/adorama-credit.
__________________________________
✘ GEAR USED:
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV (Used)
adorama.com/used-canon-eos-5d-mark-iv-digital-slr-camera-body/p/imcca5dm4
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L (Used)
adorama.com/used-canon-ef-70-200mm-f-28l-is-ii-usm-autofocus-telephoto-zoom-lens/p/eoz70200i2
Flashpoint eVOLV 200 Pro II
adorama.com/flashpoint-evolv-200-pro-ii-r2-ttl-pocket-flash-godox-ad200pro-ii/p/fplfev200pii
Glow EZ Lock Quick Rectangle Softbox 24 x 36" adorama.com/glow-ez-lock-quick-rectangle-softbox-bowens-mount-24-36-inch/p/glsbez2436
Neewer Neutral Density Filter Kit
adorama.com/neewer-neutral-density-filter-kit-4-pack/p/ne10101723
Tether Tools AeroTrac Workstation
adorama.com/tether-tools-aerotrac-workstation-system-mounting-hardware/p/ttatws
Tether Tools LeverLock Plate
adorama.com/tether-tools-tg-llp-tetherguard-leverlock-plate-cable-support/p/tttgllp
#ndfilter #portraitphotography #adorama
__________________________________
❐ LET'S GET SOCIAL ❏
➥ TikTok tiktok.com/@adoramanyc
➥ Facebook facebook.com/adorama
➥ Instagram instagram.com/adorama
➥ X https://x.com/adorama
➥ Discord adorama.com/discord
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__________________________________
Follow Gavin Hoey on
instagram.com/thegavinhoey
Model: Chloe Kerley
instagram.com/chloemkerley
__________________________________
THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING!
If shallow depth of field portraits lit with flash is your goal the classic neutral density, or ND filter for short, is a low tech solution that every portrait photographer should know.
ND filters are an alternative to HSS flash. But unlike high speed sync flash a neutral density filter can be used on any camera brand, with any flash and any trigger. It also has the potential to maximise the flash output but in this video photographer Gavin Hoey takes you back to basics with a simple explanation of how to use an ND filter to get a blurry background with off camera flash.
Gavin starts by explaining how a 4 stop ND16 filter allows him to open up his aperture without overexposing the ambient light. Next he adds a single off camera flash to create beautiful portraits on location with a soft background that retains highlight detail.
Timestamps and Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:18 Why ND filter over HSS flash
0:56 Exposure with just dalight
1:45 Adding an ND filter
2:46 How much flash?
3:59 Match direction of flash and ambient light
5:15 Shutter speed controls background brightness
6:15 ND filter and flash photo session
7:25 Conclusions and Subscribe
SUBSCRIBE AND BE PART OF THE ADORAMA FAMILY:
➥ youtube.com/user/adoramaTV
__________________________________
Be the first to shop our great deals and sales by signing up for emails from Adorama! adorama.com/MyAccount/Login
🔷
Save 5% Every Day† or Special Financing* On purchases of $199+ with the Adorama Edge Credit Card. Learn More: adorama.com/g/adorama-credit.
__________________________________
✘ GEAR USED:
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV (Used)
adorama.com/used-canon-eos-5d-mark-iv-digital-slr-camera-body/p/imcca5dm4
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L (Used)
adorama.com/used-canon-ef-70-200mm-f-28l-is-ii-usm-autofocus-telephoto-zoom-lens/p/eoz70200i2
Flashpoint eVOLV 200 Pro II
adorama.com/flashpoint-evolv-200-pro-ii-r2-ttl-pocket-flash-godox-ad200pro-ii/p/fplfev200pii
Glow EZ Lock Quick Rectangle Softbox 24 x 36" adorama.com/glow-ez-lock-quick-rectangle-softbox-bowens-mount-24-36-inch/p/glsbez2436
Neewer Neutral Density Filter Kit
adorama.com/neewer-neutral-density-filter-kit-4-pack/p/ne10101723
Tether Tools AeroTrac Workstation
adorama.com/tether-tools-aerotrac-workstation-system-mounting-hardware/p/ttatws
Tether Tools LeverLock Plate
adorama.com/tether-tools-tg-llp-tetherguard-leverlock-plate-cable-support/p/tttgllp
#ndfilter #portraitphotography #adorama
__________________________________
❐ LET'S GET SOCIAL ❏
➥ TikTok tiktok.com/@adoramanyc
➥ Facebook facebook.com/adorama
➥ Instagram instagram.com/adorama
➥ X https://x.com/adorama
➥ Discord adorama.com/discord
❐ MORE ADORAMA ❏
➥ Shop adorama.com
➥ Blog adorama.com/alc
➥ Adorama Events youtube.com/@AdoramaEvents
__________________________________
Follow Gavin Hoey on
instagram.com/thegavinhoey
Model: Chloe Kerley
instagram.com/chloemkerley
__________________________________
THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING!
