About This Course

Discover why the Alpha 9 III represents a major step forward for flash photography.

 

In this technical session, Martin Krolop explains how the Alpha 9 III's global shutter overcomes the limitations of conventional shutter systems. Starting with the fundamentals of flash sync and X-sync speed, he demonstrates why photographers lose flash efficiency when using high shutter speeds and traditional HSS techniques.

 

You'll learn how a global shutter exposes the entire sensor simultaneously, allowing flash energy to be used more effectively than with conventional shutter designs. Martin also explores the relationship between flash duration, exposure timing, and flash output, showing why capturing the peak of the flash curve is the key to achieving brighter and more efficient flash photography.

 

Through practical demonstrations and real-world comparisons, the course examines the differences between global shutter technology, HSS, TTL flash, and ND filters. By the end of the session, you will understand how the Alpha 9 III enables flash sync at virtually any shutter speed and opens new creative possibilities for balancing flash and ambient light.

Shooting Flash with a Global Shutter

Test your knowledge

1 - What does a global shutter make obsolete in flash photography?


2 - Why are compact on-camera flashes such as the HVL-F60RM2 well suited to shooting with a global shutter?


3 - What is the main drawback of using HSS?


4 - The flash burst is longer than 1/32000 sec — so why does the global shutter still work?


5 - To get the full benefit of the global shutter with flash, what does Martin recommend?



Instructor

Based in Cologne, Martin Krolop is a renowned professional photographer known for his people and portrait photography, with extensive work spanning advertising, action, sports, weddings, and outdoor and nature photography. A self-taught photographer, Krolop developed his craft through a strong passion for lighting and photographic technology. His work and educational content demonstrate a deep understanding of both studio and on-location lighting, including flash photography, off-camera flash, and the creative use of available light.

 

Beyond his commercial and editorial work, Krolop is a well-known photography educator in the German-speaking community. Closely associated with the Krolop & Gerst platform alongside Marc Gerst, he has spent many years sharing his knowledge through workshops, YouTube videos, live events, and other educational formats. His teaching focuses particularly on lighting, photographic technique, equipment, and image-making, with a practical and approachable style that emphasizes understanding the tools and applying them directly in real-world shooting situations.

Martin Krolop

Martin Krolop

Sony Alpha Professional


Featured Gear

Product Features

Alpha 9 III

Full-frame camera with global shutter

Product Features

HVL-F60RM2

GN60 Wireless Radio Control External Flash