flash photography
How flash can transform your gallery!
My love of flash has developed over the years from learning studio flash for headshots and intimates to the use of creative flash at public and corporate events.
But while these are traditional applications of flash, I often use flash in more subtle ways to offer slightly more light in an already lit scene so for example this photo without an off-camera flash would either be exposed for the trees outside and the couple would be a silhouette or exposed for the couple and the outside would be overexposed.
Benefits of Flash Photography
Flash photography isn't just for dark rooms. It's a versatile tool that enhances image clarity, adds depth, and brings vibrancy to your photos. Whether it's the first dance under dim lights or a twilight portrait session, flash ensures your memories are captured in their best light.
When to Use Flash
I'll always talk to you ahead of time about flash, if I think your photos will be significantly enhanced by flash I will suggest it and you can decide if you want me to use it- or not!
Techniques Employed
Using flash allows me to shoot in a 'light and airy' style that I believe is timeless and for you to receive a gallery that is really gorgeously lit in any weather, at any time of day and in any venue.
To Flash or not to flash!
At a recent event, I took some images with and without flash to show you what the difference is. I always describe this as flash giving a clean look while no flash allows all the ambience to shine through. Both have a place and I am capable of capturing both scenes but the best thing to do is trust me to decide which shots need extra light and which don't.
fLASH
NO FLASH
direct flash
Direct flash is super trendy right now and I can see why, there's so much drama and hollywood vibes in a direct flash shot done right.
What is direct flash?
When the photographer places the flash directly towards the subjects face. It's a short burst of light but it I still wouldn't look directly into it!
In this shot of Tiff & Lou at Islington Town Hall you can see how the light that hits them falls off really quickly leaving a darker background and making them pop.
Winter weddings & flash photography
Zee & Fred got hitched in December at around sunset. In addition to this, their gorgeous venue Fetcham Park lacks any significant sunlight on an overcast day and the lighting is mostly artificial. This, coupled with some dark painted walls and ceilings, led to a heavy use of flash. I like to think that, looking at this selection of photos below, you wouldn't necessarily know that I shot with a flash because I employ flash photography techniques that flatter the ambience.
However, looking now at the photo of the couple on the stairs, this was shot with off-camera flash on a tripod that is set up to the left of the couple for a more dramatic look.
on camera - bounced Flash photography in a nutshell
On-camera flash provides versatility, whether used to directly illuminate (direct flash is very trendy!) or bounced off walls or ceilings to create a softer, more natural light that fills the room. The bounced light approach ensures that no matter the lighting conditions—be it a dimly lit reception venue or a candlelit ceremony—your photos are bright, crisp, and full of life. It’s perfect for freezing little moments, like your first dance or an emotional toast, while maintaining the ambience of the scene. And it's great for darker ceremonies where you won't notice a flash as it'll be pointed away from you.
Capturing the details
In these images you can see it's darker in the room the sign is in than it is in the room following- for this reason shooting with a flash lights the signage while keeping the next room visible.
lIGHTING FOR DRAMA
I don't want to get too technical because I know not everyone is as geeky or photography-obsessed as me (although if you are I could talk about photography for days, get in touch!) Flash photography allows me to freeze moments that would be impossible to adequately capture without the use of a flash. For example, light trails on a dancefloor, well-lit sunset photos & sparkler trails.
essential at night
Flash photography is great for capturing candid moments, movement and atmosphere when the sun has gone down!
Check out this post about capturing the vibe of a dancefloor at a chairty event.
