flash wedding photography
Cat Brant Photography
Authentic. Joyful. fun
Classic, honest colour photography for relaxed couples who prioritise fun over formality.
I know when to stand back and capture moments as they happen and exactly how to guide you into flattering, magazine-worthy images without ever making you feel posed, staged or stiff.
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How flash can transform your gallery!
My love of flash has developed over the years from learning studio flash for headshots 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 a flash would either be exposed for the sky and the couple would be a silhouette or exposed for the couple and the sky would be overexposed. So the shot would still be lovely without flash, but in my opinion it's just elevated with it!
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.
From the moment we met, her professionalism and easygoing nature put us at ease... We wouldn't change a single thing about the experience – a truly talented and delightful photographer who contributed immensely to our perfect day.
- Naomi
With our first video call, I knew I wanted to work with Cat. She just had this way of making you feel so comfortable.
- Suyashi
She is an accomplished photographer and a lovely person that puts everyone at ease. Couldn't recommend her more highly
- Alice
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.
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! There may also be other limitations to the use of additional light- churches, for example, tend to be against the use of flash during ceremonies and sometimes I just feel that flash could potentially take something away from the ambience of a scene.
fLASH
NO FLASH
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.
the use of flash 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.
Let's go through a few more uses of flash!
1. 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.
I mainly use direct flash at night time to add a little drama, but it's also super handy for controlling midday light in confetti shots for example, like at the top of this page!
What is direct flash?
When the photographer points the flash directly at the subject's face. It's a short burst of light!
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.
2. on camera - bounced Flash photography
On-camera flash provides versatility, whether used to directly illuminate 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.
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.
3. 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.
4. shutter drag on a dancefloor
I think so much life, colour and movement can be felt in shutter drag photos. Essentially, the camera captures all the ambient light around the dancefloor and then, right at the end of the photo a quick burst of light freezes the subject.
Check out this post about capturing the vibe of a dancefloor at a chairty event.
