The next big thing in weddings: Flash photography

For the longest time the wedding photography scene has been dominated by dreamy pastel hues, soft diffused looks, the contrasting dark moody look of 2017 and lots of natural light! Knowing all too well that trends come and go, direct flash photography is the new kid on the block and it has us jumping up and down with excitement.

Photo by Julia Cameron

Photo by Anna Roussos

Rediscover the glamour of direct flash photography in 2024

This old technique got a makeover and offers wedding photographers a bold, vibrant aesthetic that captures the couples special day with modern flair. By embracing direct flash, photographers can give their clients photos filled with drama, highlighting fleeting details and capturing the joyful emotions of their special day.

Photo by Julia Cameron

Photo by Shannon and Danilo Vasic

A step-by-step guide to achieve the modern flash technique

1. Choosing the right gear for the job

We recommend starting with a mirrorless camera with high ISO capabilities. We suggest something like the Canon EOS R10 or Nikon Z6 III Mirrorless Camera’s.
With regards to lenses, we recommend either a prime/fixed or wide-angle lens. The Canon RF 35mm f/1.4 or Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 G2 Lenses are great options.
Of coarse we need the star of the show, a flash! Godox’s TT685C II Flash is fantastic if you’re on a budget, while the Canon Speedlite EL-5 or Profoto A10 AirTTL-S are for those looking to spend a bit more.
Modifiers are incredible tools that provide photographers with an abundance of different options to achieve bold, creative photos.

2. Master the art of flash

Camera settings for flash includes three aspects; shutter speed, aperture and ISO.

Typical shutter speeds for flash are 1/60, 1/200 or 1/250 on your camera.

Aperture can be experimented with, depending on your subject and the look you’re going for. But anything between f/2 to f/5.6 is generally considered as safe.

With ISO, you can balance it out with whatever works best with the exposure setting you decided to go with.

Shutter drag: This technique refers to intentionally creating motion blur using a slower shutter speed, emphasising movement or speed in the photo. To create this technique, set your shutter speed to 1/20 (or very low), with the aperture at f/10 (a high setting) and the ISO at around 100 or 50.

3. Learn the concept light

Flash accessories come in all shapes and sizes offering different results. You can bounce light off walls or ceilings for softer looks, diffuse light for a subtle light spread or even expand light using a reflector to evenly light up a larger area. It’s best to explore various possibilities before you go in for a wedding, since you want the best possible results for paying customers.

Photo by Julia Cameron

Photo by Thanos Asfis

Photo by Anna Roussos

How adapting to trends can increase your bookings

Trends influence fashion, technology, and culture. It shapes how we perceive and interact with the world. So a “momentary trend” like direct flash photography can be a powerful tool with the potential to transform your wedding photography business, demonstrating innovation, versatility, make your business stand out and significantly enhance your booking rates.

Final thoughts

Couples want their wedding to be an extension of themselves, and look for striking images that capture the personality of their wedding day. As a wedding photographer, you want to fill that need and create timeless memories that express the loving stories of your couples. Embracing this technique and incorporating it into your portfolio, you not only stay ahead of the curve but also enrich your ability to capture moments that truly shine.