George Boyle
Wedding photography is a challenging but rewarding endeavour. While natural light is always important, there are many instances when using an external flash is beneficial, such as during low-light conditions or to create a more dynamic image. The two main types of flash techniques are on-camera and off-camera. On-camera flash is the simplest form, where the flash is mounted directly on the camera, but it can create harsh lighting, so it is often bounced off a wall, ceiling, or bounce card to soften the light. Off-camera flash is more versatile and controllable, creating more interesting lighting, but it requires additional equipment such as flash stands and triggers. Both techniques have their advantages and can be used to capture the magic of a wedding day, from the intimate portraits of the couple to the lively atmosphere of the reception.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to use flash | When there is insufficient natural light, such as during evening receptions, indoor weddings, or in a dark room |
| Types of flash | On-camera flash (mounted directly on the camera), off-camera flash (mounted on a stand and placed at a flattering angle), bounce flash (bouncing light off a wall, ceiling, or bounce card) |
| Flash modifiers | Diffusers, umbrellas, softboxes, octaboxes, gels |
| Flash gear | Speedlights, flash stands, triggers, shoes |
| Flash techniques | Dragging the shutter, using multiple flashes, adjusting ISO, shutter speed, and aperture |
| Benefits of flash | Create more dynamic, interesting, and professional images, improve lighting conditions, isolate the subject, reduce distractions |
| Considerations | Recharge time, overheating, gear space and cost, wireless capabilities, red beam distraction |
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What You'll Learn
- When to use an external flash: low-light conditions, bad lighting, and dance parties?
- On-camera flash: bounce light off walls, ceilings, or bounce cards to soften the light
- Off-camera flash: place at a 45-degree angle to the subject for more control and interesting lighting
- Flash modifiers: use umbrellas, softboxes, or gels to diffuse light and control aesthetics
- Wireless flashes: allow for multiple flashes to fire simultaneously and are a must for wedding photography
When to use an external flash: low-light conditions, bad lighting, and dance parties
Wedding receptions and indoor weddings often require additional lighting, especially if the artificial lighting in the room is dimmed for a dance party. An external flash can be used to combat low-light conditions and bad lighting, and to capture images on the dance floor.
Even if the room is not completely dark, there might be dim lights or uplighting, which can be considered ambient light. The slower your shutter, the more ambient light you let in. If you want more ambient light to come through, lower your shutter; if you're getting too much, make your shutter faster. The amount of light your flash outputs at shutter speeds slower than 1/200 will be consistent. If you're getting total darkness around your subjects but want more ambient light, lower your shutter speed.
You can also use an external flash to combat bad lighting, such as overhead lighting that creates a lot of shadows on the faces of your subjects. For example, in group pictures, if you can't find open shade to shoot in and you're working with mid-day sun or bad indoor lighting, you might have to light your subjects. You can also use flash to isolate your subject or reduce distractions. If a scene is evenly lit, you can use your flash like a spotlight to bring the focus to your subject.
Using an external flash on your camera gives you more control over the amount of light you're using and the direction in which it's aimed. You can bounce the light off a nearby wall or ceiling, creating a softer and more natural-looking light.
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On-camera flash: bounce light off walls, ceilings, or bounce cards to soften the light
Wedding photographers use a variety of flash techniques, including on-camera flash. On-camera flash, or "bounce flash", is a technique where the flash is mounted on the camera, but instead of pointing the flash directly at the subject, you angle it upward or to the side to bounce the light off a wall, ceiling, or bounce card. This creates softer, more flattering light and reduces harsh shadows compared to direct flash.
Bounce flash is particularly useful in wedding photography when shooting in low-light conditions or when trying to capture well-lit pictures in a dark room with low ceilings. It is also useful when you are moving around a lot and cannot use an off-camera flash. Wedding venues with white walls and ceilings are ideal for bounce flash, as the light bounces off easily. However, in venues with black walls and ceilings or wooden ceilings, photographers may need to use additional off-camera flashes or modifiers such as diffuser cups or bounce cards.
When using bounce flash, it is important to consider the distance to the bounce surface. If the surface is too far away, you may need to use a modifier such as a plastic diffuser cup or a bounce card to direct the light. Additionally, the direction and angle of the bounce flash can affect the exposure and lighting of the image.
By mastering the art of bouncing, wedding photographers can capture pro-level images with beautiful lighting and softer shadows. It allows photographers to create dynamic, interesting, and professional-looking images, even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
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Off-camera flash: place at a 45-degree angle to the subject for more control and interesting lighting
Off-camera flash is a popular choice for wedding photography, as it creates a more interesting light and allows for more control over the lighting. By placing the flash at a 45-degree angle to the subject, photographers can achieve a natural-looking light that flatters the subject and adds shape and direction to the image.
The 45-degree angle technique involves positioning the flash off to the side, rather than directly above the subject. This creates a natural balance of light and shadows, avoiding the harsh look that can come from overhead lighting. It also helps to emulate the idea of light coming from a window, creating a softer and more flattering effect.
To achieve this effect, photographers can use a lightweight light stand or a tool like a Gorillapod to position the flash at the desired angle. It's important to consider the distance between the flash and the subject, as well as the height and direction of the light source. For example, a higher angle can create a sense of direction and fall-off, while a lower angle can give a more dramatic effect.
The 45-degree angle technique is a versatile setup that can be used in various wedding photography scenarios, both indoors and outdoors. It is a quick and agile method that allows photographers to capture dynamic and professional-looking images, even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.
By understanding the principles of off-camera flash and the 45-degree angle technique, photographers can enhance their wedding photography skills and create stunning, well-lit images.
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Flash modifiers: use umbrellas, softboxes, or gels to diffuse light and control aesthetics
Flash modifiers are essential tools for wedding photographers to soften light and avoid harsh lighting on subjects. They can be used to shape and control light, diffusing it to create a softer, more natural look.
Umbrellas are one such modifier, used to scatter light and spread it around the room. They are circular and lightweight, making them highly portable and easy to set up. However, they offer minimal control over light direction.
Softboxes, on the other hand, provide more controlled and directional light. They come in various shapes and sizes, ranging from large studio setups to portable options that can be secured to cameras. Softboxes diffuse the flash into a soft and even light, eliminating harsh shadows.
Gels are another way to modify your flash. These are coloured pieces of plastic placed over the flash to make it warmer or cooler, or to add fun hues. Gels can be used for colour correction, saving time in post-production editing, and they can also be used to add creative, playful effects.
Modifiers can be used in combination to great effect. For example, you could use a softbox or umbrella to light your subjects, and then use a gel on a second flash to transform the scene.
Flash modifiers are a powerful tool for wedding photographers, allowing them to enhance their scenes and bring their creative vision to life.
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Wireless flashes: allow for multiple flashes to fire simultaneously and are a must for wedding photography
Wireless flashes are a must for wedding photography, allowing for seamless transitions between lighting setups and ensuring that no moment is missed. Wedding photographers often face a wide array of lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to dimly lit interiors, and may need to transition between these conditions quickly. Wireless triggering systems enable photographers to easily adjust their lighting setups without having to manually change each unit, saving time and ensuring they can capture every moment.
Wireless transmitters and receivers are crucial for triggering flash setups remotely, providing seamless synchronization without the clutter of wires. Wireless radio slaves, such as PocketWizard, are the most refined system, allowing for triggering at greater distances without requiring a direct line of sight. Radio slaves also support numerous groups of lights, enabling photographers to work with several lighting scenarios and transition between them effortlessly. This is especially useful when multiple photographers are working simultaneously, as they can each have their own channel without interfering with one another's flashes.
To set up wireless flashes, photographers can designate one flash as the master and any others as slave flashes. The master flash will control the power of the slave flashes, allowing for easy adjustments without having to manually change each unit. This is particularly useful for off-camera flashes, which are often preferred for wedding photography as they create more interesting lighting and offer greater control. Off-camera flashes are typically mounted on light stands and placed at flattering angles to the subjects.
When using wireless flashes, it is important to consider battery management and ensure that extra batteries are on hand to avoid disruptions during key moments. Additionally, photographers should be mindful of the recharge time of their flashes, as some may take up to a minute to fire again, potentially causing missed shots. Testing flash settings before the wedding is crucial to understanding how the flash performs in different lighting environments and making any necessary adjustments.
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Frequently asked questions
The most obvious time to use an external flash is during low-light conditions, such as evening wedding receptions or indoor weddings, where there is insufficient light to capture a properly exposed and sharp image. You might also use a flash to combat bad lighting, such as overhead lighting that creates shadows on your subjects' faces.
There are two main types of flash techniques: on-camera flash and off-camera flash. On-camera flash is the simplest form of flash photography, where the flash is mounted directly on your camera. To avoid harsh lighting, you can use \"bounce light\" instead of direct light, by bouncing the flash off a wall, ceiling, or bounce card. Off-camera flash creates a more interesting light that you can control more. The flash is typically mounted on a light stand and placed at a flattering angle to your subject, such as a 45-degree angle.
You will need a flash stand, which can be as simple and inexpensive as a "shoe" attachment for your flash stand. If you are using off-camera flash, you will also need a trigger attached to your camera to control the flashes. Some photographers use flash modifiers such as diffusers, umbrellas, or gels to soften the light and prevent harsh shadows.
