Junior Rasmussen
Wedding photography can be challenging, especially when it comes to lighting. A good on-camera flash can be a great way to add extra light to your photos when shooting weddings. It can be used to fill in harsh shadows and is very helpful when shooting in low-light conditions. However, it can also be tricky to use, and if not used properly, it may create unflattering results. Therefore, it is important to learn how to use on-camera flash correctly before attempting to use it for wedding photography. This involves understanding the right gear, settings, and techniques. For example, when using an external flash, you can control the placement, power, height, and direction of the light source. Additionally, factors such as ISO, aperture, and shutter speed settings need to be considered to achieve the desired lighting effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To add extra light to photos, fill in harsh shadows, and create dramatic photos |
| Use cases | When shooting in low light conditions, during the reception, or after dark, and when shooting details, portraits, and specialty dances |
| Equipment | On-camera flash, off-camera flash, softbox or Octabox, MagGrid, Nikon z7II camera, Nikon speedlight SB-700, Nikon SB-5000, Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT, Godox V1, flash diffuser or bounce card |
| Settings | ISO: 1000-1600, Aperture: 2.0-4.0, Shutter Speed: 1/200th to 1/250th of a second, Flash Power: 1/64, Flash Compensation: -1 for grooms in black suits, +1 for brides |
| Techniques | Bouncing flash off the ceiling, using natural light or a bounce flash, adjusting ISO, shutter speed, and aperture for dramatic effect, controlling light source placement, power, height, and direction |
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What You'll Learn
Use a flash to fill in harsh shadows in low-light conditions
Using an external flash is a great way to improve your wedding photography in low-light conditions, such as a bar setting. The flash can fill in harsh shadows, creating a more balanced and natural look. Here are some tips to help you use an external flash effectively:
Firstly, it's important to balance the flash with the ambient light. If you use too much flash, it can create an unnatural look and overpower the ambient light. On the other hand, too little flash can result in harsh shadows and a lack of detail. Adjusting the flash exposure compensation (FEC) can help you increase or decrease the flash output to find the right balance.
Another technique to fill in harsh shadows is to bounce the flash. Instead of pointing the flash directly at your subject, reflect the light off a wall or ceiling to soften it and create a more natural, diffused lighting effect. This can be done with an on-camera flash, which triggers an off-camera flash. You can also use a bounce card or reflector to bounce and direct the light.
Additionally, try using a diffuser or softbox to create softer, more even lighting. This will help prevent harsh shadows by spreading and softening the light.
When using an external flash, experiment with different angles, heights, and distances from your subject. Moving the flash off-camera gives you more control and creativity over the direction and quality of light. You can use a flash bracket, cable, or wireless trigger to move the flash away from the camera and position it as needed.
Finally, don't be afraid to use multiple flashes to create a more complex and dynamic lighting setup. You can use two or more flashes for effects such as cross-lighting or rim-lighting, and modify the light with gels, filters, or flags.
Remember, practice makes perfect, so experiment with different settings and modifiers to see how they affect your images. Review your results and make adjustments as needed to become more comfortable with using external flash in low-light wedding photography.
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Position the flash at a 45-degree angle to the subject
When using an external flash for wedding photography, it is important to consider the positioning of the flash in relation to the subject. One popular technique is to position the flash at a 45-degree angle to the subject. This can be done by tilting the flash head to the side, creating a natural-looking light source that mimics light coming through windows.
The 45-degree angle is a versatile setup that can be used for both indoor and outdoor shots. When photographing a subject indoors, bouncing the flash at a 45-degree angle off the side walls can create a natural balance of light and shadows, resulting in well-lit faces and good contrast. This technique is particularly useful when shooting in a bar, as it can help to emulate the desired lighting effect and create a more pleasing background.
For outdoor shots, the 45-degree angle can be used to direct the flash towards the subject, providing adequate lighting for subjects who are relatively far from the camera. This technique is especially effective when combined with a high-powered flash, such as the Profoto B1, to ensure that the light reaches the subject.
Additionally, when using the 45-degree angle, it is important to consider the height of the flash in relation to the subject. The flash should generally be placed higher than the subject to avoid unflattering shadows and create a more natural lighting effect. This can be achieved by using a tall monopod or other equipment to hold the flash at the appropriate height.
The 45-degree angle setup can also be adapted for more dramatic effects. By lowering the ambient light and using a single flash with a MagGrid, photographers can create a dramatic and focused lighting setup, perfect for detail shots or creative portraits. This technique adds a unique touch to wedding photography and can be used to highlight specific subjects, such as the groom or the wedding rings.
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Use a MagGrid to prevent light from spreading
Using a flash during a wedding photoshoot can result in light spreading everywhere, creating an unwanted light spill and ruining the mood of the photograph. This is where the MagGrid comes in.
The MagGrid is a light modifier that can be attached to your flash. It helps to control and focus the light emitted by your flash, preventing unwanted light spill and spread. This results in more consistent, cleaner photographs. The MagGrid is especially useful when you want to highlight a specific subject, such as the wedding rings, dress, flowers, or the speaker during wedding toasts, without dispersing light all around.
The MagGrid is designed with a honeycomb structure, moulded from flexible silicone rubber, which prevents cracks and chips commonly seen in hard plastic designs. It accurately directs the light from your flash into a 40-degree beam pattern. Stacking two MagGrids narrows the beam to 20 degrees, and three MagGrids produce an even tighter 15-degree beam pattern.
Combining the MagGrid with coloured gels opens up creative opportunities. Photographers can play with colour theory to enhance their images, creating captivating and artistic effects.
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Adjust ISO, shutter speed, and aperture for the correct exposure
When shooting a wedding in a bar, you'll need to adjust your ISO, shutter speed, and aperture to achieve the correct exposure. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your external flash:
ISO
ISO controls the overall sensitivity of your camera. A lower ISO setting will result in less noise and a sharper image. When shooting with a flash, most photographers choose a low ISO setting because it gives them more control over the scene. However, don't be afraid to raise your ISO if you need more light. For wedding photography, a good range for your ISO is between 800 and 3000, depending on the lighting conditions and your camera's capabilities.
Shutter Speed
Shutter speed affects ambient lighting. When using a flash, a slower shutter speed will allow more ambient light to seep into the scene, creating a brighter image. On the other hand, a faster shutter speed will reduce the amount of ambient light and can help freeze motion. If you're getting too much ambient light, try increasing your shutter speed. Conversely, if you want more ambient light to come through, lower your shutter speed.
Aperture
Aperture dictates the flash output in TTL mode. A lower aperture value, such as f/1.4 or f/2.8, creates a shallow depth of field, resulting in sharp subjects and blurry backgrounds. If you're using manual flash output, you can control the power of the flash to adjust the exposure. Opening up the aperture to a wider setting, such as f/2.8, will make the scene brighter by allowing more flash output.
Putting it all together
When adjusting your settings, it's recommended to follow the ASI order: aperture, shutter speed, then ISO. First, set your aperture based on what you're shooting and the lowest possible value that keeps your subjects in focus. Next, adjust your shutter speed to control the amount of ambient light and freeze motion. Finally, tweak your ISO to brighten or darken the image until it looks right.
Remember to consider the lighting conditions and your creative vision when adjusting these settings. By understanding how ISO, shutter speed, and aperture work together, you can create beautifully exposed wedding photos with your external flash.
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Use a softbox or Octabox to soften the light
When it comes to wedding photography, the lighting setup is crucial, especially when shooting in a bar with limited natural light. Using an external flash is a great way to illuminate the subjects and create beautiful images. However, direct flash can often result in harsh lighting and deep shadows, which is why softening the light is essential. This is where a softbox or Octabox comes into play.
A softbox is a light modifier that diffuses and softens the light emitted by the flash. It helps distribute the light evenly, reducing harsh shadows and creating a more flattering look for your subjects. Softboxes come in various shapes and sizes, including the popular Octabox, which is octagonal. The circular shape of an Octabox is advantageous as it composes well against the eye's naturally circular shape.
When using a softbox or Octabox with your external flash, you can create a softer and more diffused light. This is especially useful when photographing people, as it helps to illuminate their faces without creating harsh shadows or a blown-out background. By attaching the softbox or Octabox to your external flash, you can modify the quality of light and achieve a more pleasing aesthetic.
To set up your external flash with a softbox or Octabox, start by attaching the softbox to your flash unit. You can then position the setup at a 45-degree angle to the subject, ensuring the light doesn't spread too widely. Adjust the distance as needed, keeping in mind that moving the light further away will increase the spread. With this setup, you can capture well-lit photos with softened shadows, enhancing the overall visual appeal.
Additionally, consider using a diffuser with your softbox or Octabox. Diffusers further soften the light by filtering it through layers of white nylon fabric or bouncing it off reflective surfaces. This technique is particularly useful for wedding receptions, creating a beautiful soft light when taking pictures of people on the dance floor or at their tables. By combining a softbox or Octabox with a diffuser, you can achieve exceptionally soft and flattering light for your wedding photographs.
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Frequently asked questions
An on-camera flash can be a great way to add extra light to your photos when shooting weddings in low-light conditions, such as in a bar. It can also be used to fill in harsh shadows and create a more dramatic photo.
There are many different types and brands of external flashes available, and each has its own set of features. Some options for a bar wedding include the Nikon SB-5000, Canon Speedlite 430EX III-RT, or Godox V1.
This may vary depending on the specific lighting conditions and your personal preferences. However, some general settings to consider include:
- ISO: Aim for an ISO of 1000-1600 in low light conditions to avoid too much noise in your photos.
- Aperture: For portraits, an aperture of around 2.0 is recommended, while for large groups or candid photos, you may need to bump it up to around 4.0 to ensure everyone is in focus.
- Shutter Speed: Keep your shutter speed fast enough to prevent motion blur while still allowing ambient light into the scene, such as 1/200th to 1/250th of a second.
First, attach the flash to your camera's hot shoe. Then, set the flash to the correct mode by consulting your flash's manual. Take some practice shots in different lighting conditions to understand how your flash works and adjust the settings as needed.
Yes, here are some tips:
- Start by using natural light or a bounce flash, and then introduce the external flash to create a dramatic effect.
- When shooting the groom, lower the ambient light so that the flash is the main light source, creating a dramatic one-light setup.
- When shooting the bride, put the sun behind her and use the flash to light her front, correctly exposing the background and removing shadows.
- If you are using a flash for the first time, consider starting with a simple one off-camera flash setup and experiment with its placement, power, height, and direction.
