Why Beginners Should Use Flash Photography

Why Beginners Should Use Flash Photography

When it comes to photography, flash photography is definitely a hot topic. Should photographers use flash photography or should they not? Technology has evolved so that photographers have a variety of options at our disposal when it comes to lighting. This including flashes that fit in your pocket and LED lights that can be adjusted to match your white balance. Even though we have ease of access to these amazing flash photography tools, many photographers choose not to utilize them for many reasons. This can be from a lack of knowledge or image aesthetics.

Our recommendation is this: photographers need to learn flash photography. It is a way to master your craft and create skills that are needed in this modern photography age. It is also a fun way to stand out in the oversaturated photography marker. Below are a number of reasons why beginners should use flash photography.

Stand Out From Your Competition

Wedding photography lighting has become a hot topic. Technology has evolved and images can be created with a multitude of different lighting sources, modifiers and equipment. Lighting devices such as flash/strobe units, pocket and LED lights, panel LED lights, fresnel halogen and LED light sources. Continuous lighting and a whole host of modifiers from such companies as MagMod, Profoto, Godox, and other manufacturers. Even though photographers have ease of access to these flash photography tools, many photographers choose not to use them.

Be In Control of Your Photos

When you have mastered flash, you move closer towards creating a mastering final image. The lighting conditions of the day no longer matter when you can effectively use flash. Too much sun? You can control that with flash. A cloudy day and no sun? You can create your own sun with a flash by utilizing CTO (Color Temperature Orange) gel to simulate a sunset. The best feeling in the world is arriving on the wedding day feeling confident in your abilities and being prepared to handle anything the day throws your way.

Flash Photography Is Fun

It is important to ask yourself why you became a photographer? Many of us picked up a camera because we enjoy creating or documenting. Being creative goes hand in hand with wedding photography, especially when you add flash into the mix. Creating unique images straight out of camera is fun, but when you begin adding flash, a new dimension opens up. Photographers can begin to see things differently. You can create so much more and photography becomes much more exciting. Let your creative energy flow and you will soon be asking yourself questions such as, “What if I add a light behind them?” and “What if I add a blue gel behind the waterfall?” It becomes less about “just taking pictures” and more about creating works of art. Then you begin to paint with light and create photos you are proud of.

You Won’t Be Limited In Your Art

It saddens us to know that many photographers limit themselves when it comes to lighting on wedding days. They often resort to pushing the camera limits without adding light. This results in grainy high ISO images and poor white balance. This can be seen often when photographers change images to black & white because they do not know how to deal with the challenge. Not all weddings will take place at sunset with perfect lighting. What happens when the ceremony takes place inside or due to weather, they move it underneath a roof covered pavilion that creates terrible backlighting issues. If you take the time to learn flash and become efficient with using it, you won’t have to stress about these moments on a stressful wedding day. You will be able to tackle these problems with ease.

Your Clients Deserve The Best

Your clients expect and are paying you for the best quality images possible. That means, even in dark locations, you are expected to create images regardless of the challenges. When the lights are turned down low or you are in a dark space, you need to overcome challenges and adapt. It is important for you to be honest with yourself about your skill level. If you need to improve a skill, try to educate yourself on the topic. Be proactive and be able to perform like a professional. Being a professional means you should have a solid foundation and understanding of all types of photography lighting. By mastering flash, you are able to provide your clients with a more memorable day.

Ascend Theory Flash Photography Classes

Derek Halkett Photography, Golightly Studios and Waldorf Photographic Art have collectively photographed nearly 1000 weddings. All photography companies bring years of experience working with both natural light and various photography lighting solutions. Utilizing flash (continuous and available natural light with a multitude of lighting modifiers) they are always looking to create epic images for their clients.

These photographers are known for being able to handle difficult lighting scenarios on a wedding day. They have also combined their flash photography skillsets to bring lighting workshops to the community. If you are interested in attending Ascend Theory Lighting Workshops, please check out our workshop page for more info on upcoming events.