Archives for 27 Dec,2022

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On-Camera Flash Techniques For Weddings

Author: ShootDotEditOn: Dec 27Categories: Wedding Lighting No Comments

When it comes to wedding photography, you want to make sure that you have all the right tools for the job. One of the most important pieces of equipment that you will need is a good on-camera flash, which can be a great way to add some extra light to your photos when shooting weddings. So to help you figure out on-camera flash, we will discuss the different on-camera flash techniques for weddings you can to create amazing photos and also offer some camera wedding flash setups that  could get you the best results. So whether you’re just learning about on-camera flash for wedding photography or you’re looking for some new ideas, this blog post is for you! 

What Is On-Camera Flash?

infographic stating on-camera flash is a type of flash that is attached to the top of the camera

On-camera flash is a type of flash that is attached to the top of your pro camera. It is attached via the hot shoe on your camera and designed to be convenient for wedding photography since you can be very mobile with it.  

On-camera flash for wedding photography can be a great way to add some extra light to your photos. It can also be used to fill in harsh shadows, which can be very helpful when shooting in low light conditions. However, it can also be very tricky to use. If not used properly, it can create unflattering results, such as harshly lit subjects and blown-out highlights. Therefore, it is important to learn how to use on-camera flash correctly before attempting to use it for wedding photography.

Related Read: Flash Photography Tips: A Brief Intro To Artificial Lighting

How To Use Flash For Wedding Photography

Now that you know what an on-camera flash is, let’s discuss how to use an on-camera flash for wedding photography: 

1. Choose The Right Flash

infographic stating choose an on-camera flash that best suits your intended purpose

Not all on-camera flashes are created equal. There are many different types and brands, and each one has its own set of features. Researching the best flash unit for your needs will help you choose the right flash for your camera. 

2. Set Up Your Flash

Once you have chosen the flash for your camera, it is time to set it up. The first thing you need to do is attach the flash to your camera. Most on-camera flashes will mount directly using your camera’s hot shoe. Once the flash is mounted on your camera, you will need to set the flash to the correct mode. Consult your flash’s manual for instructions on how to do this.

3. Test Your Flash

infographic stating take a few (or many) practice shots before using your on-camera flash for a photography gig

Take a few practice shots in different lighting conditions to see how your flash works. This will help you get a feel of how the flash works and how to use it properly. After figuring out the wedding photography flash settings for your requirements, it is time to put it to good use.

4. Use Your Flash wisely

When using on-camera flash for wedding photography, there are a few things to keep in mind. 

  • Consider using flash to fill in shadows when shooting in natural light situations. Experiment with different power settings on your flash. Too much flash can be very distracting and take away from the overall look of your photos. A good rule of thumb is to use the lowest setting on your flash that will still give you the results you want.
  • Be sure to aim your flash properly. If your flash is not aimed correctly, it can create some unwanted results, such as red eye. 

Suggested Read: Top 10 Tips For Indoor Wedding Photography

On-Camera Flash Techniques For Weddings 

1. Bounce Flash

infographic stating bouncing the flash can help create interesting directional lighting effects

One of the most popular on-camera flash techniques for weddings is called bounce flash. This is when you aim your flash at a nearby wall or ceiling, and the light bounces off of this surface and onto your subject. This creates a much softer and more flattering light than using direct flash on your subjects. When using this technique, look for a wall or ceiling that is a neutral color because the color of the surface that you bounce light off of can cause an unflattering color cast to the subject if it’s not neutral.

2. Use TTL

TTL stands for through the lens. This is a feature on some on-camera flashes that allows the flash to meter the light coming through your camera’s lens. This gives you more accurate results and makes it easier to get the exposure you want. If your on-camera flash has TTL mode, experiment with it, as it is designed to make using the flash easier.

3. Include Ambient Lighting

infographic stating ambient lighting improves the sense of depth and warmth in a room or space

When using on-camera flash for wedding photography, it is important to also allow some ambient light into your photo. This will help to give your photo a sense of atmosphere and place your subject in context. To do this, you will need to switch your camera to manual mode. This will allow you to control the shutter speed and aperture. Set your shutter speed to a slower setting, such as 1/60 or 1/30. This will allow some ambient light into your photo. Then, set your aperture to a lower number, such as f/2.8 or f/4. This will help to ensure that your subject is properly exposed.

Read More: Top 5 Tips: Photography Lighting Basics For Any Location

4. High-Speed Sync

If your on-camera flash has high-speed sync (HSS) mode, take advantage of it! This mode allows you to use a faster shutter speed while still using flash. This is great for situations where you need to freeze action, such as when the newlyweds are dancing on the dance floor. To use HSS mode, simply switch your wedding photography flash setup to HSS mode and then set your shutter speed to a faster setting, such as 1/250 or 1/500.

5. On-Camera Flash Triggering

You can use your on-camera flash to trigger other off-camera lights by setting them on slave mode. This allows you to walk around on the dance floor and capture those action shots with on-camera light without missing a moment, and at the same time triggering the off-camera lights set up around the room, making for a more robust lighting effect. This is, in fact, how most photographers, who are pros at on and off-camera lighting, would use on-camera flash. Profoto has a great system that works like this. 

6. Experiment With Flash Gels

One of the best on-camera flash techniques for weddings is to experiment with flash gels. Flash gels are small sheets of colored plastic that you can attach to your on-camera flash. This technique is a game changer as the colored sheets change the color of the light that your flash emits. This is a great way to add some creativity to your photos!

Further Read: How To Shoot In Small And Dark Wedding Venues

As a wedding photographer, it is your duty to capture the special moments and emotions of the wedding day. By using wedding flash photography techniques like TTL metering, flash gels, bounce flash, and high-speed sync mode, you can create well-lit photos at the wedding as well as the reception. With just a little practice and experimentation, you can use these on-camera flash techniques for weddings to diversify your skillset.

At ShootDotEdit, we are passionate about helping you grow your wedding photography business. Part of how we do that is by lessening your post-production workload with our professional photo editing services. To learn more about how we can help your wedding photography business grow, check out our pricing plans.

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5 Wedding Uplighting Tips & Tricks For Photographers

Author: ShootDotEditOn: Dec 27Categories: Wedding Lighting No Comments

When it comes to wedding photography, lighting is everything. Sometimes, wedding venues have less than ideal lighting conditions (photographers familiar with wedding uplighting or church ceremonies know what we’re talking about), which can make it difficult for you to capture all the special moments. As a result, you might not be able to deliver stunning images that reflect your true style. Wedding uplights may be used by the venue or the DJ to create visual interest and add a pop of color to the ambiance. However, for wedding photographers, these lights can be a significant obstacle. But don’t worry, the wedding uplighting tips in this blog will tell you exactly how you can make the most of this lighting.

What Is Wedding Uplighting?

infographic stating uplighting involves pointing lights upwards or using them as ambiance lighting

Wedding uplighting is a type of event lighting that involves placing lights, which are typically battery operated, on the ground and pointing them upwards towards the ceiling or using them to light the environment in general. Such lights include LED lights, string lights, chandeliers, spotlights, lanterns, fairy lights, etc. These lights can help add a pop of color that can really transform a wedding reception.

Wedding lighting is usually provided by wedding venues or is included in your couple’s DJ package. Uplighting wedding receptions helps to highlight architectural details at the venue and also adds visual interest to the space while creating a more inviting ambiance. However, while this is great for the ambiance, it can sometimes end up being a challenge when you’re taking wedding photos.

Suggested Read: Mastering Uplighting For Wedding Reception

Tips On How To Take Control Of Wedding Uplights 

1. Add Color To Photos

an image of a dimly lit wedding venue from the balcony
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @jorgesantiagophoto

One of the advantages of uplights is the wedding uplighting colors, which can help enhance photos you take of the venue. For example, blue uplighting creates a cool and calming effect, and purple uplighting creates a fairy tale look. You can also use different colors to highlight different aspects of the venue. In wedding photography, it is also important to tell a visual story with the pictures you take. A lot of planning goes into a wedding, and it’s essential to document every aspect. You can use your client’s choice of wedding uplight color to tell a color story through your images.

2. Control The Flash

When shooting a wedding reception in a venue with wedding uplights, you will need to be able to control your camera’s flash or off-camera lighting. With the right setup, you can use your lights for both main and fill lights and still incorporate the uplights for ambiance. Having a flash trigger that controls all off-camera flashes gives you the ability to decide when to add light to your frame and when not to. Using a slow shutter speed in conjunction with on and off camera lights will allow the uplights to come through.

Related Read: Profoto: A Lighting Game-Changer For Pro Photographers

3. Create Silhouettes

a silhouette image of a bride and the groom posing
Image Credit: ShootDotEdit Customer @robbmccormickphotography

Uplighting for weddings can also create beautiful silhouettes. You can use the uplights as a backlight to help create dramatic and stunning silhouettes of your couple. When using event lighting for this purpose, it is important to compensate for the exposure so that the couple standing in front is underexposed. Uplighting could also be a great way to add drama and dimension to your photos. When used correctly, it can really transform your images and help to set the tone for your wedding photos.

Related Read: Silhouette Wedding Photography Inspiration From ShootDotEdit Customers

4. Create Color Balance In Images

It is essential to make sure that your camera’s white balance and flash are set according to the existing wedding uplights. Depending on the color or temperature of the ambient light, select a custom color temperature in-camera to balance out the light in the scene. By having a consistent color balance, your wedding photos will have a natural and timeless look when you put together your couple’s wedding album.

 Suggested Read: Photography Lighting For Awesome Wedding Reception Details

5. Plan Ahead

infographic stating coordinate with the DJ or wedding coordinator to familiarize yourself with the lighting

As a wedding photographer, it is important to plan ahead when shooting wedding receptions with wedding uplights. Before the wedding day, make sure to coordinate with the DJ and wedding coordinator for any special lighting requests from your couple during their grand entrance, special dance, cake cutting, and so on. Also, ask your couple for the wedding timeline so that you can plan ahead of time on what lights will stay constant throughout the wedding reception. Planning ahead of time and coordinating with your couple’s wedding vendors will keep you ready for anything.

Further Read: How To Shoot In Small And Dark Wedding Venues

In most scenarios, you won’t get to have a say on whether there should be any uplighting or not. This totally depends on your couple’s taste as well as the venue and DJ they pick. But just because you don’t have a choice doesn’t mean that you can’t make the most of this type of lighting. With these tips, you can take control of a wedding venue’s uplighting. Wedding uplights can sometimes be troublesome when it comes to photography, but whether you’re looking to add color to your photos or create silhouettes of your couples, wedding uplighting can also help you achieve a specific look when used properly. 

At ShootDotEdit, we are passionate about helping you grow your wedding photography business. A part of how we do that is by lessening your post-production workload with our professional photo editing services. To learn more about how we can help your wedding photography business, check out our pricing plans.

Read More