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?
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
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
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
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
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.
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