HOW I USE FLASH AT WEDDINGS | Off Camera Flash, Video Lights | Fine Art Photographer | Sony & Canon

[@Ronanddigicams]

Probably the most informative video I’ve ever watched. No sponsor ads, no bs, just straight up information.

[@phoenixmediaproductions8887]

Nice. One time I did a wedding in a garden setting, but it was dark. I realized that the onboard flash was giving me the subject, but everything else was dark and empty. What transformed the images was placing a second flash on the ground behind the subjects and giving it a 45° upward angle to illuminate the hedges, flowers and treeline. Worked out great.

[@trishhorton3419]

Katie, Great info-you are a natural teacher. No longer afraid of multiple off camera flash.

[@KatieNicollePhotography]

Aww thank you so much!! I'm so glad this video helped you get over your fear of off camera flash :) Once you get the hang of it - it really creates for some beautiful photographs!

[@tataisaac9994]

I am getting into weeding photography and was thinking about a strobe but after watching this, I am sure I will still be good with my flash. And the very nice you explained how to use two flashes. Thanks for the great content

[@p.burley4533]

A LOT of good information here. Needs to be watched several times to get it all. This is what I needed before the wedding I shot only last night!

[@ashleyspeca]

This was super helpful! I feel like there aren't that many resources for external flashes especially with weddings and they've always been so intimidating to me.

[@PizzlesTechTime]

This is very useful information especially for me just starting out as a professional photographer. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video.

[@Caalphoto]

Hi there, I have been shooting weddings for years now and I actually took out a pen and paper to take notes! Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@PizzlesTechTime]

I bought a godox flash when I first started with my GH5. I was considering purchasing Cannon's new flash the EL5 because it has the internal batteries. I ended up buying another godox but for my Canon and now I have a master and a slave. Now I just have to learn flash photograpy. 😊

[@atom7nine]

Katie you are beautiful & more importantly you're absolutely fabulous talented

[@DocMatthews0311]

I’m a beginner who wants to start experimenting with an off-camera flash. This was extremely helpful.

[@mesha8374]

Wow! Thank you! This was VERY helpful! I have a Baptism to capture this Sunday and was super afraid of low light in the church.

[@BambooScar]

What a great video, bravo!!!

[@gregallen1]

Absolutely GORGEOUS 😍

[@user-eu2me4bp7j]

Great video! I had to pause at 2:33. What an amazing shot and that bride is extremely gorgeous! 😍

[@KatieNicollePhotography]

Thank you!!! And that’s my sister-in-law!! She is gorgeous 😍🥰

[@fotolookconde]

Agreed that when we have natural light then flash lightning is only used to fill in! Good stuff!

[@jkaye87]

Your video is the most helpful one I’ve found. Thank you so much.

[@juniorishmael32]

Powerful video we need more

[@ThomasStreiff]

Nice video, one of the best ones in describing all the flash points in wedding photography. I like to watch and review, as I shoot a couple weddings a year, usually ones I get begged into doing by friends and family. this really helps for a quick refresh.

[@peruj2008]

Katie, I could cry... Lol... Thank you so much for putting me at ease. I've been getting in my head. You made it so simple. Thank you so very much!

[@PeterSodhi]

This is incredible

[@phuocminhbui]

I love your tips. I have learned a lot. I plan to photograph for my sister wedding in 2 weeks.

[@joannadass_]

Love how you make this process a heck of a lot less intimadating!

[@KatieNicollePhotography]

Thanks Joanna!! That’s always my goal ☺️

[@rhea2755]

Awe thanks for this, I have a small wedding to photograph. It’ll be my first wedding to photograph and I’m nervous,it’s for a dearest friend of mine. Thank you so much for this.

[@tereguzman1010]

What a video, tomorrow I have a small wedding to cover and I was kind of afraid of the flash, this is super helpful to me, thanks for this quality content, you have a new subscriber ☺️

[@dng369]

thanks for good short video with a lots of value information. !

[@DebbieWatkins133]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@ABAJZA75]

I'm so happy that I found this!! Can't wait to learn more from you!

[@davidestrinproductions]

This makes using a flash seem much more simple, especially combining 2 flashes. Excited to put to test all these new ideas and techniques. Wishing you the best on your journey ahead educating others, and thanks for sharing your wisdom of all wedding day scenarios.

[@kathryn-brightadventuresph7767]

This is amazing!! Thank you so much for sharing, it has been so hard to find a video online that explains flash from a wedding photography perspective!!

[@KatieNicollePhotography]

Kathryn - Bright Adventures Photography Yayyy! You’re so welcome!! I’m glad it was helpful :)

[@franlorite]

Thank you for sharing! I'm a wedding photographer/videographer from Spain and I love to know how do you work in other countries. Greetings!

[@PizzlesTechTime]

Shop my first wedding yesterday solo and it was quite a challenge. I ended up having to change to auto ISO. My pictures were very inconsistent. I was shooting on the cannon R5C with the godox v1c

[@manuelsoares507]

You are great at this!! Great presentation. 🤜🤛

[@kennethjonesphotography]

Interesting information and much appreciated. I noticed somewhere in the 15:20 range of this video, you started to state your ISO setting, but that was edited out. I'm interested to know those ISO setting(s). I'd also like to know what Canon camera body you shoot. Thanks, again for this info.

[@benbraybrooke5808]

Hi Katie! This video is brilliant! I’ve only photographed a few weddings but I want to start using flash to make my images more interesting but I find it scary to think about! You have made flash seem much less scary and simple. In my head I thought I would need a studio set up but it appears that’s not the case. Thank you 😍

[@JohnSmith-nk9fd]

Great! Thanks!

[@MrRenoman2011]

Awesome video thanks

[@yannisstath]

you explain this so well - thank you!

[@samuelstewart2762]

hi was looking at your vid nice work i'm a photographer as well thanks for some new tips

[@ErnestoIbarra]

4:54 Sometimes I even go down to 1/30 (when I bounce the flash) if there's no movement.

[@matthoffman6962]

So one thing I’ve found helpful is instead of having the “hot shoe that screws into the umbrella adapter” is to take that off and it leaves a threaded “screw” I guess that’s what it’s called. Then put your flash into the little stand that comes with it and screw it into the “screw” on the adapter. With canons the hot shoe is metal so you’ll be fine. But I’ve had a godox flash hot shoe break right off when it blew over from the wind. It sucked lol

[@JayJanePhotography]

The first time I used TTL, the battery died mid-party! Manual is usually more practical for small flashes, since you can control the power, compensate with camera settings and save battery. How does the V1 hold up to constant use of TTL? Thanks.

[@khariclipperz]

Great info …I just don’t like the Master And Slave Terms Settings But it was very helpful 🙌🏽

[@at4095]

Exactly what I need! Fantastic video. Thank you :)

[@VLuciPM]

Thanks Katie! Really awesome tips! Love how you share what you do

[@KatieNicollePhotography]

Vera Marques thank you so much for the encouragement!! 🥰

[@sjbailey10]

So helpful!!

[@ajeshpradeepkumar6828]

A good review. Really like it

[@emergecreative_]

I love your videos. Very easy to listen to and loaded with GOLD!

[@KatieNicollePhotography]

Thank you so much Tony!!

[@carlosalfredofloresvideofotogr]

Greetings from El Salvador.

[@Crob3621]

This was very helpful. Thank you

[@alliecase8040]

Thanks Katie!! This is super great insight! I hated using my flash before, because I just didn’t know much about it, not so nervous to use it now!

[@KatieNicollePhotography]

Allie Case awww yay!!! I’m so glad this helped you get over some of those fears! :)

[@evtimstefanov8377]

Very helpful tips. Thanks a lot!)

[@kevinglennon2370]

Hi Katie! Thank you so very much for the video! I really learned a lot. I will be looking to view a couple of times to reinforce what I have learned. Again a very big ThankYou for sharing!

[@matthewhein333]

Liked and subscribed! Great video, I learned a lot! I just got my first flash today, so I really don’t know much but this video helped clear a lot up so thanks!!!

[@atlaspower6603]

thank you for the tips i have a wedding coming up you help out alot !!! & i have two question what white balance you should use shooting with flash and is it good to have a tiffen pro mist 1/8 on the lens

[@notallaboutmeministry3285]

This was helpful

[@zachjoing3055]

So helpfull! Thanks for all the info, you did an amazing job explaining it all!

[@duncanmeechan5694]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video, it was very informative and simple enough for most to understand. Thank you for giving me the information and the encouragement to give it a try, I will be practicing most of the day tomorrow I am sure. Thanks again :)

[@jenny5354]

Thanks Katie. The video is very informative. 👍

[@KatieNicollePhotography]

Thanks Jennie!! So glad you found it helpful! :)

[@waltersmietana6204]

This was so helpful. Thank you!

[@KatieNicollePhotography]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BrianHallmond]

Thanks! Subscribed

[@KodakYuKnwDat]

Gonna be trying a few of these techniques for the next one! Thanks for the info and great video!

[@matthewhein333]

It helped me out a bunch too!!

[@Laura-rz4ho]

subscribed! Great video, thank you

[@mariaantunes8771]

Super helpful! 👏🏼👏🏼

[@KatieNicollePhotography]

Maria Antunes so glad you found this helpful!! Thanks for watching ☺️

[@Pitonium]

Hello Katie, Thank you so much for your precious video guidance. I have a quick question for you. Usually, what's the best and professional "Aspect Ratio" for taking pictures?( 3:2, 4:3 or 16:9)? I have a Canon 5d Mark III that I still love working with :)

[@waynosfotos]

Hee hee, i was laughing as i had a manual cheapo flash and just bought two Canon high end flashes with ETTL for ease of use. Then you say, use manual. 🤣 I have played around with these flashes for most of a whole day so fairly familiar now. If i could ask a couple of questions: First, to use as a fill in daylight shadows I had a few issues. I like to expose for the background to stop the sky etc being blown out, but when the flash is on the camera the flash overides the histogram and you can't set it to a exposure without the flash, even in manual (am i a slow learner?) So i can get the shot by turning the flash off and set the exposure the turn the flash on again. Beautiful banger shot. But this seems the long way round. Is there a way to do this easier? As to even lighting, i found if i put a silicon small bag sticking up about 100mm over the flash, held in place with a lacky band (point upwards), for the main and repeater flashes it fills the room and gives a softer light, it is slightly under exposed but that can be fixed in post. Very cheap and amazing good results. Thanks again, very well explained and i will go and check out your IG. Cheers

[@eduardocortes-dv4lo]

Hi, i have 3 flashes with sender but i prefer using just 1 on camera withe the flag on top (I have 2 magmot spheres but its too combersome, some brides has ask me what are those balls ?) . For exits a small video light on camera top is more practical / lumecube 2,0), I love flashes, also studio ones but with the new cameras like the Nikon Z6II x2 and the 1,8 Z lenses I found my selfs using my flashes less land less. But make not mistake everyone in wedding has to be confident with flashes.

[@GIRAFLASH2]

Do hoy use Fashbracket? To avoid the lateral shadow ,shoting in portrait Mode? 🤔

[@isabellethomas2108]

Hello 😊 what is your camera white balance when using flash pls? I never know if you should leave it to flash or AW mode

[@sleepeasy1989]

Hi, This has helped me so much. I have an upcoming wedding and the reception is in a small dark space. the advice about the two syncing flashes has really helped. Can any two flashes sync or do the flashes need to be the same make? thanks again

[@TC_Conner]

Very clear and concise flash explanation. You’ve earned a new subscriber and I’ve ticked the notification bell. I’m not new to photography but I am quite new to wedding shoots. I’m partnered with another photographer and she’s even less experienced than I but we both have a lot of fun shooting weddings together, we’ve shot a couple so far and have a third one coming up next month. I use a flash but she doesn’t, I’m still struggling some with flash but I’m determined, this video helped, thanks!

[@JongaLife]

Super helpful 👌

[@tonyc.3244]

What are basic settings on a cannon t3i for a weeding

[@melissaaguilar5597]

What flash do you use??? I’ve never seen one with that range of motion!!😍

[@southerngirlsociety]

Hey Katie! ...nobody teaches this and it's soooo frustrating to me. I know my way around a camera pretty well, but some of these more technical types of tricks and effects are things I still have yet to conquer and really figure out. THANK YOU soooo much for doing this for us!! I would sure give the world for you to also do a couple of videos teaching us how to photograph sparkler exits, light trails with wedding reception dance photos, how to photograph those cigar smoke photos of the guys on wedding day, and how to get that hair spray shot when the bride is getting ready. I'd also love to learn how to do some of those trick photos that so many of you do on wedding days - the reflection, shooting through things, bokeh lights, ring shots with an extra fun flair, etc. A super fun photographer that does a lot of this stuff is Jason Martin with Concept Photography. This guy has some super cool photography tricks and effects and I still have yet to figure out how he does a lot of them.

[@alliecase8040]

Katie, Im curious, what would you suggest if the reception is in a barn? With the rafters and only natural wood to bounce off of, what would you do?

[@KatieNicollePhotography]

Allie Case There’s a few things you can do.... 1. set up an off camera flash in the corner, to at least get some more light (you could even bounce it into an umbrella or add a soft box - super easy to do! Have the flash pointed directly towards the main table/ speeches but still in a corner... and then have the umbrella or soft box diffuse the light so it spreads softly) 2. If you’re only using on camera flash, at that point I would buy a white diffuser to go on top of my flash so I have something to bounce into! Feel free to message me for more info :)

[@whatilovetofilm]

Katie Nicolle are you using canon flash or any flash with contax and mamiya 645 for receptions ?

[@captureyourmoments3714]

Loved this but what do you do when there is a long aisle shot? and the ceiling is dark and high with no walls. Do you direct the flash straight at the middle of aisle say 12 foot and wait for the bride to hit that mark or hope for the best

[@mase202]

v1 vs 600 which do you prefer? thankyou for your time.

[@olivofilm3685]

Katie, you usea canon flashes for sony camera?

[@vongreene6337]

This is so helpful. And you are a beautiful married woman which made a lot of guys here cried.

[@lisamurphy4867]

Hi Katie! Loved all the great advice. You make it easy to understand! Any advice for a wedding I'm shooting in an all glass venue?!?!? It's a beautiful conservatory, but no walls or ceiling for bounce, so I'm concerned with evening reception and low ambient lighting. Any thoughts about Lume Cubes? Help!

[@KatieNicollePhotography]

Hey Lisa! Thanks for watching! :) I haven’t used Lume Cubes but any type of diffuser would work great in that scenario (all glass venue)! That’s what I would recommend. I would also try off camera flash... to create some cool effects. I also don’t mind the “direct” flash look in some scenarios, if done correctly ☺️ Feel free to DM me on Instagram so I can share examples @katienicollephotography

[@lisamurphy4867]

@@KatieNicollePhotography thanks so much for the reply and guidance. I feel much better about preparing now! I'll definitely catch up on insta! Appreciate you!

[@AMarsh-hg9wr]

Also what aperture and iso did you use with led of the table group at reception?

[@stanspb763]

A good presentation of wedding sessions. I do not shoot many weddings by choice, but I take a lot of portraits and full length in the studio and location mostly for actors and film casting directors. The weddings I do accept, reluctantly, are of friends because of the style of weddings in my adopted country. It was easy planning one back in my native USA but now live in a society where the wedding day starts early and only the 30 minute ceremony is known, the next 20 hours is having the entire wedding part room around the city placing flowers on various monuments so some walk, others go by car and there is no plan where they are going. Later the reception can go until sunrise. I like doing engagement sessions, or studio or environmental sessions in a palace or rooftop in a beautiful classical city. In either the western style or elsewhere I suggest the photographer visit each venue and test it at a similar time so see exactly how the ambient light is, the ceiling, colors of the scene, sight lines etc. If a ceiling is very high or dark, consider setting up a remote flash near the ceiling, and test it. For the dance, getting the room ambiance is desired so often there are completing lights possibly set up by the dj or here, the orchestra. So as you mention dragging the shutter is a technique that can really capture the overall scene. That is shooting at very slow shutter speed for ambient light collection and direct speed light for the dancing couple which freezes their motion. Set the flash for REAR Curtain, and ambient for 1-2 stops underexposed 1/6 to 1/12 sec shutter speed. Go to the venue or a dance club to practice that. Get with the wedding planner and drum it into them that they are responsible for the photo results so insist on then setting out a rope line for all those who want to take cell phone photos, off to the side, and even include the warning in the invitations that all photos guest take will be from the photo section. Fighting for a clear sightline with aunt Maude is no fun and it can ruin the wedding photos. Use a second shooter. Dress appropriately for the occasion so if in a grand palace that is 300 years old dress as if you belong there. Spares of every component you need, from adaptors to cables to battery sets. If the couple wants it, set up a photo corner with lighting, and modifiers for those who want formal shots during the reception. That can be good advertising since you need their email or WhatsApp to send a link to their photos on DropBox or your website. A lot of the guests are of marrying age and possibly future clients. Set a rope line around the set for photos so people do not wander in and knock over a light stand and softbox.

[@elsajaimes7672]

I am starting in wedding photography so I find it very helpful. One question, you said that you use your shutter speed very low 1/8 for the dances … that doesn’t make everybody to be blurry? Because people is moving! I hope you read my comment, I really don’t understand that part 😅

[@KatieNicollePhotography]

Hey Elsa! Because of the flash (When set to a higher output -- more power), you can shoot at slower shutter speeds and have less blur. It can also look cool for dancing photos and give a *touch* of movement to the images. I don't shoot at 1/8 often... I'd recommend staying around 1/60th - 1/30th depending on how fast your subjects are moving and the look you are going for :) Hope that helps!

[@elsajaimes7672]

@@KatieNicollePhotography thank you very much!! it is so cool that you responded me

[@AMarsh-hg9wr]

Where do you place led light for your table group photos.

[@Primeros1000]

What would be the best beginner flash for non professional use?

[@AndrewMcNeish]

I am thinking about buying my first flash what do you recomend i dont want to spend to much somthing like 300-400CAD what godox flash do you have? I am shooting my first weding next month I have a R7 Thanks Andrew

[@PIXELvoiz]

Thanks subscribed ☺

[@mikebenito3014]

Please which flash light you think I should buy for my canon 6d camera? I don’t really know the one I should buy please help me

[@joannmoritz8939]

Thanks Katie, for sharing so much great information and for doing it so well!! I only have the Cannon 430 EXll speed lite; is this insufficient for indoor wedding work? If I got a second speed lite would I need to get the same size again (to function as master and slave)? Or could the 630 function with my smaller flash?

[@KatieNicollePhotography]

Joann Moritz aw you’re so welcome! I don’t know too much about canons other flashes... although if let’s you do manual and it has enough power, then you can definitely make it work! I would give your local camera store a call... they will know if the flashes can work together or not :) Sorry I cant be more helpful!

[@gjperrow]

Hi! I find that my photos are always out of focus when I shoot that wide-open. How do you still achieve the light airy bright photos on an 85 mm while shooting at such slow shutter speeds?

[@sauravbasu8805]

Which camera and lens have you used to shoot this video ?

[@manoharmgr8235]

Super

[@laurenknight6107]

Really need help. I'm a novice photographer. Brother is getting married. Can't afford a photography so I need tips to try and make it the best I possibly can

[@amandareynolds5972]

How do you prevent motion blur at 1/80? I’ve had to take photos with flash on the dance floor at 1/150 and there was just way too much motion blur, no matter how stray and careful I was

[@jocelynburkhart3901]

Hello. I will be shooting my first wedding, I know I wouldn't have time to be mentored before it, as the wedding is in four days, but would love to be mentored as I am a beginner.

[@SonDialer]

How do you prefer a slow shutter speed with the fast action of dancing?

[@daveincork]

the sync of the flash will capture the action, the slow shutter allows more light in and possibly some of the DJ lights etc.

[@vusisemwayo]

No flash modifiers?

[@BooksWithCarah]

Hi Katie, I had a question! I'm doing a wedding where the walls are brick and the ceilings are brown. I'm a little concerned with bouncing light off of that. Do you have any advice? Thanks so much!!

[@shifteleven]

Hey. Katie left a comment to a similar question in this video. Hopefully that can help you. Good luck on the shoot!