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Reportage flash at weddings – every photographer’s secret tool

Reportage flash at weddings – every photographer’s secret tool

Wedding photography and wedding reportage are not only opportunities to capture beautiful and emotionally charged moments but also challenges due to difficult lighting conditions. Reportage flashes are indispensable tools that allow full control over the light, regardless of the situation. Thanks to them, even in the most dynamic moments of a wedding, photos gain a professional look and clarity. In this article, we will explore why it's worth investing in flashes and how they can revolutionize your approach to wedding photography.

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Why use flashes in wedding photography?

Wedding photography, especially wedding reportage, requires quick reactions from the photographer and the ability to deal with diverse and often unpredictable lighting conditions. In such situations, reportage flashes become invaluable tools, allowing full control over the light and enabling the creation of photos that not only document but also accurately capture the dynamic and joyful atmosphere of this special day.


Lighting control

Reportage flashes allow the photographer full control over the light, which is particularly important when working in unpredictable wedding conditions. With the ability to precisely set the power and direction of the light, the photographer can shape the scene, creating multi-layered compositions with a three-dimensional impression. This type of lighting allows for creative play with light, resulting in more complex and interesting shots.

Bride during the wedding reception
Photo: Dawid Mazur


Avoiding problems with low light

Low light is a common challenge during weddings, especially in darker, mood-lit reception halls or outdoors after dark. Flash allows for sharp, clear photos that retain details even in difficult conditions. It enables precise lighting of the scene, which is crucial in moments when ambient light is insufficient or unfavorable.

Highlighting emotions and atmosphere

Proper lighting not only improves the technical quality of photos but also helps capture the emotions and atmosphere of the wedding. Well-positioned flashes won't overpower the light decorations but will work with them for an even more attractive visual effect. Moreover, precise lighting of faces and key moments allows for capturing true emotions, giving the photos more expression and authenticity.

Capturing sharp, clear, and dynamic shots

Dynamic moments, such as the first dance, wedding games, or spontaneous outbursts of joy, require quick and effective lighting. Flashes allow for freezing these fleeting moments in sharp and vivid frames, regardless of the pace of the action, resulting in striking and energetic photos that fully capture movement and expression.

Bride and groom during the first dance at the wedding
Photo: freepic.diller / Freepik

Flash in the reception hall and outdoors

Wedding receptions are organized in various locations – both in elegant halls and picturesque outdoor settings. Reportage flashes are tools that perform well in any of these locations, allowing the photographer full control over the lighting, regardless of the conditions. Nevertheless, being aware of the lighting conditions on site is always crucial, as proper use of flash allows for maintaining the atmosphere of the place while ensuring that key moments are captured in the best possible quality.

Often, to create an intimate atmosphere, the wedding staff limits the light to a minimum, leaving only decorative lighting. Although modern cameras offer decent low-light photography capabilities, the conditions at the wedding reception venue can be unpredictable. In such cases, flash becomes essential for proper lighting of the shots, highlighting key moments and creating expressive photos. Well-positioned flashes can not only light up the scene but also complement the decorative lighting that creates the unique atmosphere of the wedding.

Newlyweds in a group photo after the wedding ceremony
Photo: freepic.diller / Freepik

Flash settings in wedding reportage

Proper flash settings during wedding reportage are key to achieving ideal shots that capture the atmosphere of the event. Every wedding is different, so it's important to know the basic rules of flash placement and adjusting their power to achieve a natural yet eye-catching lighting effect.


Flash placement in the reception hall

Every event and every room is different, so there is no universal solution for flash placement. In rectangular reception halls, it's a good idea to place flashes in each corner, ensuring even lighting of the entire room. It's important to ensure that the flashes are as discreet as possible so as not to bother guests or distract them.

The optimal height for flash placement is about 2 meters above the dance floor – ideally, they can be placed on a mezzanine or balcony, allowing for free light distribution throughout the room. It's always good to have one flash on the camera or in hand to precisely light the foreground, although this is not always necessary.

What light parameters to set?

The key rule when setting flashes is to avoid too strong light – the goal is not just to brighten the scene but to create interesting, emotional shots that draw attention. Subtle lighting of the scene allows for maintaining a natural atmosphere and does not disrupt the decorative lighting that creates the ambiance in the hall or at the DJ's booth. Flashes placed far away or high up should have higher power to effectively light the entire space, while the flash on the camera should be set to low power to avoid overexposure, excessive contrast, and maintain the delicacy of the scene.

Bride and groom during the wedding reception
Photo: Dawid Mazur



Lighting kit suggestions

Choosing the right set of reportage flashes is key to achieving the best results in wedding photography. Here are three different sets, tailored to different levels of expertise and the needs of photographers.

Basic set
1 × on-camera flash

A solution that every wedding photographer has likely used at the beginning of their career. When using a flash mounted on the camera, avoid pointing the flash head directly at the photographed subjects. A better solution is to direct it upwards and use the built-in mini reflector (if the flash has one) or purchase an additional diffuser or mini softbox.

The light can also be bounced off walls or the ceiling to soften it, though it's important to remember that it's best to direct it at white surfaces – others, such as colored or wooden surfaces, may introduce unwanted color casts in the photos. However, keep in mind that relying solely on the on-camera flash may lead to flat and less dynamic shots. To achieve a more three-dimensional effect, consider adding additional light sources.

Advanced set
1 × on-camera flash + 2 × hall flash

This is an excellent starter set for ambitious photographers who want to elevate their work to a higher level. Two additional flashes in the hall allow for more complex and interesting lighting effects, resulting in more dynamic shots. Optionally, you can purchase a camera trigger, which will allow for triggering a handheld flash, opening up possibilities for experimenting with light direction and creating more creative shots.

Professional set
1 × on-camera flash + 4 × hall flash

This is a versatile solution that will work in any situation, regardless of the venue, time of the event, or available space. With such a set, you can handle even the most demanding assignments, providing appropriate lighting for the entire space while maintaining the ability to precisely light key moments. A greater number of flashes allows for greater control over the light, which is particularly important when working in varied lighting conditions.

Wedding photographer taking a picture of a couple during a wedding ceremony in a church

Equipment recommendations

Camera flash

Quadralite Stroboss V1 camera flash Godox V1 camera flash
Quadralite Stroboss V1 Godox V1
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Ideal for lighting the foreground. The round flash head produces a more subtle effect than a traditional rectangular one, thanks to the even distribution of light and its soft appearance in the frame. The flash can also trigger and control other flashes without the need for an additional trigger, as it has a built-in radio controller. Additionally, the TTL function allows for automatic adjustment of flash power, making it much easier to work in changing lighting conditions.

Reception hall flashes

Quadralite Stroboss 60 II camera flash Godox TT685 II camera flash
Quadralite Stroboss 60 II Godox TT685 II
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Powerful reportage flashes with automatic flash functions, powered by standard AA batteries. They are lightweight and compact, making them easy to mount even on lightweight stands. They are suitable for both small and large spaces, providing the necessary lighting.

Quadralite Stroboss 60evo II camera flash Godox V860 III camera flash
Quadralite Stroboss 60evo II Godox V860 III
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An alternative solution offering the same light quality and capabilities. However, these models are powered not by four AA batteries but by a single, dedicated battery, ensuring longer flash life and reliable functionality.

Flash trigger

Quadralite Navigator X Plus flash trigger Godox X2T flash trigger
Quadralite Navigator X Plus Godox X2T
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Purchasing a trigger is optional, but it allows for controlling multiple flashes and precise adjustment of the flash power of each one. Although the proposed V1 flash has a built-in trigger function, a separate controller may make it easier to manage flashes, especially if you're just starting to work with multiple light sources. It also allows for triggering the V1 flash off-camera, opening new possibilities for creative lighting of the scene.

Lighting stand

Godox 213B lighting stand Quadralite AIR 260 lighting stand
Godox 213B Quadralite AIR 260
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Finally, two proposals for aluminum lighting stands with a height of 213 or 260 cm. The wide leg spread in both models ensures excellent stability and safety for the flashes.

Bride and groom during the first dance at the wedding
Photo: senivpetro / Freepik

Additional accessories for wedding photographers

In the world of photography, it's often said that one should not rely solely on direct, raw flash – it's worth properly modifying the light to achieve the desired effects. Additional accessories can be extremely useful, but in the dynamic conditions of weddings, there is rarely an opportunity to set up large softboxes or umbrellas. Therefore, compact light modifiers dedicated to reportage flashes are a better solution, as they are simple and quick to use, while effectively improving lighting quality.


Reflectors

Reflectors allow you to bounce and direct light in the desired direction and achieve a softer, more balanced effect. Reflectors are extremely useful in situations where you want to avoid direct, harsh light on the photographed subjects. Instead of pointing the flash straight ahead, you position the flash head vertically, and the reflector bounces some of the light forward, creating a slightly more subtle lighting effect. This technique allows for more natural and soft light that evenly illuminates the foreground.

Diffusers and softboxes

They allow for natural, even lighting with an attractive diffusion. In dynamic wedding conditions, where there is not always room for large modifiers, small, compact models of softboxes and diffusers dedicated to reportage flashes are the ideal choice, perfectly suited for tight interiors and challenging lighting conditions.

Groom during the wedding reception
Photo: Dawid Mazur

Color filters

Color filters give the light a specific hue, allowing for creative and unusual effects in the photos. Color filters can be used to add extra mood or highlight the color scheme of the scene, creating visually attractive compositions. Easy to attach to the flash, they provide a quick way to add artistic touches.

Accessory kits

An extremely convenient solution that allows you to have all the necessary tools for light modification at hand. Such kits may include various modifiers, such as diffusers, color filters, or holders, enabling quick adaptation of the lighting to specific conditions. These kits are compact and easy to carry, making them ideal for wedding work, where speed and flexibility are key.

MagMod System

MagMod System is an innovative solution among light modifiers for reportage flashes. It offers a wide range of accessories, such as diffusers, grids, or color filters, which are magnetically mounted, making them much easier to exchange and configure. This system is extremely compact and quick to use, making it the ideal choice for wedding photographers who need flexible and efficient light modification tools.

Wedding photographer taking photos during a wedding with a MagMod MagSphere on a flash

Optional – Flash brackets

Although every reportage flash is usually equipped with a plastic foot that allows for basic mounting on a stand, it's worth considering a more robust solution. A proper bracket will allow you to mount the flash by the head, not by the delicate, hot shoe, which helps extend the life of the equipment and minimizes the risk of damaging the contacts. Additionally, these brackets often offer the possibility of mounting a softbox with a Bowens mount, providing more options – for example, using the flash for a wedding or engagement session.

Summary

Investing in a set of flashes is a crucial step towards providing even more professional services as a wedding photographer. Properly selected and skillfully used flashes allow for full control over lighting, regardless of conditions, resulting in excellent photographic outcomes. Whether you're working in an elegant wedding hall or outdoors, flash lighting gives you the ability to creatively shape each scene, highlighting its atmosphere and emotions.

Remember that practice is key – the more often you practice working with flash lighting, the more confident and comfortable you'll feel during future assignments. Every wedding is a new opportunity to hone your skills, experiment with different settings, and discover new ways to create exceptional photos. As a result, your wedding photography will become even more unique, and your clients will be delighted with the final outcome.

If you have any questions or need help choosing the ideal set of flashes, please feel free to contact our store. We will be happy to help you find a solution that best meets your needs and budget, allowing you to create exceptional and professional wedding photos.

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