With flash photography and especially paparazzi-style flash photography having a moment on social media and many photographers insisting you can’t photograph a wedding without it, writing about wedding photography without flash feels a bit counterintuitive. But here we are, and I hope you’ll hear me out.
why I don’t use flash photography
My primary reason for not using flash is that it conflicts with my approach to wedding photography. To create the work you see in my portfolio, I need to be as unobtrusive as possible. My cameras are silent, so you won’t know when I’m taking photos, and I move around your wedding in a way that preserves the natural experience for you and your guests. Using flash would make this impossible.
Moreover, flash photography doesn’t agree with my style. I want your photos to transport you back to how your wedding truly felt. This includes not only your emotions but also the authentic atmosphere of each space. Lighting is crucial to that atmosphere, so I choose not to alter it with flash.
A personal reason is that I have a sensitivity to flashing lights — whether in movies, on dance floors, or at weddings with flash-happy photographers. Using flash would make it impossible for me to do my work effectively.
natural light photography
Photography without flash is commonly known as natural light photography. This means working with available daylight. I truly enjoy this type of photography, because light profoundly influences the work. Bright days create dramatic contrasts with harsh lights and deep shadows, while overcast conditions produce softer, more diffused light. Indoors, I love discovering pockets of light created by daylight filtering through the windows.
use of available light
However, working with natural light alone isn’t always possible. Some spaces have minimal light — or none at all — or feature artificial lighting that can’t be turned off. Through years of experience, I’ve encountered every lighting scenario imaginable and learned to create beautiful photos in each one without the use of a flash.
Not using flash doesn’t mean compromising on image quality. Through years of photographing weddings without flash, I’ve developed a sharp eye for finding and utilising the best available light in any situation. This approach allows me to capture your wedding exactly as it felt.
