Flash tutorial for wedding photography

There are many flash tutorials on YouTube, and it's hard to pick one that will cover all possible scenarios. This one is one of the best I have found. 

With flash photography, the most crucial aspect is not to be apprehensive about using your flash and experimenting. There are no absolute right or wrong choices in this field; it all boils down to how you envision your photographs to appear. 

Keep your turnaround time short or...

Every day you learn something new. Here’s a story I read on PetaPixel: A photographer is hired to shoot a wedding. She is paid before the wedding upon the signing of a contract, where both parties agree to this condition. In the contract, the photographer specifies that the turnaround time is three months, keep in mind that for weddings this amount of time is not unusual. She delivers a preview of about 100–200 photos and continues working on the final product. However, one month after the wedding, the bride files for divorce and asks the photographer for a refund on the basis that he no longer needs the final product.

 

On one hand, you have the photographer’s work—eight hours of shooting and delivering the previews. On the other hand, you have a bride who no longer wants anything to do with the wedding or to keep photos that will remind her of it.

I do not know if in the contract the photographer mentioned anything about refunds. I for example have these two points included:

- Do you require a deposit?

Yes. A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your date and time. The remaining balance is due on or before the day of the shoot. Payments can be done via Zelle or PayPal. 
 

-What if I’m not satisfied with my photos?

My goal is always your satisfaction. While refunds aren’t possible after a session, I will gladly work with you to make adjustments through editing—or even schedule a reshoot when appropriate. 

But this scenario is different. It’s not that the bride is dissatisfied with the final product—which hasn’t even been delivered yet. Rather, it’s a case of someone saying they don’t want the final product at all.

What is my opinion in this case?

In this case, the bride is not entitled to a refund.

Here’s why, in neutral and straightforward terms:

• The contract was fulfilled on the photographer’s side. The agreement stated payment upfront, a three-month turnaround, and the photographer had already worked the wedding day and delivered previews.

• The product/service was provided. The photographer spent time, effort, and resources covering the event. The fact that the marriage ended shortly after does not undo the fact that the service was performed.

• Client’s change of circumstances is not the photographer’s responsibility. A divorce (or simply not wanting the photos anymore) is unrelated to whether the photographer upheld her part of the agreement.

So unless the contract explicitly includes a clause for refunds in the event of a divorce or change of mind (which is highly unlikely), the photographer is within her rights to keep the payment.

 

 

High Speed Sync (HSS)

High-Speed Sync (HSS) is a feature found in modern speedlights that allows you to use flash with shutter speeds faster than 1/250, which is typically the maximum sync speed of older flashes. This video demonstrates why this feature can be so useful.

I also like this other tutorial which compares HSS vs using ND filters.

And using HSS

Last weekend

Over the weekend, I went shooting at my local park. I’m not sure what’s going on, but there seem to be far fewer birds than usual for this time of year.

I did spot a pair of great egrets perched on the pier and had the chance to capture a few shots of them, beautifully backlit by the low sun on the horizon.

I also got some good pictures, at least I like them, of gators. I love taking pictures of them. They are like Dinosaurs. 

The skin of an alligator is like living armor, built of rugged, textured scales that shine with a prehistoric beauty. It tells the story of survival through millions of years. No two alligators share the exact same skin pattern. The dark ridges, speckled spots, and subtle hues of green, gray, and black make their skin as unique as a fingerprint. When sunlight hits their backs, the rough texture almost glimmers, giving a strange elegance to an otherwise fierce predator. Their skin symbolizes resilience — both tough and beautiful, a perfect harmony of nature’s artistry and functionality. Beyond aesthetics, the skin is perfectly adapted to camouflage in Florida’s swamps and marshes, a reminder of how beauty in nature often serves a purpose.

Why I Sometimes Use Flash in Photography

His eyes look alive!

Many people worry that flash makes photos look harsh or unnatural. In reality, when used properly, flash is a tool that helps me enhance the natural light, not overpower it.

• Comfort first: Always use diffused or bounced flash so it feels soft and doesn’t distract.

• Better quality: Flash helps reduce graininess in dark settings and keeps colors true to life.

• Brighter eyes: A touch of flash adds a natural sparkle to the eyes, making them look more alive and vibrant.

• Natural look: My goal is for the photos to look authentic, warm, and natural—often you won’t even notice I used flash.

In short, flash is just one of many tools I use to make sure photos look their absolute best in any situation.

As an important note, always check Venue rules: If a location doesn’t allow flash, respect those guidelines and rely on low-light techniques. 

It's hard to notice that I used a flash in this photo.

 

A full frame camera does not make you a Pro

I recently watched this video from April Clayton aka Camera Newb who was talking about her journey to became a Professional Photographer. 

I thought that buying a full frame camera was the key to becoming a professional photographer, but I may have been wrong. 

 

Unfortunately, photography today isn’t just about mastering your main tool—the camera—at least not anymore. As a profession, it has evolved into a field where roughly 60% of the work is marketing, 20% is post-editing, and only about 20% is actually taking pictures. And please, don’t confuse online exposure with “marketing.” From my own experience, you can gain plenty of exposure, but if it’s with the wrong audience, it won’t lead to being hired. Plain and simple. Photography is one of the toughest professions to market. 

An Iconic picture

Of all the pictures I took at the last karate competition, one impacted me the most.

 

But why? 

This picture has a powerful visual impact because of the way it captures intensity, focus, and presence in a single frame.

• Expression & Emotion: The young martial artist’s face is locked in concentration and determination. His gaze is sharp and unwavering, which immediately draws the viewer in. That expression gives the photo emotional weight—it’s not just a boy in uniform, it’s a competitor embodying strength and resolve.

• Body Language: The stance is strong and commanding. Holding the bo staff with confidence, his posture communicates readiness and discipline. It tells a story of practice, respect, and the seriousness of the moment.

• Contrast & Setting: Against the softer, blurred background of spectators and the hotel conference setting, he stands out crisply in his white gi and hakama. That separation enhances the sense of focus—not just his, but ours as viewers.

• Impact on the Viewer: What makes this image impactful is that it feels iconic—a moment frozen where youth, tradition, and determination intersect. You don’t just see a karate student; you see the spirit of martial arts captured in one decisive moment.

In short: The picture is impactful because it communicates strength, discipline, and determination in a way that feels larger than the moment itself.