A number of photographers have contacted me about how I do my off camera lighting. It’s taken me years to get pretty good at it and for me to discuss how I do it would be to reinvent the wheel.

There are (at least) a couple of great web resources that will help those photographers wanting to learn about off camera lighting (aside: I am always blown away by these guys as they put a lot energy and time into educating people for free):

Strobist – this guy has a wealth of information about off camera lighting on his blog.

Flash Flavour – wedding photographer Matt Adcock’s site – he loves off camera flash.

Before I close though, a few words to the wise:

• Take the time to try these techniques out for yourself – experiment. All too often, many new wedding photographers want the dramatic lighting and stellar images that seasoned professionals took years to perfect – but they don’t want to put in the time (or the money) to learn about how to do it. There is no magical “piece” of advice (or equipment) to turn you into a lighting expert or great photographer overnight.
• Again, take some of your free time and experiment. Get your wife, kids, dog – anyone to be a test subject and experiment with different angles, lighting ratios, remote triggers and everything else. You do not want to ruin a couple’s wedding photographs by experimenting on their day (or even worse, not knowing what you are doing).

I frequently get asked about what camera equipment people “should” use. Questions like:

What is the best lens for wedding photography?What is the best camera for weddings?

What settings on my flash should I use for wedding photography?

Which is better: Canon or Nikon?

Can you tell me what you use because I’d like to become a professional photographer?

And more…

I found this quote at John Shaw’s site (a nature photographer I admire):

“Cameras and lenses are simply tools to place our unique vision on film. Concentrate on equipment and you’ll take technically good photographs. Concentrate on seeing the light’s magic colors and your images will stir the soul.”

I couldn’t have said it any better myself. For all photographers (especially us in the wedding industry), these are words to live by.

Have fun with your equipment but see the light – and learn how to use it to your advantage. You (and your clients) will be rewarded many times over if you do.

Be well.
Roel