How to Know Which Flash Style is Right for You
Do you ever have a hard time choosing between buying classic, timeless closet staples and trendy pieces that just look so cool? I know I sure do. The same situation comes up time and again for photography styles. It can be so hard to choose between a classic or trendy style! But just as the trends in fashion change, so too do the trends in photography. I’ve found that right as many of my fellow photographers start to master the current trend, the photography industry has already moved on to something else! So my question for you is this: which style of flash photography is right for you as an artist?
Do you like lots of contrast and dark shadows?
Then direct flash is for you!
Do you like subtle shadows and more depth?
Then a multi-flash setup is best for you!
Let’s dive deeper into this and I will give you some pointers for each style. Stick with me, and you will love the look of your next flash photos!
Trendy / Direct Flash
First is the direct flash method. This produces a look in photos that is very trendy right now. It puts your subject in bright light with higher contrast and darker shadows.
If you want more shadows, rotate your camera vertically and photograph your client against a wall or backdrop. The closer they are to the wall, the more stark the shadows will be.
It’s trendy right now to have the light from your flash look much brighter than the ambient light of the background. To accentuate this, raise the power of your flash to roughly 1/4th power and make sure your camera settings are darker so your photo isn’t blown out.
If you want your flash to be super contrasty, don’t use any modifiers. But if you want to soften the shadows a bit, add a MagSphere on your on-camera flash for the best results!
Classic / Multiple Flashes
Using multiple flashes will give you a classic look in your photos. The setup is a little loftier, but the timeless outcome is worth it. Your subject will be more evenly lit with fewer shadows and lower contrast.
If you’re using multiple flashes, make sure they’re at low power so your image isn’t overexposed. I recommend keeping them around 1/64th so they’re nice and subtle!
Modifiers are key for the classic look. Umbrellas and softboxes never go out of style!
Invest in speed lights that communicate with each other via radio waves. That way you can adjust the power of your lights from your on-camera flash and save time.
Adding a backlight to your images will help them feel bright, light-filled, and dynamic. Keep your backlight at a low height if you want it visible in all your photos or raise it up if you want the light to reach across a large space.
Which style do you like best? When it comes to flash style, there is no wrong way to go. As a photographer, you get to decide what style speaks to you and feels authentic. I gravitate toward the multiple-flash look in my photos. If you love the classic look, too, make sure you download my free Flash Guide for more tips on creating light and bright reception images!
