It’s been a year since I committed to using flash in my portrait work, and what a journey it’s been! Flash photography, once an intimidating tool, has now become an integral part of how I approach my shoots. This past year, I’ve not only grown more confident in my ability to use flash, but I’ve also seen how it has dramatically improved the quality of my work. This is a reflection on how far I’ve come, the lessons I’ve learned, and what lies ahead.

Why I Got Into Flash Photography

My journey into flash photography wasn’t always smooth. I wrote about the initial steps in my blog “My Journey Into Flash Photography: The Good, the Bad, and the Flashy,” where I discussed the frustrations of natural light limitations and why flash became a necessity. In the beginning, I struggled with controlling light in outdoor and indoor spaces. Relying solely on natural light felt limiting, especially when conditions weren’t ideal. So, I decided to take a deeper dive into flash, and while it came with a learning curve, the results have been transformative.

From Frustration to Control: The Studio Breakthrough

The biggest breakthrough came when I took my flash into a studio environment. Unlike outdoor shoots where I could rely on ambient light to fill the gaps, the studio is where you truly learn the power of flash. It forced me to use my flash as the primary light source, which made me focus on how to control it. One of the key realizations was how directing my flash at around a 70-80 degree angle allowed me to completely darken the background while keeping the subject well-lit. This control over shadow and light felt empowering, and the studio became a playground for mastering the fundamentals of flash photography.

Building Confidence: Flash Techniques in Action

As the months passed, I grew more confident in how I approached flash setups. One of the things I noticed was how models and the public reacted when I brought out my flash gear. My Godox AD300, mounted on a stand, became a bit of a spectacle. It’s a substantial setup, and people outside in London, especially on the streets, tend to be intrigued by it. The curiosity from the public often led to a level of trust from my subjects. Models seemed to take me more seriously when I was working with such a professional setup. It made them excited to see the results, and that excitement fed into the energy of the shoot.

Balancing Flash and Ambient Light for a Professional Look

Over time, I began to experiment more with balancing flash and natural light to achieve more polished, magazine-quality images. I started using sunlight as a fill or a backlight, with my flash taking on the primary role of shaping the subject from another angle. This combination has been key to elevating my portrait work. Where natural light can create softness, the flash adds depth and drama to the scene. I never imagined I'd be creating such dynamic images, and it’s taken years of trial and error to reach this point.

Challenges and Lessons from a Year of Flash

Despite my progress, flash photography is still full of challenges. There are always things to refine, whether it’s getting the right amount of power without blowing out the highlights or dealing with the occasional flash misfire. Working with flash outdoors in different lighting conditions can be tricky, too, especially when you’re trying to maintain a natural look. That said, the learning curve has been steep, but incredibly rewarding. Each mistake has pushed me closer to mastering the craft.

It’s taken me nearly 15 years to truly understand the potential of flash, and I’ve learned more in this past year than I could have ever imagined.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Flash Journey

As I look back on this year, I’m proud of the progress I’ve made. The confidence I’ve gained and the skills I’ve honed are a testament to the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and learning something new. I’m still far from being a master of flash photography, but I’m on a journey to become the best I can be.

For anyone out there trying to improve their lighting techniques, my advice is simple: keep pushing. Even when it’s frustrating or you feel stuck, there’s always something to be learned. The beauty of photography is that there’s always room to grow, and that’s what keeps me excited for the next year of experimentation.