Blog Archives

2023 Wedding Photography Trend: Direct Flash Photography

Much like fashion, wedding trends come and go. I’ve been a wedding photographer in Cheshire and North Wales for 24 years now, and in that time have seen a lot of different wedding trends. I always like to keep up to date with the latest trends in wedding photography, and lately I’ve noticed a shift toward direct flash (or high-flash) wedding photography. The trend started gaining traction last year, and it’s looking like it will become even more popular in 2023.

What is direct flash wedding photography?

Previously, the trend in wedding photography was to use flash in a way that made all images look like they were shot in natural light. In contrast, direct flash wedding photography involves using direct, on-camera flash that illuminates the subject and brings a feeling of closeness. Direct flash photography gives images a bright, dramatic look.

It’s interesting that for so long, the trend in weddings for so long was to make images seem natural, but now we’re leaning into the fact that artificial light doesn’t have to be a bad thing.


Why has this style of wedding photography become a trend?

As with all trends, direct flash photography isn’t new. It last had a major moment in the 90s when fashion photographers such as Juergen Teller and Corinne Day used this style of photography and it became a signature aesthetic of this period. For anyone who was a child of the 90s, this style of photography probably appeals; perhaps we’re currently experiencing a surge in 90s babies getting married and that has helped to elevate this trend!

We’ve had decades now where wedding photography has been largely about evenly lit scenarios and highly produced imagery. On top of that, everyone has got so used to adding filters to every photo they take and post on social media, giving everything a warm, soft glow. But trends always come and go, and it seems that people have now started to crave something different. Direct flash photography – with the drama and contrast it creates- is ticking that box.

On a more practical level, this style of shooting can also be especially useful in dimly lit indoor settings or during nighttime ceremonies.

How to incorporate this trend into your wedding photography

If you like the look of direct flash photography, have a chat with your wedding photographer to see how you could incorporate it into your day. As a wedding photographer, I love to get creative with the images I produce, and using direct flash is something I’ve been doing for a while now: I love the dramatic results that can be achieved.

However, it’s probable that you won’t want all your images to be captured this way, and my suggestion would be that it’s nice to mix up a couple of styles when it comes to your wedding photography. I’m loving adding direct flash photography in as a way to diversify the overall set of images, without completely relying on it for the whole wedding.


If you’d like to have a chat about any style of wedding photography, I would be more than happy to help. I’m a professional wedding photographer based in Cheshire, Chester, and North Wales and am experienced in different types of wedding photography. Please feel free to get in touch for a chat. 

 

 

 

Why black and white wedding photography is a key trend for 2023

I’ve been a wedding photographer in Cheshire and North Wales for around 24 years now (!), and in that time I’ve seen lots of new wedding trends emerge. As a wedding photographer it’s really important to me to keep up to date with the most recent trends, while also specialising in classic photography techniques too.

One particular trend I’ve seen emerging for 2023 is an emphasis on black and white wedding photography. While monochrome images are nothing new in themselves, in wedding photography they’ve always taken a bit of a back seat to colour images. However, for 2023 they’re set to take more of a centre stage.

Bride and groom by the lake at Alderford


The rise of black and white wedding photography

Black and white wedding photos are always beautiful: they can be atmospheric, stylish, and artistic. It seems that recently, more couples are realising this, and I suspect it could be down to the fact that all of us are using our own filters more on social media platforms and we’re seeing how great black and white photos can look.

Here are some more of the reasons why black and white wedding photography is a key trend for 2023…


1. They stand out amongst colour photos

Even if you choose to have the majority of your wedding photos in colour, I would suggest choosing to include one or two black and white images in your album, as they really do stand out amongst the riot of colour that is your other images. There is something about a black and white wedding photo that really stands out, and I’ve found that these are often the images that my couples choose as their main ‘hero’ photo to have framed on their wall.

On that note- black and white images always look beautiful and stylish in a frame, and there will never be any colour clashes, which makes them ideal to display in your home.

Wedding Photography North Wales
2. They capture the raw emotion of your wedding day

There’s often something very moving about black and white photography, and it can perfectly capture raw emotion. Without the distraction of colour you can often see details more clearly- a tear in the eye, or a proud smile. Black and white photography can often feel more ‘real’ and as if you are there in the moment. In fact, famous Canadian photographer Ted Grant once said, “When you photograph people in colour, you photograph their clothes. But when you photograph people in black and white, you photograph their souls.”



Wedding Photographer North Wales

3. Black and white wedding photography is timeless

Of course, when photography began all photos were monochrome, but black and white is far from outdated. Instead, it is totally timeless. As a wedding photographer I’ve seen trends in dresses, hairstyles, and venue dressing change over time, but a black and white shot of a couple will always look classic. It will always be a stunning portrait to look back on and it will never age.

Tyn Dwr Hall Wedding North Wales


4. Black and white photos are flattering!

This ties in with what I mentioned initially about how we’re all starting to realise how good photos look with a monochrome filter! Black and white photos really are flattering: everyone looks good in monochrome.

If your venue or church doesn’t have the best natural light, a black and white photo can be the perfect solution.

Bride and groom kissing while her veil blows in the wind

Tyn Dwr Hall North Wales
I’m a professional wedding photographer based in Cheshire, Chester, and North Wales. If you need advice about your wedding photography, I would be more than happy to help. Please feel free to get in touch for a chat. 

Smoke cannon wedding photography: all you need to know

As a wedding photographer, I’m finding that a lot of the couples I speak to now are keen to try more creative ideas for their wedding photos. This is always music to my ears as I love coming up with new ideas for unique wedding photography. In fact, I recently won an award for Creative Wedding Photographer of the Year!

For quite a while now, I’ve loved incorporating fun elements such as smoke cannons and flares into wedding photography. In fact, this technique is becoming something of a tradition for me and this type of shot features a lot in my work. I absolutely love the fun and drama of smoke cannon wedding photography.

If you’re thinking of incorporating some smoke cannon images into your own wedding album, you’ve come to the right place! Here are all my hints, tips, and everything you need to know about smoke cannon wedding photography…


Top Tips for Using Smoke Cannons in Wedding Photos


Speak to your wedding photographer first

My top tip when it comes to smoke cannon wedding photography is to speak to your wedding photographer first. If smoke cannons are something that you really want to incorporate, then you need to find a wedding photographer who is experienced in this technique. Your wedding photographer may need to bring different equipment if they’re going to be photographing smoke cannons, so it’s best to give them a heads up.

It’s also worth noting that even if your wedding photographer is experienced in smoke cannon photography, they probably won’t provide the smoke cannons for you: it’s likely that you’ll need to buy your own. Personally, for insurance reasons I advise my couples to buy their own smoke cannons, and I always advise brides and grooms to read the instructions fully and be aware of any incidents that could potentially happen.


Cheshire Wedding Photographer Thornton Hall
Check with your wedding venue

You’ll need to ask permission from your venue to use them on the grounds. Your venue might have restrictions on where you can use them, or be able to give you some suggestions for spaces that would suit. If your wedding photographer has worked at your venue before, they should also be able to advise. If smoke cannons are not permitted at your venue, your photographer might be able to suggest a location nearby where it’s safe to use them.

Wedding Photography Wales
Use smoke cannons to bring some fun to your wedding photography

All brides and grooms like to get some beautiful portraits of them together as a couple on their wedding day. Whilst I love capturing more ‘traditional’ couples portraits, it’s worth remembering that you can also bring something fun and unexpected to these shots by incorporating smoke cannons. Wedding photos of you and your partner capture a special moment of your day, but they don’t always have to be serious. Smoke cannons and flares are an ideal way to inject some fun into a couple’s portrait and can really enhance the moment.

Wedding Photography Chester


Consider the time of day

If you’re thinking of going for smoke cannon wedding photography, choosing the right time of day can play an important part in capturing the best possible images. That’ golden hour’ just before night falls is a perfect time to shoot smoke cannon portraits as the colour of the smoke really pops in the natural light and the results are striking and romantic.

With the right lighting, smoke cannons can look incredibly dramatic for nighttime wedding photographs. This is something to discuss with your wedding photographer and venue to figure out if it’s a possibility for your big day.

Wedding Photographer Cheshire North West
Smoke cannons in wedding photography: FAQs

Are smoke cannons safe?

Although generally considered safe to use, as with any flammable object, it’s always best to err on the side of caution, and there’s a few things to note if you’re using smoke cannons in your wedding photography:

  • The smoke from smoke cannons shouldn’t be inhaled, so it’s important that they’re used in a well-ventilated area. 
  • Smoke cannons shouldn’t be ignited near crowds, animals, or busy roads.
  • Smoke cannons give off sparks when ignited, so must be kept away from flammable objects, and very dry areas.

I always advise brides and grooms to read the instructions on their smoke cannons fully as I can’t take responsibility in the unlikely event that any incidents that could potentially happen, so it’s always best to be aware of all eventualities before you decide to opt for this type of photography.

Nunsmere Hall gay wedding

Will smoke cannons stain clothing?

Your wedding dress is likely to be the most important (and expensive!) dress you’ll ever buy, and on top of that it’s highly likely to be white! So it’s no surprise that a frequently asked question is “do smoke cannons stain?” !

The truth is that yes, smoke cannons can stain clothing. However, if kept at a distance and the smoke is blowing away from you, you should get away without any staining. The trick is to not have them too close to your clothes when the pictures are being taken.

If you’re considering using smoke cannons in your wedding photography, I would love to help! I’m a professional wedding photographer based in Cheshire, Chester and North Wales, and I have lots of experience of creating dramatic, unique images with props such as smoke cannons, and I’d love to get creative at your wedding!