Do I Need a Speedlight for Wedding Photography in the Digital Age?

If you're asking this question, you're not ready to be shooting weddings professionally—unless you are already well-equipped and experienced. Wedding photography, especially when done commercially, requires a strong set of skills and tools to ensure that every second matters and every image is top-notch.

Should You Use a Speedlight for Wedding Photography?

The simple answer to the question 'Do I need a speedlight for wedding photography?' is multi-faceted: Yes, No, Maybe, Sometimes. This depends on several factors including the lighting conditions, your technique, equipment at hand, and the experience you bring to the table.

From my own journey in photography, shooting weddings on film in the late 90s required the use of flash almost imperatively. With ASA 400 speed film while shooting handheld, it was nearly impossible to get the desired results in complete available light. This underscores the influence that film restricts in photography. However, digital photography has changed the game significantly, providing us with much more flexibility and versatility.

Shooting Weddings with Digital Technology

I was a nearly 100% available-light guy since the advent of digital photography in 2007. Yet, I've found that advancements in technology allow for better handling of low-light situations. For instance, my experience at my son's wedding in 2011 showcased the capability of digital cameras to capture images in JPEG format in relatively low-light conditions. My Nikon P7000, a 'glorified' point and shoot, managed to capture 100 available light, not excessively dark, scenes successfully.

Available Light Photography in Action

Some key images from that day included outdoor shots under under light with thin overcast and indoors with clerestory windows. Even in these challenging conditions, the use of available light resulted in images that beautifully captured the essence of the event. The images were shot in JPEG with a tiny-sensor CCD, a 10.1-megapixel sensor, and short focal lengths, which ensured a wide depth of field and minimal movement blur.

Consider the image of the interior of Carlsbad Cavern, shot in close darkness but acquitted by JPEG and high ISO. While it was made possible with the high ISO of the digital sensor, it raises questions about the limits of available light photography in the digital age.

Advancements in Flash Photography

Over time, I have embraced the use of flash in photography, with a prime example being the Godox Thinklite TTL TT350S GN36 for Sony Mirrorless. The flash is completely compatible with my Sony cameras and is designed to withstand short bursts and close shooting ranges. I only carry it when the available light is not sufficient, demonstrating its utility in providing the necessary fill light for my compositions.

However, the primary reason for not using flash at weddings today is the look of flash-on-camera. Early experiences, such as the potato-masher flash from the mid-1990s, showed how cumbersome and impractical flash photography could be. Even with today's technology, the look of flash-on-camera can still be jarring, especially under available light conditions. Off-camera flash can provide a more natural look, as demonstrated in the example where a second light was used to cover the background and ensure a more realistic shot.

Technology has evolved, enabling photographers to push their cameras to stratospheric ISOs with only a loss of sharpness and increased noise as tradeoffs. This flexibility makes shooting raw a must for photographers who want to have the greatest chances of success in all light conditions. Raw files offer more flexibility and control over noise, contrast, and tonal values, essential for processing and enhancing the final images.

Conclusion

Would I shoot a wedding today with the equipment I have? Absolutely. I carry and occasionally use a flash for situations where available light is insufficient, but I prefer the versatility and efficiency of available light in most instances. The key is to know when to use your tools wisely and not let technology dictate what is possible.

When shooting weddings, the primary objective is to capture every picture without fail. This means being prepared with a robust set of skills and tools, and knowing when to embrace the limitations of available light or when to use a flash to enhance your compositions. As I always say, 'Ya do what works.'

Key Points:

Available light vs. flash photography in wedding photography Advances in digital technology and ISO usage Utilization of off-camera flash for better results Importance of raw file shooting for flexibility and control Balance between available light and flash use