Fireworks aren’t just for the Fourth of July! You’ll find them regularly at theme parks, sporting events, and maybe more surprisingly, at weddings. For the latter, fireworks offer photographers a wonderful opportunity to capture epic couples portraits with a truly unique backdrop. Of course, if you’re not familiar with how to photograph fireworks, there are some basic tips you’ll want to keep in mind, all on top of what it already takes to create incredible couples portraits. In this article, we’ve put together a list of tips and ideas for how to capture fireworks during a couples session in a way that will give your photos all the flash and excitement of a grand finale.

All of the images in this article are provided by the photographers at Wedding Maps and used with their permission.

How to Photograph Fireworks for Couples Portraits

If you consider how long, or rather how short the window of time is for photographing fireworks (typically 5-8 minutes, if not shorter), you can see that you’ll have to work efficiently to get set up and capture your portraits. The best way to make it happen is to plan ahead and know exactly where you need to be and what you need to do when the time comes. To make sure you’re ready, follow these tips.

Find the Best Location

If you’re photographing a wedding that includes fireworks on the timeline, you’ll want to find out as soon as possible where the fireworks will appear so that you can scout locations for the best angle. Go-to resources for getting this information include the couple, the planner, and even the venue.

Of course, in terms of finding the “best” angle, it will vary based on what you’re looking for. For example, you might look for a wide-open area if you want to capture an epic shot of fireworks filling the sky while your couple looks on in the frame. On the other hand, you might also look for a spot with foreground elements like trees or buildings that you can use to help frame the shot. Composition is key to successfully capturing fireworks for couples portraits, so make sure you check scouting off of your to-do list.

Maximize Dynamic Range with RAW Files and Exposure Settings

Photographing fireworks brings with it the demand of capturing photos in a challenging lighting situation. The ambient light is going to be dark while the fireworks themselves can potentially blow out your highlights, depending on your exposure settings. For that reason, and to ensure you have the best chance possible of retaining details in your portraits, it’s imperative that you capture RAW files and dial in your exposure settings to maximize dynamic range.

Raw Files vs. JPEG

RAW files will give you more flexibility when it comes to recovering details in the shadows and highlights during post-production. The dynamic range of the details you capture will be significantly reduced if you opt for compressed JPEG files rather than RAW files.

Exposure Settings

Here’s a starting point that you can use to set your exposure when photographing fireworks for couples portraits.

• Aperture: f8
• Shutter Speed: 5-10 seconds (using a tripod is highly recommended)
• ISO: 200 (adjust ISO to increase or decrease the brightness)

Also, be sure to review your camera’s histogram to see where the data is being represented on the graph. You don’t want the data to hit too heavily on the right side, which would mean that you’re blowing out your highlights and losing details in the fireworks. At the same time, you don’t want to go too far the other way either.

Manage White Balance

When it comes to setting your white balance for photographing fireworks, Tungsten is a great place to start. If you’re adding light to the couple via flash or constant light, you can include a CTO (color temperature orange) gel to the light source and set your white balance to somewhere around 3200 Kelvin. Adjust as needed to match your vision of what the portraits should look like.

Choose the “Right” Lens

The lens you use to photograph fireworks for couples portraits will depend on a couple of things. First, the field of view you want to include for your composition will dictate whether you shoot wide or tight. Keep in mind that these are couples portraits, so using a zoom lens to capture a wide angle shot will make it virtually impossible to communicate with your couple. The space you’re in might also be limited, making a zoom lens a non-option. If you opt for a tighter shot, however, a zoom lens will do a great job of compressing the scene and making the fireworks appear larger in the frame. Beyond that, using a wide-angle lens will make it easier to capture epic shots of the couple and all of the fireworks in their grandeur. Remember, it’s okay to shoot wide and crop the shot a bit during post, if necessary.

Try a Long Exposure

You’ll likely need to set your shutter speed to a slower setting in order to capture better firework portraits. The longer the exposure, the more fireworks you’ll see. Long exposures, which might fall somewhere between 5-10 seconds, also give the fireworks motion as the light traces a path across the sky. Shorter exposures, somewhere in the 2-5 second range, will reveal less detail in the fireworks.

Regardless, you’ll need to use a tripod to minimize camera shake while capturing portraits with long exposures. It can also help to use a cable, remote control button, or delay timer (a two-second delay should suffice) to press the shutter button and further eliminate any unwanted motion.

Light Your Subjects

Typically, when photographing fireworks, we don’t need to worry much about lighting any subjects in the frame. In fact, most of the focus usually falls on the fireworks and subjects are either left in the dark or cropped out completely. For couples portraits with fireworks, however, that is not the case. The way we light our subjects should be intentional and well-executed. The good news is, when time permits, you can set up your shot and dial in your flash power and exposure settings before the fireworks begin.

To start, you will light the couple the way you would even if fireworks were not part of the equation. Dial in your flash power and exposure settings to get the balance you need between flash and ambient lighting. Set the light source off to the side at roughly a 45-degree angle (relative to the couple and the camera), and place it at a somewhat top-down angle facing the couple. You can add a backlight to further define your subjects, or consider using a snoot or grid to control light spill and focus the light directly (or exclusively) on the couple. The particular details of your setup will depend on your own creative direction.

Use Manual Focus

Fireworks can cause havoc on autofocus, so make sure you set your lens to manual focus. If your camera has live view, use that dial to focus on the couple (you can use autofocus for this before the fireworks start) and then double check that manual focus is selected and leave it there.

Create a Composite

You always have the option to create a composite when you photograph fireworks for couples portraits. If you choose this route, you’ll definitely want to use a tripod. The trick here is to first capture a solid portrait of your couple, in which they’re perfectly lit and posed. Then, you can capture several separate photos of the fireworks.

Lightroom

After the shoot, when you’re ready to create the composite, start in Lightroom (or whatever photo editing software that you prefer). Be sure to edit the batch of photos that you plan to use for the composite in the same way so that they are consistent. To do this quickly and easily, edit the photo with the couple first, and then run a batch edit to apply the changes you’ve made to the remaining photos.

Photoshop

Next, move the photos into Photoshop and stack them in a single tab so that you can combine them. Set the blend mode to “Lighten” in order to reveal the brightest parts (the fireworks) of the top layers. From here, just create masks to edit out the parts of each layer that you don’t want to keep.

How to Photograph Sparklers

While not technically “fireworks,” sparklers show up often at weddings, especially as part of a grand exit. For that reason, and because they fall under the umbrella, we’ve included a few basic tips for photographing sparklers as part of a couples session.

Use Big Sparklers

Hopefully, if the bride and groom haven’t already purchased sparklers for their wedding photos, you can recommend that they go with the 36-inch sparklers instead of the 10-inch sparklers. The longer sparklers will give you more time to pose everyone and capture additional photos.

Boost ISO and Wide Aperture

As a light source, sparklers don’t offer too much. For this reason, you can choose to add a light source or dial in the appropriate settings to capture the photos in dim lighting. It also matters whether or not your subjects are moving or standing still. Either way, you’ll want to boost your ISO and go with a wider aperture to start off with a brighter exposure.

Here are some basic settings you can use as a reference when determining the best exposure for your situation.

Moving Subjects

• Shutter Speed: 1/125, Aperture: f/2.8, ISO 3200, Aperture: F2.8, Shutter Speed: 1/125.

Static Subjects

Lower your shutter speeds and adjust the other exposure settings accordingly.

Have a Safety Bucket Handy

When handling sparklers, you’re handling fire. After you capture the shots, you’ll need a safe place to put the sparklers. For this, have a good size bucket of water nearby. Problem solved.

Conclusion + More Inspiration

We hope you found these tips on how to photograph fireworks (and sparklers) for couples portraits helpful. Check out the images below for more inspiration that you can draw from when it comes time to photograph your own couples portraits under a sky full of fireworks.

The post How to Photograph Fireworks for Couples Portraits appeared first on Rangefinder.

When it comes to lighting in photography, most of us instinctively reach for soft, flattering light. We diffuse our flashes, shoot through umbrellas, and seek out cloudy days. But what if I told you that some of the most striking portraits actually come from embracing hard light?

That’s exactly what renowned photographer Roberto Valenzuela teaches in his groundbreaking new Dynamic Lighting Masterclass, now available at WPPI On Demand. Today, I’m excited to share his transformative lighting insights, which could revolutionize your portrait photography.

The Hidden Power of Hard Light

“Hard light gets a bad reputation because it’s more difficult to use. But it’s not really difficult,” Valenzuela explains. “If you have some control over your subjects, hard light is going to look ten times more dynamic, ten times more amazing.”

The secret? Intense lighting creates images with:

1. More shock value
2. Increased drama
3. Better contouring
4. Stronger visual impact

As Valenzuela notes, “People are going to look at the photo, and they can’t stop looking at it. There’s something beautiful about it because it’s not normal to see lighting like that.”

The Essential Gear Tip You Need to Know

Here’s a pro tip from Roberto that could save you hundreds of dollars: Never buy a hard light modifier without also purchasing its grid. “Hard modifiers without a grid is like a car without a steering wheel,” he warns. “If you can’t afford the grid, then don’t buy the modifier at all because it’s a waste of your money.”

Why? The grid helps control where your light falls, preventing it from spilling onto backgrounds and losing that sought-after separation between subject and environment.

The Batman and Robin Technique

But here’s where it gets really interesting. Valenzuela reveals his signature “Batman and Robin” approach to lighting:

1. Use your hard light (Batman) as the main light for your subject’s face
2. Add a softer light (Robin) to compensate and fill in the shadows

“You don’t have to,” Roberto admits, “but it works quite well to do it with two sources of light, a hard one and a medium or soft one.”

This combination creates portraits with impact while maintaining control over the overall look. The hard light provides drama and definition, while the fill light ensures you don’t lose detail in the shadows.

Beyond the Basics

Of course, this is just scratching the surface of what’s possible. In his complete Dynamic Lighting Masterclass, Roberto goes deep into:

• Precise light positioning techniques
• Advanced modifier combinations
• Creating separation with grids
• Balancing ambient light with hard light
• Movement and posing with dramatic lighting

Ready to Transform Your Photography?

While this technique alone can elevate your portrait work, it’s just one of countless insights Roberto shares in his comprehensive new course. If you’re ready to master lighting and create images that truly stand out, check out the complete Dynamic Lighting Masterclass at the WPPI On Demand Store.

You’ll learn not just how to use light, but how to shape it, control it, and bend it to your creative will. Because as Roberto shows us, sometimes the most striking images come from embracing the techniques others are afraid to try.

Learn from the World’s Best Photographers—Anytime, Anywhere

Want to learn more game-changing lighting techniques? Roberto Valenzuela’s Dynamic Lighting Masterclass is now available exclusively at the WPPI On Demand Store.

Explore Roberto’s work at RobertoValenzuela.com and @roberto_photo.

[Read: Create Spicy Photos that Enliven the Senses with Roberto Valenzuela]

The post Why Top Photographers are Embracing Hard Light (And You Should, Too) appeared first on Rangefinder.

“The way I see photography . . . [is] it’s snatching magic out of the air that wasn’t there before,” says world-renowned photographer Anne Geddes. Geddes’ phenomenal 40-year photography career began in Hong Kong when she photographed families with her husband’s Pentax K 1000. Geddes was unsatisfied with the result, so after they returned to their homeland of Australia, she called up a photographer whose image of a five-year-old girl she saw in the newspaper, volunteering herself as an assistant. She was accepted and began to learn everything she could about the portrait business and photographing children of all ages in a studio environment. 

Geddes says, “Ever since then, whenever I go into a studio . . . I always have this sense of an empty space, where I’m going to create something from that day.” For Geddes, the most indispensable tool for a photographer is imagination and an alertness to capturing magic. 

Geddes’ pursuit of creative ambition in her studio work paid off big. After ten years as a portrait photographer, Geddes was approached by a card maker who asked her to put out a series of seasonal cards. They were a hit. Calendars and posters followed and then her debut photo book, “Down in the Garden.” When Celine Dion told Oprah on TV that the book was at the top of her holiday-gift-giving list, the book took off, and the rest is history. Geddes became a global sensation with her infant portraits, and she has continued to build on that success through the rest of her 30-year career – as an artist, a philanthropist, and above all, a seeker of the magic in children, who she believes must be “protected, nurtured, and loved.” 

Three Tiny Mermaids 

The images Geddes shares with Rangefinder today come from her series “Under the Sea.” Her favorite image from the series (above) is of three tiny mermaids. Geddes did a year of research and planning and worked with a very talented team to bring this shoot together.

As safety is the primary concern when working with infants, a special seat that was bolted into the floor was carefully constructed for each mermaid to individually be photographed in. The seat had a supportive back and a wide, soft seatbelt concealed with the costume fabric. Geddes photographed the babies first and then separately shot their tails in various positions suggesting the flow of water under the sea. She constructed the final image in post. 

One Day a Month to Be Creative 

Geddes has always had a strong creative drive. She encourages photographers to “go into every portrait session thinking, ‘What can I do that’s unique — that’s not going to make me feel bored, that they’re going to love?’ and so on. . .‘ And a little bit scared is good. Nervous is good. If you’re not nervous in any way going into a shoot, then you’re not trying hard enough to scare yourself.” Keeping this in mind, Geddes, over the years, consistently produced beautiful work that resonated with her clients.  

But after ten years, even with this ethos, as she became more successful and the pressure to produce increased, Geddes began to feel tired. Her solution was to take one day a month to do a purely creative shoot – just for herself. The first image she did was a baby hanging on a meat hook, which conceptually sounds strange, and yet Geddes loved it. The next month, she produced her iconic shot of twins in cabbage. These shoots, removed from all client pressures, sky-rocketed her creativity and rekindled her inspiration. Geddes encourages all photographers to also do creative shoots just for themselves – one a month! 

Strive for Magic 

Additionally, Geddes gives the advice for photographers to “strive for the magic.” She adds, “but you’ve got to be quick, and you can’t also photograph with blinders on.” She discourages photographers from holding too set of a view on what they will produce, saying “something can come out of left field so fast. That’s the magic. And you can’t miss it. . . especially if you’re dealing with children. They can give you the magic. You’ve just got to be on the lookout. ” 

Furthermore, Geddes says, “you’ve got to keep growing and going forward . . . And mistakes are great. Never be afraid to admit that you’re green about something because green is where the energy is.” 

Follow Anne Geddes on Instagram and on her website.  And don’t miss her appearance on The Portrait System Podcast, where she shares some of her seminal stories about the beginning of her career and offers advice and inspiration to other photographers.  

As a thank you to our readers, we’re pleased to offer you a Rangefinder exclusive discount code to get 25% off The Portrait Masters courses below. Use the code RF25 at checkout to redeem. This code cannot be used in combination with other sales.

The post Magic from Air: Anne Geddes’ Phenomenal Photography Career appeared first on Rangefinder.

Yellowstone and other national parks are getting a lot of attention over the last five years – especially when it comes to couples getting married. Could it be the hit TV show, the fact that they just celebrated their 150th birthday, or the remnants of the pandemic where Yellowstone National Park saw record-breaking tourists visiting the park once they were allowed to open? Whatever it is, it’s easy to see the allure of a national park wedding. There are 63 parks across the country to choose from–each offering different experiences and views, endless amenities, and paved pathways making it accessible for most guests while still being in the beauty of nature. If you are an interested in national park wedding and elopement photography, and are wondering if adding it to your offerings is worth the trouble, read on for the pros and cons.

Preparing for National Park Wedding and Elopement Photography

My first national park elopement was back in 2018 when I got hired by an Oregon couple to document their micro-wedding in Joshua Tree National Park and since then I’ve been all over visiting 11 of the parks for weddings and elopements, with Yellowstone being the number one park.

I have been visiting Yellowstone since I was a child and never thought I would be trekking all over the park in some of the most beautiful and enigmatic locations for couples on their wedding day. After getting to document my first Yellowstone elopement in 2020, I started collecting locations on a detailed map of the park, noting everything, from time of day at a location to how many park visitors were there and time of year. It was this that allowed me to start to understand the park less as a tourist and more concerning weddings. This allowed me to start serving my Yellowstone couples on another level.

Though we, the photographer, are most often are not also the wedding planner or day-of-coordinator, when it comes to couples getting married in these national parks, planning assistance becomes indispensable. National park wedding and elopement photography, though gaining popularity, is still a fairly new concept and couples are struggling to plan not only a wedding but also navigate the intricate details of park permits, transportation, experiences, and more to make their national park wedding visions a reality. This is where elopement photographers really can come into play and serve their couples on that higher level.

Unlike typical wedding venues or high-in-demand destination wedding locations such as Italy or Iceland, most National Parks don’t come with an onsite officiant or preferred vendor lists.

Though I have worked with a handful of park-based wedding planners, more often than not a couple will only hire a photographer for their elopement or micro-wedding. Because of this, it is up to the couple’s photographer to truly know a national park or be able to research to help create something ultimately bespoke for their couple that is also doable and keeps within the regulations of the specific park.

Though Yellowstone used to require photographers to obtain a CUA, Commercial Use Authorization, which was an extensive and costly process, they have recently moved away from this and now only require couples to obtain a SUP, Special Use Permit, for elopements, which also doubles as the photographer’s photo permit.

Yellowstone is not only the next seemingly hot spot to get married but also one of the most visited parks in the United States. This means couples and their photographers will really need to pay close attention to the time of year the couple wants to get married and alternative locations within the park for the ceremony and photos to avoid being surrounded by literally hundreds of park visitors. This frequently happens at popular tourist locations such as Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, and Mammoth Hot Springs.

Pros and Cons

So, is it worth all the trouble to get into national park wedding and elopement photography? Let’s dive into this.

1. National parks provide an outdoor experience for couples who want their elopement to be nature-based but not hike-heavy or extreme-adventure based.
2. Getting married in a national park allows couples to invite guests who may be ADA or need paved pathways to reach ceremony locations.
3. Each national park offers site-specific amenities and experiences that can help couples create a bespoke elopement or micro-wedding.
4. The SUP process is fairly simple and rather inexpensive in the grand scheme of wedding costs, allowing couples to focus their money and attention on experiences for their wedding.

However, things to consider when planning a national park-based elopement include:

1. You are getting married in a public place and can’t guarantee that park visitors won’t walk by, take your photos, or watch your ceremony.
2. National parks are 95% outdoors with minimal indoor spaces. If the weather turns, you have to be comfortable with a plan B.

3. Though the permit is inexpensive, couples most often don’t save money by opting to elope in a national park as other costs such as lodging, transportation, and photography end up costing in the end roughly the same amount as a traditional wedding.
4. Couples need to hire vendors who are well acquainted with the specific park and region and not just hire any photographer or vendor to avoid issues with park regulations.

Ultimately, call me biased, but I believe getting married in a national park is worth the planning. It offers couples endless opportunities and options to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience for their wedding day that is tailored to who they are all while being in some of the most stunning and diverse landscapes the United States has to offer.

Heather Woolery is a Northwest-based photojournalist known for her earthy, nostalgic approach to documenting weddings and elopements around the world with both digital and analog film. She is currently creating a series of digital guides for engaged couples launching in early 2025. Follow her on Instagram, YouTube, Patreon, and Pinterest.

The post National Park Wedding and Elopement Photography: Is it Worth the Trouble? appeared first on Rangefinder.

“Posing-wise, movement is key,” says Rangefinder 30 Rising Star Rune Havn while describing his favorite image from the wedding of Fatima Mekdad and Eligijus Sukarevicius, which was in July 2024 in Stavanger, Norway. While Rune shoots 90% documentary, he does rely on some gentle posing, especially when it comes to portraits, to capture images with a cinematic feel. He says, “I want my photos to be from a ‘scene,’ and I am documenting a scene I created.” The key to creating these natural, relaxed wedding photography poses is to incorporate gentle movement. 

Guiding Movement in the Hands 

For the shot above, Rune simply asked the bride, Fatima, to use her hand to play with the veil. He says that directing gentle movements like this is crucial to achieving a relaxed pose. If he had asked her to simply hold the hand there without moving it, she would have been concentrated on her hand. “She would have looked more focused and the photo more staged. Small things like her eye movement would have been different.” However, where there’s movement, “the focus evolves into a moment.” 

Achieve Natural, Relaxed Wedding Photography Poses 

For Rune, preparing the ground for beautiful wedding photos happens well in advance of the wedding day. He says, “I want to be a friend they can trust at the same time as a professional photographer. The more work I do in my meeting pre-wedding, the more I am rewarded with amazing photos.”   

To accomplish this, Rune tells his clients well in advance of their first meeting how he works and what is helpful for him to know in advance. He likes to learn about their “interests, ideas, and stories” and “which love language they have.” He also wants to know if they “get emotional if someone speaks nice words to [them], or if [they] think it’s silly to dance in front of everyone.” Having an awareness of how his clients think and feel helps him know where to be when moments like this happen at the wedding.

During the day, Rune also likes to make his clients feel cared for by speaking with them while he shoots. He says, “I always ask my clients if they are feeling good when we are shooting” as well as if they need breaks for water or snacks. This helps them feel taken care of. Rune says, “When people are relaxed and feeling safe, they open up easier, and they do things they didn’t think they could do.” 

Lastly, Rune encourages photographers to give their clients lots of positive feedback. Saying small things like, “Love it,” “You’re killing it,” and “This is so nice,” helps build their confidence. When posing his clients, Rune also keeps his feedback brief, saying things like, “Look that way,” “Focus on each other,” and “Move your hands.” By being quiet and unobtrusive, Rune opens the way for the couple to “be themselves in front of me.”  

Relaxed, Safe, and Cozy 

Rune says, “I work a lot to make my couples feel relaxed and feel safe. I want them to be cozy with each other and make them forget that I’m there.” By creating this atmosphere of safety and comfort, Rune makes way for those aspects of a wedding that he really loves to document to come to the forefront. He says, “I love real, raw feelings – tears, laughter, sorrow, and love.” 

In addition to capturing these poignant feelings from the day, other hallmarks of Rune’s wedding photography include “the light hitting the correct places, making the subject pop,” and the image looking like a true cinematic moment. Rune’s attention to this beautiful aesthetic has made him stand out as a Rangefinder Rising Star of wedding photography after only two and half years in the business. 

Follow Rune Havn’s work on Instagram and Facebook. View the full 30 Rising Star Winners Gallery for 2024 here.

The post Tips for Natural, Relaxed Wedding Photography Poses appeared first on Rangefinder.

Funeral photography is a genre that went from being commonplace in the Victorian era to taboo in the modern era, and yet photographer Duane Knight of Your Legacy Photography says that it is a vital way for people today to process their grief through art. Knight has only been able to discover 50 funeral photographers currently in the world, and he is on a mission to change that by educating other photographers on how to add this genre to their offerings.

Remembrances of Those We Love

Many photographers have had the experience of a former client’s family member telling them just how precious their portrait of a now-deceased loved one is, even expressing that it was the only good photograph they had to display at the funeral. But most photographers have not considered how capturing images at a funeral can provide an avenue of healing for families who are grieving the loss of a loved one.

Knight, who has delivered 150 Legacy Funeral Albums to families over around a decade of being a funeral photographer, notes that family members come from all over the country and sometimes from around the world to be together to celebrate the life of a departed loved one. However, after a funeral, it’s not uncommon for those closest to the deceased to not even remember who was there. A funeral can be so emotional that it can be difficult to hang onto the details of the day. But funerals are similar to weddings, birthdays, and christenings in that they bring extended family and friends together for a fleeting time. An album can be valuable keepsake and a memento of both the departed loved one and everyone who was there. For those who were unable to attend, receiving a Legacy Funeral Album can be the link that helps them feel included.

Taboo or Treasured Memories

Knight says, “Funerals being photographed is definitely a cultural thing. Some cultures don’t want any photos, and to them, it’s taboo. In a group of ten people you might get two or three who want funeral photography.” However, Knight, through his business Your Legacy Photography, has a mission to be available for those who wish for a loved one’s funeral to be photographed. For him, it’s all about preserving memories, and he strongly feels that “all families who want funeral photography should have the opportunity to get it.”

Funeral Photography Education

In pursuit of this mission, Knight desires to help other photographers discover the genre and learn how to skillfully become funeral photographers. He has traveled to many photography conferences, including WPPI in Las Vegas, to help spread the word about funeral photography and his desire to share his expertise in teaching it.

If you are curious about funeral photography, be sure to keep an eye out for him at WPPI in Vegas next year. He’ll be the man in the hat that reads “I Love Funeral Photography” and the vest with “Ask Me about the Art of Funeral Photography” emblazoned on the back.

In the meantime, be sure to check out Duane Knight’s website YourLegacyPhotography.com, his Instagram, and feel free to contact him with feedback or any questions.

The post Funeral Photography: Healing Grief Through Art appeared first on Rangefinder.

As photographers, we are often driven by the pursuit of creating something extraordinary—images that move people, inspire them, and leave a lasting impression. In the world of portrait photography, few things captivate the eye like a stunning woman or couple surrounded by nature’s raw beauty, with a long, flowing dress billowing majestically in the wind. Enter the magical genre of flying dress photography.

There’s something timeless about the beauty of a woman standing against the backdrop of nature, her long flowing dress sweeping through the air, caught in a perfect moment. This visual poetry has become the hallmark of Brittany Colt’s brand, The Flying Dress Experience. Her work blends the grandeur of nature with feminine grace, crafting images that feel both awe-inspiring and ethereal. But beyond the aesthetics, Brittany’s vision tells a deeper story—one rooted in female empowerment and a love for the natural world.

The Birth of The Flying Dress Experience

Brittany, who for many years was the head of education at the Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite National Park, discovered a passion for landscape photography as a child growing up in the Pacific Northwest. Later, as a young adult in Portland’s vibrant arts scene, Brittany developed her cinematic eye as she experimented with makeup, lighting, and art direction while setting up fantastical shoots. She also began shooting weddings and photographing women’s portraits.

After years of working within the framework of landscape and portraiture, Brittany found herself pulled toward a new vision—one that would blend her love for nature with her desire to empower women. It began with a simple idea: a flowing satin gown set against an epic landscape. From that initial creative spark, The Flying Dress Experience was born. It was a way to not only showcase the majesty of nature but to give women an unforgettable experience—one where they could embrace their femininity, beauty, and strength. 

“The dress itself became a metaphor for freedom, confidence, and empowerment,” Brittany explains. “It’s as if the natural settings are literally carrying these women into their power, into their full expression.” From the towering granite cliffs in Yosemite to the otherworldly sand dunes of Death Valley, to the fairytale magic of the Pacific Northwest, her sessions allow women to connect with both the environment and themselves.

Since the whole concept of flying dress photo shoots still seems like it’s in its infancy here in the US, you might be wondering, “How do I get people interested in a photo session that they don’t even know they want yet?” While places like Santorini, Dubai and other luxurious resort destinations are bustling with flying dress photo shoot options, the phenomena is relatively new to the US. The answer is simple–show what you want to shoot. Below Brittany kindly shares her tips for how to get started offering your own “flying dress experience.”

Crafting The Perfect Flying Dress Shot

Capturing these dreamy images requires a combination of artistry and technical skill. Below, Brittany shares some of her top tips for photographing long flowing dresses in natural settings.

1. Be Aware of the Wind
   The wind is not your friend, even though it seems like it would be. It can be unpredictable and tends towards flapping furiously rather than flying elegantly. So, if it’s not the wind flying the dress, what is? Read on to find out.
2. An Assistant is Mandatory
   This is probably the most important tip of all. If you really want the dress to fly, and in a way that is beautiful and not chaotic, having an assistant to help “fly the dress” is crucial.  
3. Plan for Location and Lighting
   Shooting in awe-inspiring natural settings is a big part of The Flying Dress Experience, but it also means planning meticulously around location and lighting. Always scout locations ahead of time and check the weather–especially wind conditions.
4. Use a Fast Shutter Speed
   Perhaps this is obvious, but it’s also crucial. Have that motor drive cranking at a fast enough shutter speed to freeze the flying of the dress. 
5. Communicate with Your Subject
   It’s crucial to make your subject feel empowered and comfortable. Long flowing dresses can be a bit overwhelming at first, so help guide your clients through posing and grounding into their bodies and help them find movements that feel natural and beautiful.
6. Focus on Composition
   When photographing flying dresses in these awe-inspiring natural locations, composition is everything. You’re not just capturing a person in a dress—you’re highlighting the landscape as much as the woman. Try to focus on artistically incorporating both the subject and the vast, majestic landscape around them. 
7. Leave No Trace
   As photographers who specialize in taking people into nature, we also have a profound responsibility to minimize our impact on the natural world. This includes avoiding sensitive areas that are susceptible to be trampled such as meadows, river banks, and locations that are closed for restoration. With the assistant running in and out of shots, there could be a lot of impact on sensitive areas. 

Building a Flying Dress Photography Portfolio

For photographers looking to dive into flying dress photography, Brittany emphasizes the importance of building a strong, eye-catching portfolio. Here’s her advice on how to get started: 

1. Invest in Dresses
   Having a variety of colors and sizes of flowing dresses is essential. It’s an upfront investment, but it’s essential to have these dresses ready for your clients.
2. Collaborate with other Creatives
   Partner with local musicians, artists, or small business owners who may want stunning photos for their own portfolios or marketing materials. Collaboration can help you create a win-win situation, allowing you to experiment while offering something valuable in return.
3. Embrace Unconventional Locations and Props
   Don’t be afraid to explore unconventional locations or even props. Yes, the beach, mountains and National Parks are classic, but your local park, venues, or even urban rooftops can provide stunning backdrops for a flying dress shoot. On one of her recent photo sessions Brittany collaborated with a local business that restores grand pianos and actually got a piano out in nature to photograph!
4. Post-Production Magic
   While we photographers all try to capture everything in-camera, sometimes a bit of post-production work is needed to remove any distractions and really bring the images to life. And if you’ve never processed “landscape photography” before, Brittany highly recommends spending time learning this art form.

Empowering Women Through Photography

At the heart of The Flying Dress Experience is Brittany’s mission to uplift and empower women. Through her own personal journey of growth and self-discovery, Brittany realized that photography could be a powerful tool not only for capturing beauty but for fostering confidence and healing. For many of her clients, the photo shoot becomes a transformative experience, allowing them to reconnect with their femininity, embrace their inner strength, and feel truly seen. 

“I’ve always believed in the power of art to transform, not just the artist but the subject as well,” Brittany says. “Many of the women I photograph come for the experience itself, not just the final images. They leave feeling confident, celebrated, and empowered in ways they didn’t expect.”

In the world of wedding and portrait photography, Brittany Colt’s The Flying Dress Experience offers a fresh, visionary approach that inspires both photographers and clients alike. Through a combination of breathtaking landscapes, flowing gowns, and her empowering message, Brittany has carved out a unique space in the industry. For photographers eager to elevate their portfolios, experimenting with flying dresses could be the key to unlocking a whole new level of creativity.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a way to infuse new life into your work, let Brittany’s journey inspire you expand your creativity, collaborate with others, and create something truly magical.

Explore Brittany’s work at BrittanyColt.com, The Flying Dress Experience, @theflyingdressexperience, and @brittanycolt.

 

Shawn Reeder is a Yosemite & Eastern Sierra-based adventure elopement photographer and film maker who loves to photograph couples in love amidst the majesty of awe-inspiring nature. See more of his work on his adventure elopement and landscape websites, and his elopement and landscape Instagrams.

The post Flying Dress Photography: Brittany Colt’s Tips to Get You Started appeared first on Rangefinder.

As the bride and groom walked onto the balcony after cocktail hour, photographer Yana Petrova suddenly saw a moment that encapsulated her aesthetic—an image both modern and timeless, where her wedding photography storytelling would naturally shine. Thinking quickly, she managed the strong outdoor lighting by setting her aperture at f1.2 and her shutter speed at 1/15. She also employed an ND filter to get the perfect exposure, overcoming the hurdles to capturing a gorgeous image that would remind her wedding couple of the beautiful day they said, “I do.” 

A Cinematic Flair 

Yana, a photographer with John & Joseph Photography based in Los Angeles, is one of Rangefinder’s 30 Rising Stars of Wedding Photography for 2024. She describes her photography style as “a mix of editorial, fine art, and photojournalistic influence, with a touch of cinematic flair.” A student of film and television production, her passion for storytelling is evident across her portfolio, which is full of “natural, candid moments, especially those with dramatic lighting and unique, unposed elements.” 

Yana leans toward images that are atmospheric and dramatic with moody and dark undertones, which add depth and emotion. Her primary aim is for her images to “feel both artistic and genuine.” 

Yana’s Tips for Wedding Storytelling  

Yana Petrova is “deeply focused on capturing the essence of the moment through a blend of spontaneous and styled elements.” For other photographers wishing to nurture spontaneous storytelling, she offers these tips: 

1. Pay attention to the lighting, especially when shooting outdoors.  Use a fast shutter speed to freeze motion effectively, ensuring sharp images even when your subjects are moving. Work with a narrow aperture or employ ND filters to manage the bright conditions. 

2. Encourage genuine interactions between your subjects. Candid shots often capture the most heartfelt emotions and create memorable images. 

3. Pay attention to your surroundings and how they can complement the couple and the theme of the wedding. 

Dynamic Narratives – Emotional and Alive 

Storytelling is all about paying attention to moments that resonate with emotion. To do this, Yana Petrova relies on “a commitment to not just documenting an event but creating a narrative that feels alive and dynamic.” By combining artistic composition and emotional depth, she offers a fresh perspective on weddings that is both classical and contemporary. 

Follow Yana Petrova’s work on Instagram. View the full 30 Rising Star Winners Gallery for 2024 here.  

The post Classic and Contemporary Wedding Photography Storytelling  appeared first on Rangefinder.

“It was one of those wedding days that fell behind schedule – no surprise there! With guests from 13 different countries, my couple had a lot on their minds,” says Kim Wilfriedsson, setting the scene for a magical, timeless wedding shoot she recently photographed in Istanbul. Kim is one of Rangefinder’s 30 Rising Stars of Wedding Photography for 2024. The images she shares with us exemplify her ability to create moments of calm connection for her couples—even during a busy wedding day that is running behind schedule! 

Space and Room to Create Memories 

Weddings are full of activity, people, strong emotions, and timetables. They can be chaotic and stressful. But Kim Wilfriedsson prides herself on “making the couple feel comfortable, finding that balance between focus and spontaneity.” She is a rare person who thrives in stress and chaos. For her, thinking on her feet and adapting quickly “keeps things exciting and often leads to unexpected, great shots.”  

In these images, Kim wanted to create space for her couple – Negar and Nick – to have moments together to enjoy their special day and their love for each other. So, when guests started arriving, she led them into the interior of the venue for some privacy. She had already scouted it, and knew it was gorgeous.  

She began with some simple poses, adding in a touch of creativity where she could. To help them loosen up and have fun, she began with some poses that involved movement. They wrapped up in the hallway, giving the pair “a quiet, intimate moment before the craziness kicked back in.” 

Kim’s Tips to Create Calm in Chaos 

Kim notes that it is typical for weddings to be chaotic, “and when things run late, we photographers often have our time cut short.” Here are her tips to create a sense of beautiful stillness and calm in the midst of all that action. 

1. Always do a quick scout of the venue beforehand, so you’re not wasting time looking for spots. 

2. Start with a few reliable poses you know will work. This helps avoid getting stuck or overwhelmed. 

3. Even if time is tight, don’t be afraid to try something new when a creative idea pops up. Sometimes those spontaneous moments turn out to be the best shots! 

Support and Ease 

The mission of a wedding photographer is to create gorgeous images for their clients. However, Kim Wilfriedsson is careful to not allow photographs to take over the day. Her artistic style for creating a timeless wedding shoot is to be “a calm presence for the couple,” helping them to feel “supported and at ease so that their wedding isn’t overshadowed by the photography process.” She’s mindful that many people are not used to being photographed, and she wants to help create “those special moments with as little stress for them as possible—even when it feels like everything around them is falling apart.” 

Follow Kim Wilfriedsson’s work Instagram. View the full 30 Rising Star Winners Gallery for 2024 here.  

The post Create Calm in Chaos: A Timeless Wedding Shoot in Istanbul  appeared first on Rangefinder.

All the exuberance of the wedding reception is expressed on the dance floor. Rangefinder 30 Rising Star of 2024, Robin Goodlad has pioneered a flash technique for capturing all that joyful energy and amplifying it by projecting the dancers’ shadows on the walls and ceilings. Today he shares some of his favorite dance floor images and his tips for how other photographers can get similar shots. 

Moments, Portraits, and Place 

Robin, who is based in Dorset, UK, began his photography journey with a passion for photographing nature. The influence of the landscapes, light, and shadows of nature permeate his work. He says, “whether capturing a bride’s bouquet placed in low sunlight to mimic the long evening shadow of a tree on land, placing couples as small focal points in a wider scene, bringing in the ceiling of a church as though the sky above, or painting shadows with flash on the dance floor, all are drawn from my landscape background.”  

While Robin doesn’t see the landscape in the dance floor so much, he is very inspired by the shadows of nature as a feature that adds extra impact to an image. He says, “The shadows of trees or mountains are another version of the subject, and seeing that other version–seeing it’s outline as a silhouette–allows you also to get a clearer feel for the three-dimensional structure that is within a scene, which is then being conveyed in a two-dimensional image, the photograph. So, it’s a great way of adding scale and depth, too.” 

Robin’s dance floor images also embody his passion for capturing portraits of the truly authentic moments that tell the story of a wedding day. His unique perspective, inspired by long shadows and wild winds, perfectly captures the revelers embraced in the glory of love and music. 

Tips for Painting Shadows with Flash 

For photographers who wish to capture shots like these, Robin advises that the angle of the flash is key. His technique involves a flash at the end of a monopod held nearly at floor level, pointed up at the subject from below. Robin uses manual focus with a wide-angle lens between 14-20mm. He puts the f-stop at f10, and focuses on the hyperfocal point, which means both subject and background will be in focus without focusing at all. Robin says having the ISO at 1000 and the shutter speed at 1/10 second is “a great starting point–and easy to remember, too!” Flash power can be around 1/32, but adjust that according to how large or small your flash is. Goodlad uses the Godox AD100, which works great at the end of monopod because it doesn’t articulate and doesn’t need a hot shoe mount.  

He says, “Shoot in continuous burst. Then, as you shoot, as well as keeping an eye on the composition on your screen, watch how the shadows appear on the wall or ceiling and adjust your flash angle to project the shadows where you want them. It’s great fun!” 

Double the Impact 

Robin says, “My photography style is one where I am always looking for the highlights and shadows, and reflections of the subject in water or mirrors as a means of adding impact to the image by duplication.” A shadow is second version of his subject, which amplifies its impact and its meaning.  

However, natural shadows and reflections don’t often occur on the dance floor of a wedding reception, so Robin “decided it was up to me to make them.”  With his unique method of creating dance-floor shadows, he has found a way to both capture an amazing moment and to accentuate its shape and form. 

Follow Robin Goodlad’s work on Instagram and Facebook. View the full 30 Rising Star Winners Gallery for 2024 here. 

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