Flash Photography at Your Wedding? HECK YES.
— Blog was updated on June 25, 2026 —
CLASSIC. ELEVATED. CHAOTIC.
The flash aesthetic is one that has been super popular over the last few years (and also since the beginning of photography in general lol) - it makes images pop, and has a classic feel, like your parents photo album is coming to life.
Though it can be blinding, it’s a vibe.
I’ve had couples who ask me:
“when do other couples or weddings usually use flash?” or “is it weird to use flash all day?”
My answer is this - if you like the look, we can use it literally whenever feels good, or when I need to. If the spaces are darker, I’ll probably use it to make sure that everything is lit properly. If you want getting ready photos with flash or editorial style couples photos, let’s do it!
There isn’t a right or wrong way do use it - these photos are for you; to hang on your wall like art, or look back on knowing THAT’S what you wanted.
So now, without further ado, here is the JZPS list that showcases my favorite flash photos and how to use it in your photos (engagement, welcome dinner, wedding day, etc)
(Cue Flash by Queen)
DETAILS
I love jazzing up detail shot with some flash. Depending on the vibes, it can elevate the image
For the examples above, my bride wanted moody fun, and editorial-style photos of her details (each element was very carefully picked out, thrifted and executed). The shot of the cake and the dress are off-camera flash, which means I put a light away from my camera to get a little more drama for the photos. The flatlay on the right is direct flash since I wanted more of a spotlight of the details.
PORTRAITS
These are all different ways of using flash - whether it was to add a little light while Katie stood in direct sun, lighting a darker space to make Puja’s red dress pop, or just add a little bit of light to the image.
Each person in these photos really embraced flash and to have their photos feel a certain way - they wanted classic bridal portraits or candid moments, but with a little bit of spunk.
COUPLES PORTRAITS
Don’t get me wrong, I love a scenic, natural light moment, but sometimes….Sometimes the moody flash moments are literally the best. All of these photos are a bit of a different style because each couple has a different aesthetic. Remember how I was saying that your photos don’t have to look like everyone else’s? These are taken during the wedding day with 5 minutes allotted for portraits, the welcome dinner 10 minute sneak away time that I like to do, or at an engagement session where we stole a luggage cart. I love how different these aesthetics are because they match each couple perfectly. :)
WEDDING PARTY
The classic shot of all of the bridesmaids and groomsmen standing in a line is industry standard for a reason - everyone loves seeing the outfits, the faces, and details. But…when a couple says they want something different….I really wanted this photo to feel like a classic bar shot where everyone was having a conversation and then my camera went off and they all stopped talking and stared at me.
This shot took about 5-10 minutes to pose, and the shots with direct flash were my favorite because of how classic it looked.
Introductions
Perhaps one of the most obvious places I’ll use my flash - the party is starting, everyone is pumped and you can’t wait to dance your tooshies off. I love the vibes for this when the flash is called for.
CUTTING OF THE CAKE
For me, the look is inspired the photos that you’ll find in your grandparents’ photo album from 1950 or 1960 - during their cake cutting especially. Usually the venue is a little darker, the vibes are for partying, and I love having a bright moment to showcase the chaos of the cake cutting.
DANCING
As much as I love getting natural-light vibey photos, nothing hits like a good flash on the dance floor capturing Uncle Bob doing the worm or cute group photos of your cousins. Absolutely classic.
THE RECEPTION OUTFIT CHANGE
Katheryn is adorable. I mean look at this photo. When she did her dress change during the reception, I knew I was going to use flash - it was a party, she had fun putting it on with her friends and it fit the party-vibe perfectly.
I hope this post inspired you to do your wedding the way you want!
(and also to hire a photographer who can incorporate flash)
Your wedding photos are yours forever, not for Pinterest or Instagram - they are pieces of art to hang on your wall, and reminisce over 50 years from now, with wrinkled hands, full hearts, and the feelings fresh when you revisit your album.
about juliette
Based in Upstate New York, Juliette specializes in weddings, lifestyle and brand photo + film for humans far and wide.
She’ll probably cry during your ceremony, or tell you how amazing you look at your session or wedding.
When she’s not at a wedding or editing, she’s probably watching Parks and Rec, watering her plants, or hanging out with her cats.
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Check out the wedding photo collection if you’d like to see more.