One Flash Wedding Photography

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Internationally recognized wedding photographer, Cliff Mautner walks you through challenging wedding photo scenarios and explains how to use a single speedlight for impressive effect. Working with, rather than trying to overpower ambient light, allows Cliff to capture critical wedding elements in less than traditional fashion. And by moving the flash off camera, his need to constantly reset his camera as he moves from one position to another, is kept to a minimum. Even if you’ve been shooting for years, you’re sure to gain some new insights that will save you time and make your wedding photography even better.

Intro Plus Necessary Speedlight Gear (05:16) Cliff walks you through the gear he takes with him on wedding shoots and why.
The "Why" Behind Cliff's Lighting Methods (07:31) Cliff starts with a little lighting theory and moves to camera and speedlight settings that compensate for various lighting situations where the camera might read the scene incorrectly. He also explains that sometimes Exposure Compensation is really Flash Compensation.
When Cliff Uses Flash (03:08) Cliff uses speedlights at very specific times during wedding shoots, and there's solid logic behind his decisions.
Mixing Light with Ambient (03:41) Unlike some shooters, Cliff doesn't try to overpower ambient light with his speedlights just to get a good picture. He explains how he sets his speedlights to compliment ambient light.
Assessing the Venue (06:27) Looking at ambient light, Cliff explains how he will work to make his flash contribute to the exposure without overpowering it, and mentions compensating for videographer lights too.
Shooting the First Dance (11:06) Cliff's insights start with getting the flash off the camera, then consider using a longer lens than you might think. He moves through camera and flash settings and even insights on working with an assistant.
Blessings & Toasts (09:05) Cliff has a great setup suggestion for toasts that might involve talking with the DJ a bit, but there's a great payoff.
Formal Family Photos (06:10) Again with the 70-200 lens and a single off camera flash, Cliff explains his strategy for quick exposure accuracy for formals.
Texture, Dimension and Mood (02:40) The single speedlight approach allows for fast moving versatility.

Course Time: 00 Hours 55 Minutes

R. Charles

Feb 27 2013

This course was an eye opener. Too bad I didn't watch this before I took my first wedding reception photos. I had my D3S with SB900 mounted on camera and two other SB900s way in the back of the hall on tripods. They were aimed at the low white ceiling for bounce. Of the 400 frames I took that evening, my friends received about a hundred acceptable photos. Unfortunately most of the 100 photos lacked the ambiance Cliff talked about. I can't wait to try some of his techniques at my next event.
D. Zandbergen

Feb 23 2013

Very good to the point course. Great insights in his approach and how and why. Thanks!
A. Alamo

Nov 12 2012

I Finally found a course that will help me be a great wedding photographer. I'm lovin it! Thank Cliff!
G. Strader

Oct 11 2012

Cliff Mautner is without question the finest wedding photographer today. I am an avid fan of his work. This course also shows that he has a great ability to teach. Great job Cliff! If there is anything that I do not like, and this is in general;you should allow your pupils to download the videos for later referral. A lot of what is given in these courses will not be retained thus reducing the value of the online training course in general.
M. MACDONALD

Oct 1 2012

I love cliffs no nonsense approach. Very easy to understand and easy to put his suggestions into practise. Give us more !!!!!
M. Rammell

Sep 18 2012

I just signed up to Kelby Training today and Cliff Mautner's 'One Flash Wedding Photography' was a great introduction to the course material that KelbyTraining.com clearly has on offer. Cliff is not just a photographer (an obviously experienced photographer to boot!) but is also a superb presenter. He speaks with rhythm, keeps me engaged and makes his points in a descriptive enough fashion to keep me focused. In particular I really do appreciate the way that Cliff acknowledges that his method's "aren't necessarily the right way, but are his way" - this tells me that Cliff is just the same as most photographers I have come across (Myself included): despite a wealth of knowledge and experience he still insists on doing what he thinks is best and works for him. When I say despite, I mean that it's maybe not what the books say or what those taught in school would do. To back that up you get to see the resulting images within the video footage and you can clearly see where that light came from, how the power of the light made the image look and then also gave differing settings to show how he progressed to get the effect he was actually showing. Draws you in, keeps you engaged, makes you learn. Thanks KelbyTraining and thanks Cliff! Michael Rammell
D. Nelson

Sep 1 2012

Absolutely fantastic lesson. Cliff makes things very simple and to the point. I think everyone will definitely benefit from these lessons. Thanks
A. Demagante

Aug 13 2012

This tutorial is amazing. Practical and definitely on my favourites list. Truly a master.
S. Escamilla

Jul 26 2012

Between Cliff Mautner & Jerry Ghionis- You are taking wedding photography, to a new & higher standard.
B. McClendon

Jul 25 2012

Lots of great tips on using the flash off camera; I am looking forward to trying some of them. Your commentary & sample images helped me understand the concept of creating texture with the speedlight.
P. Phipps

Jul 12 2012

Man this is gold fodder!! To see this man do what he has done and imparted such information during this course is on the money. I have had a lot of training and completed some courses, but this man cliff does it best. Great stuff Cliff, you are the man. PaddytheIrishman
M. Biascoechea

Jul 4 2012

Excellent course.
M. Kumbura

Jun 28 2012

Thank you very much. I do weddings but only for friends. Recently I read few books bought from Amazon with very high ratings and they are very very.. useless compare to this.No hidden secrets here everything is upfront
C. Paredes

May 28 2012

TERRIFIC, A TRUE MASTER. SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE
T. Martinelli

May 12 2012

What a great course. One of the best.All of the details were explained and I learned how I can improve my images. I do not shoot weddings but I got roped into helping a friend. This course will be put to good use tomorrow.

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Your Instructor

Cliff Mautner

World Renown Wedding Photographer

Recognized by WPPI as "one of the top photographers and educators in the world, " Cliff Mautner's 28-year career in photography includes 15 years and 6000 assignments as a photojournalist with the...VIEW FULL BIO»

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