Using Flash on Location for Birth Photography
In this episode, I sat down with Florida birth photographer Natalie Zepp to chat about how she used what she learned about creating light inside of the Missing Link to photograph labor and delivery photos for her clients.
HIGHLIGHTS
What is your approach with bringing lighting on location?
In the main hospital where Natalie usually shoots, the lighting isn't really great. The surgical lights they put on when delivery is happening are so bright, and they can make things really challenging. Natalie has to balance the bright spotlight with the darkness the mom is in. Before using artificial lighting, consistency was really hard to find.
Every room is different, but typically Natalie bounces light off the window or wedges the flash stand in the corner of the room. Bouncing light off the window is so simple, and yet the results are so good!
Natalie's clients don't even care about the equipment—they just want her to get the shots and do her jobs. Her biggest worry was that the nurses and doctors would be bothered by it. Natalie said they barely even notice the flash!
How has incorporating artificial light helped your business?
The biggest impact has been on Natalie's workflow. Everything is faster, and she is able to shoot less and give more quality images than she was before. Her work is more thoughtful and her photos take less time to edit. Now that her light is consistent, she doesn't have to waste so much time trying to get the same look while editing.
If someone was considering the Missing Link, what would you tell them?
Natalie would say just take the course! That kind of education is really what will benefit you the most. You can work on things gradually and upgrade your gear and equipment as you grow!
Natalie said artificial light doesn't have to be scary. It may take some practice, but it will boost your confidence and transform your business.
RESOURCES:
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