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We have seen a lot of new members join Flash Masters this past month (thank you all - ...and a very warm welcome!) many of which are US based wedding photographers. So, to welcome our new members, we thought we would entertain you by talking you through some of the most bizarre UK wedding traditions, that you probably haven't heard of before.

But it's not all about the nuptials. This episode takes a candid turn as Helen shares her personal battle with procrastination and self-doubt, which nearly got the best of her when planning her off-camera flash workshops. Yet, with accountability as her newfound ally, Helen is publicly committing to not only setting those dates but also to guide you through the growth pains that accompany them. The addition of our crazy talented new ambassador, the US based wedding photographer Jason Vinson, to the conversation means you'll be privy to the insights of a master crafting his art through live streams and community engagement.

Wrapping things up, we invite you to join us in a light-hearted debate over what truly makes a wedding venue 'Epic'—is it the grandeur, the history, or the couple's unique touch? As we reflect on Toastmasters and chimney sweeps, we open the floor for you to weigh in. Be sure not to miss out on our members' zone where the discussions flourish and where over fifty hours of live stream content await to enrich your craft and spark those creative flames. So grab your favourite sweet from the cart, don a dashing hat if you must, and tune in for an episode that promises as much joy as a UK wedding dance floor.

Join us in the Flash Masters community:

Website: https://flashmasters.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flashmasters/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flash-masters

Flash Masters is hosted by:

Helen Williams: https://www.instagram.com/helenwilliamsphotography/
Neil Redfern: https://www.instagram.com/neilredfern/

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As the UK shivers under a frosty blanket, Helen Williams and Neil Redfern, warm up the mic with a chat that's sure to thaw your curiosity (can you tell this is written by AI?!). We're buzzing to unfold the latest from Flash Masters, including our brand-new leaderboards that are calling all flash photography aficionados to showcase their skills. Whether you're a wedding, environmental or studio photographer, we're rolling out the red carpet for your work (again, this is AI!)

Find out why both Neil & Helen have been denied access to the Photography and Video Show in March  - can we reverse their decision?

Plus, navigating the photography industry can be akin to catching the perfect lighting—it requires patience and a little strategy. We peel back the curtain to reveal the quieter moments of the year that photographers endure and share a global lens on these challenges (this AI is odd). But fear not, for these lulls are but intermissions, prime time to prime your business for the bustling season ahead. Plus, we delve into the joys and juggling acts of mentoring, sharing how guiding fellow shutterbugs can be as rewarding as nailing that once-in-a-lifetime shot. 

Tune in for tales of Mailchimp misadventures and wedding fair follies. We don't just stop at business talk, though. Cap off the episode with a personal journey through my 2023, immortalized in a YouTube recap and a dozen defining photos. We also shine a spotlight on Natalie Martin's flash work. And for a cheeky finish, Neil relives the humbling (and somewhat humorous) lessons learned from his speed awareness course. 

Join us in the Flash Masters community:

Website: https://flashmasters.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flashmasters/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flash-masters

Flash Masters is hosted by:

Helen Williams: https://www.instagram.com/helenwilliamsphotography/
Neil Redfern: https://www.instagram.com/neilredfern/

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In this episode we speak to the Flash Masters Photographer of the Year 2023 - Tim Kamppinen!

Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Tim is an incredible wedding photographer and in this podcast we chat to him about his approach to weddings, off camera flash, his biggest piece advice to new photographer who are new to lighting and what he bought off Facebook which he drove 10 hours to collect...

This conversation deftly slides from the echoes of his favourite sounds to the heart-pounding thrill of clinching the Photographer of the Year title by the slimmest of margins, proving that sometimes, the most extraordinary stories are framed in the viewfinder of persistence and passion.

Huge congratulations again to Tim, we are honoured to have him in the Flash Masters community and we can't wait to see what he produces in 2024!

Follow Tim on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timkamppinenphoto/
Tim's website: https://www.timkphotography.com/

Join us in the Flash Masters community:

Website: https://flashmasters.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flashmasters/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flash-masters

Flash Masters is hosted by:

Helen Williams: https://www.instagram.com/helenwilliamsphotography/
Neil Redfern: https://www.instagram.com/neilredfern/

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In this episode, we announce the Flash Masters Photographer of the Year 2023, as well as congratulating all the photographers who made up the top 20 positions on our worldwide leaderboard. 

We're rolling out the red carpet and setting the stage for the new year with three brand-new leaderboards, designed to honor specialized photography talents. And someone cue a drumroll for Nelson Santos, whose record-breaking nine awards in a single round have left us all in awe. It's not just about the competition, though—it's a celebration of our whole community and what we have achieved in 2023.

With an eye on the future, we tease the arrival of a new Flash Masters Ambassador who promises to bring a fresh educational zest to our photography journeys.

We also chat about our New Year's Eve weddings and the challenges that come with photographing a wedding in the middle of winter.

Join us in the Flash Masters community:

Website: https://flashmasters.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flashmasters/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flash-masters

Flash Masters is hosted by:

Helen Williams: https://www.instagram.com/helenwilliamsphotography/
Neil Redfern: https://www.instagram.com/neilredfern/

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As another 2023 draws to a close and we prepare to announce the Flash Masters Photographer of the Year for 2023, we look back on the past 12 months and talk about our personal highlights, our favourite photographs, our favourite purchases and what we hope Santa brings us on Christmas morning!

Tidings of comfort, joy, and a good flash! As the festive lights twinkle, we're sending out a colossal thank you wrapped in seasonal cheer to our Flash Masters community. Whether you've tuned in as a listener, engaged as a member, or participated in our awards, your support has been the heartbeat of our journey. We invite you to stay connected as we march into 2024 with the promise of enthralling content and the unwavering passion for photography you have come to expect. So, raise your glasses (and your cameras) to a year of cherished memories and the anticipation of creating many more. Merry Christmas to all and - keeeeeep flashing!

Join us in the Flash Masters community:

Website: https://flashmasters.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flashmasters/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flash-masters

Flash Masters is hosted by:

Helen Williams: https://www.instagram.com/helenwilliamsphotography/
Neil Redfern: https://www.instagram.com/neilredfern/

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Ever wondered how a professional photographer poses their subjects or integrates videography into their work? In this episode, we've got a treat for you! Join us as we sit down with the talented Paul Flannigan, an award-winning photographer with a knack for off-camera flash and posing. 

We kick things off with some lighthearted banter about everything from pizza and magic tricks to bathroom habits. Yes, you read that right! But don't worry, we get to the meat of the matter soon enough. We dive deep into the art of posing in wedding photography, with Paul sharing his unique techniques that effortlessly coax genuine, heartfelt moments from his subjects. Not only that, but we also explore the intriguing world of combining videography with photography, a move Paul has successfully implemented in his business.

In the spirit of growth and learning, we discuss the importance of learning from our mistakes. Paul shares a hilarious anecdote from his early days of wedding photography that's sure to make you chuckle. We wrap things up with a conversation about the Flash Masters community, expressing our gratitude for their support and inviting you to join us! We promise you a hefty dose of fun, learning, and camaraderie, so tune in and let's get flashing!

To find out more about Paul and to view his work, please visit his website: https://www.paulflanniganphotography.co.uk/

Follow Paul on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paul_flannigan_photography/

Join us in the Flash Masters community:

Website: https://flashmasters.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flashmasters/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flash-masters

Flash Masters is hosted by:

Helen Williams: https://www.instagram.com/helenwilliamsphotography/
Neil Redfern: https://www.instagram.com/neilredfern/

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In this episode Helen talks about her experience of talking in front of 100 photographers at the NineDots Gathering in Leeds, where she presented how she uses off camera flash at her weddings to shoot group shots.

Plus! We were models for amazing photographers Jesse and Moira La Plante and Jason Vinson during their wedding photography workshop in the UK. Being on the other side of the camera was an eye-opening experience and in this podcast we talk about the things we learned. It was enlightening!

But the adventure didn't stop there! We braved a storm on a second shoot with Jason Vinson at the top of a very windy moor in North Yorkshire. The challenges we faced, the bravery we encountered, and the sheer exhilaration of the experience will remind you of the lengths we go to for the love of art. Join us, and immerse yourself in our world of creativity, passion, and daring adventure. You're in for a thrilling ride with this episode of Flash Masters!

NineDots Gathering: https://nine-dots.co/gathering/

Jesse and Moira La Plante: https://jlaplante.com/

Jason Vinson: https://vinsonimages.com/

Join us in the Flash Masters community:

Website: https://flashmasters.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flashmasters/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flash-masters

Flash Masters is hosted by:

Helen Williams: https://www.instagram.com/helenwilliamsphotography/
Neil Redfern: https://www.instagram.com/neilredfern/

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Have you ever wondered how the latest camera technology could transform your wedding photography? That's what we're unpacking in our latest Flash Masters Podcast episode. We dig into the innovative features of Sony's newest release, the A9III camera - from its remarkable 120 frames per second capability to its ground-breaking global shutter that eliminates banding. We also delve into the intricacies of its focus system, and how it flawlessly works with sunglasses, masks, and even animals. 

We also congratulate the winners of Collection 9 of the Flash Masters awards and thank our judges; Marlies Hartmann and Scott Josuweit.

But that's not all. We take you behind the scenes of Neil's recent 3 day SHINE workshops, sharing the energy, camaraderie, and mutual support that defined these workshops. There were unforgettable moments, like the awe-inspiring double rainbow that graced us. We also tip our hats to the models who brought the workshops to life. 

Finally, we get candid about the details of SHINE 3 and how you can attend!

Join us in the Flash Masters community:

Website: https://flashmasters.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flashmasters/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flash-masters

Flash Masters is hosted by:

Helen Williams: https://www.instagram.com/helenwilliamsphotography/
Neil Redfern: https://www.instagram.com/neilredfern/

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In this episode we play Argumental, where we debate natural light wedding photography v Flash wedding photography and who is the most important wedding supplier out of Content Creators and Toastmasters? It's a heated debate!

We also find out about the role of chimney sweeps at weddings - who knew that was a thing?!

This episode was recorded live at Neil Redfern's SHINE wedding photography workshop and features two of Neil's attendees; Dru Dodd and Caroline Rushton. A huge thank you to both Dru and Caroline for joining us and making this is a funny episode!

Dru Dodd: https://www.drudodd.co.uk/

Caroline Rushton: https://www.carolinerushtonphotography.co.uk/

Join us in the Flash Masters community:

Website: https://flashmasters.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flashmasters/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flash-masters

Flash Masters is hosted by:

Helen Williams: https://www.instagram.com/helenwilliamsphotography/
Neil Redfern: https://www.instagram.com/neilredfern/

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In this episode we catch up on our recent weddings and share insights from the Flash Masters community, including the fabulous work of Dru Dodd and Esteban Gill's in-depth explanations on creating stunning group portraits. Not to mention, we chat about Neil's upcoming Shine Workshop in Wales. A unique experience, where we plan to record a Flash Masters podcast in front of a live audience!

Ever wondered about the vibrant coluors and the rich cultural traditions that make Indian and Jewish weddings a spectacle to behold? We take you on a journey through our personal experiences photographing these extraordinary events. From the engagement parties to Haldi ceremonies, every moment is a celebration filled with stories waiting to be captured. Additionally, we dish out some valuable tips and tricks on how to navigate these weddings, along with advice on preparing for the colder months.

'Workflow' is a term often thrown around, but have you ever thought deeply about its importance in wedding photography? We wrap up the episode sharing our thoughts on the need for a streamlined workflow, especially when dealing with a flurry of wedding images. And for a little inspiration, Helen recounts her recent experience with creating her first reel on Instagram.

Join us in the Flash Masters community:

Website: https://flashmasters.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flashmasters/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flash-masters

Flash Masters is hosted by:

Helen Williams: https://www.instagram.com/helenwilliamsphotography/
Neil Redfern: https://www.instagram.com/neilredfern/