Flash Masters Members Spotlight - Ben Cumming

 

Where in the world are you based? Where is the most exciting location you have shot at?

Batley, West Yorkshire UK.  I like history so I loved shooting at Hodsock Priory for the Henry 8th connection.  I love shooting at the Old Priests House too on the Bolton Abbey Estate.  Just again you can feel the history there.  Not flash related but I shot a 1st dance there that had to be outside because off regulations at the time.  Conditions were beautiful as the sun set and I shot it with the drone.  Spine tingling moment. Allerton Castle excites me as it's a technical venue so pushes me with flash.   

When did you set up your photography business and what genres of photography do you shoot?

Set up in 2009 but just messed about with it for a long time until I started with a proper education with workshops and Photographic Societies

What would you say has been your most memorable photography job and why?

I think I answered that one above when I went off on a tangent lol.  Sunset 1st dance outside the historic Priests House during covid on the Bolton Abbey Estate.

What is your all time favourite photograph you have taken and why? 

Photograph of my son in the studio.  He lives in France and this was the first time he'd been over to England.  My son teaches me as lot about me. In that picture there is a picture of my Dog Rufus.  He teaches how to let go :'(

Reveal one thing you keep in your camera bag that people may not expect to be there. Why is it there?*

My son's 1st dummy (I think the politically correct version might be pacifier lol!!)

What is the biggest reason you like using off camera flash?

It's just a completely different perspective for the client.  When they see it it gives them the same wow moment that I had the first time I saw it too

What is the best part/biggest benefit of being a Flash Masters member?

Honest answer.. I'm lazy with flash.  I need to push myself.. more so at weddings.  The studio stuff took some learning but I have time in  the studio.  I don't at weddings but I can do better, will do better! (I'm trying to convince myself here!!)

If you could give one piece of advice to anyone starting out on their flash photography journey, what would it be? 

Education 1st or you will become stuck.  Find someone you can learn from and stick with that methodology first.  Once you 'get it' you can then look at other methods as you'll understand the mechanics so much better.

Thanks you so much Ben for all of your advice and amazing images! It's fabulous to see you pushing your use of flash in both the studio and at weddings! You can see more of Ben's work on his Flash Masters profile.