Prepare to have your approach to wedding photography transformed as, following on from last week's podcast, we are again joined by the renowned Dru Dodd for part 2 of our chat with Dru .

Dru's signature group composites have revolutionised the traditional wedding group shot. Dru's stories carry us from his first serendipitous composite to drawing inspiration from Annie Leibovitz's lighting prowess. What begins as a mission to offer clients something remarkable ends up setting a new standards in the wedding photogaphy industry.

When the lights dim, creativity must shine – a concept we embrace wholeheartedly in this episode. Dru shares tales of lighting challenges that would send most photographers into a frenzy, from shadowy priories to unpredictable UK weather. We reveal how the humble mobile phone light can become a photographer's secret weapon and discuss the innovation of high-powered lighting equipment that has reshaped our craft. The ingenious DIY 'Halo Pack' method is not just a nod to resourcefulness but a testament to Dru's innovative mindset.

Finally, we bridge the gap between the dramatic terrain of landscape photography and the intimate world of weddings. Incorporating majestic backdrops into couple portraits calls for a fine-tuned eye for composition, something Dru has honed through both experience and the wisdom of landscape visionaries. We recount tales of photographers braving the elements, much like the Greek heroes of old, and outline how a photographer's resilience can capture those epic, once-in-a-lifetime shots that make a wedding album truly legendary. Join us for a journey through light, love, and the art of capturing moments that last a lifetime.

A huge thank you to Dru for joining us for this two part special!

Dru's website: https://www.drudodd.co.uk/
Follow Dru's wedding photography on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drudodd/
Follow Dru's landscape on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drudoddlandscapes/

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/

In this episode of the Flash Masters podcast, we are joined by the King of the Composites and one of the industry's true innovative photographers, Dru Dodd.

Amongst many different topics, Dru reveals the magic behind his innovative 'wedding wall' and how it helped grow his wedding photography business. Plus, ever wondered what happens when the meticulous precision of science collides with the boundless creativity of photography? His tales from behind the camera serve not only to inspire but also bring a chuckle as we navigate the unpredictable world of wedding guests, from playful newborn poses to the challenges of international colloquialisms.

Strap in for an emotional ride through the lens of personal photography projects that keep a photographer's passion ablaze. Dru shares the intimate side of his work, from his personal project of taking portraits of his partner, through to documenting a friend's home renovation, reminding us of the profound impact these projects have on a photographer's growth. This episode isn't just about the technical aspects of photography; it's a testament to the stories we cherish and the memories we capture, holding a mirror to the beauty we often overlook in our daily lives.

As we journey with Dru through his family's photographic history, we uncover a love for the craft deeply rooted in his genes—from a WWII signalman-turned-photographer to Dru's very own brand, symbolized by Sycamore Gap's iconic tree. Endearing tales of recreating cherished family photos and the unexpected surprises found in digitizing old slides weave a rich tapestry that honours the past while framing the future. Dru's perspective is a reminder of the enduring power of photography to bridge generations and capture the essence of our shared human experience.

Dru's website: https://www.drudodd.co.uk/
Follow Dru's wedding photography on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drudodd/
Follow Dru's landscape on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drudoddlandscapes/

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/

Embark on a journey through the highs and lows of photography as we re-emerge, energized and ready to rock! We update you on all the latest news from the Flash Masters community - as well as what we have been up to personally.

Plus, we announce our very first in-person 'Flash Masters presents' workshop as the incredible Christian Cardona will be coming to Manchester UK all the way from Colombia to hold his two day wedding photography off camera flash workshop and it will all be hosted by Flash Masters! This will be an exclusive event for Flash Masters members so if you aren't a member and would like to come, please join us so you can secure your place - and as a thank you to our members, this workshop is a crazy low price.

And get ready to feast on the thought-provoking potential of AI in photography, as we sit down with Justin from Aftershoot to dissect the innovative updates to Aftershoot software. This isn't just a talk about tech; it's a deep dive into how these advancements are shaking up our workflows and uniting us in the spirit of friendly competition. We're discussing the industry-shaping power of AI and sharing tips on how to harness it to elevate your craft. With Justin's unique insights and a community-led contest sparked by his intriguing profile photo, this episode is packed with laughter, learning, and a hint of friendly rivalry. So, join us for a session that's as rich in community spirit as it is in cutting-edge discussion.

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/