Harkness & light
Photography Training by Brett Harkness
Hi, I’m Brett Harkness & together with my wife & business parter Kristie we run Brett Harkness Photography.
With over two decades of experience as a professional photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing everything from stunning weddings and vibrant parties to editorial assignments & portrait shoots around the world. Photography has taken me on an incredible journey & still is , and now I’m here to share everything I’ve learned along the way.
Harkness & Light is your ultimate photography training platform, blending my personal insights with practical tools to help you elevate your craft. From mastering lighting techniques and storytelling to business tips and behind-the-scenes podcasts, this is where photographers of all levels can grow, learn, and thrive.
Whether you’re looking to refine your skills, ignite your creativity, or build a successful photography business, Harkness & Light is here to guide and inspire you every step of the way.
Photography training with a difference. From Weddings to Commercial, Lighting & Studio Portraits we cover it all.
We run 1-1 & small group sessions throughout the year so sign up to our newsletter to see when things are happening. Also be the first to know when something cool has hit the blog!
Listen up.
I did a podcast with photographer Martin Cheung a couple of weeks ago. Grab a coffee sit back and listen……….
Martin says - ‘ This week I am thrilled to sit down and talk to Brett Harkness, a true pioneer in wedding photography. Best known for his mastery of off-camera flash, he shares his incredible journey of how he started his career taking photos on a cruise ship and how he worked his way to high end luxury weddings, all whilst nuturing a thriving commercial photography/videography business too.
If you're looking for expert advice and inspiration, this episode is packed with it!
This episode is overflowing with wisdom from one of the best in the game. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, Brett’s candid advice and storytelling will leave you inspired and ready to take your photography to the next level. Don't miss this one! ‘
Episode 1. From Cruise Ships to Luxury Weddings
Episode 2. Trolley Dash around the brain of Brett Harkness
New Course - March 14 2025 - “ Lighting for the soul “
We are very excited about this one day course at our studio in Ansdell , near Lytham on the Fylde Coast. Limited to 4 photographers we will spend the day looking at studio lighting and making simply beautiful , ethereal portraits.
Studio - Ansdell - Lytham St.Annes. Date - March 14th 2025 Places - 4 £495.00 inc vat
WEDDINGS.. WHERE ARE WE AT?
Shoots like this!!
25 YRS IN.. WHAT KEEPS ME GOING?
NEW POST - CANVAS BACKDROP
TOP 10 BITS OF GEAR I LOVE
Merch.. & coffee
New Coffees Added
Coffee - grinds & beans
Starting from £7.50
New items
Unisex organic sweatshirt
£29.00
New items
Black Mug ( Let your light shine )
£9.50
New items
White Mug ( Trust the Process ) black handle & inside
from £9.50
“I’d followed Brett’s work for a while and loved his lighting style. I decided that I needed to take my wedding work to the next level and knew that lighting and composition was the only way to do this, so naturally, I booked onto a course with Brett. His openness in how he teaches is truly refreshing and is always there to answer follow up questions, should there be any. After a day of being amazed, confused, corrected and inspired, I was fired up to take away what i’d learnt and implement it into my own wedding work. Since then I have been on a couple more of his courses and bought his DVD’s and my wedding work has gone from strength to strength. My prices have increased and bookings have gone through the roof and it’s all down to the things i’ve learnt from Brett and how i’ve implemented them into my own business model. I can’t thank you enough - You’ve truly inspired me to be a better photographer and continue to do so on a daily basis.”
New Wedding Training course for 2025 coming soon
Watch this space or sign up for our notifications & Newsletter HERE
3 titles
Downloads to buy are here..
Please note that the shop now button below will take you direct to Flickrocket who host my downloads. You can purchase direct from there.
Take your flash from ( it looks ok.. too it looks amazing! These three titles will push your flash skills & wedding photography skills to the max!
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This was our first ever DVD produced 8 years ago but still very relevant in how we go about shooting weddings today - some things have changed - some things haven not! Our DVD ” Real Wedding” has been selling like hot cakes and we are running out very quickly. A few people have asked to see a little of what is on it, so here are a few snippets from the disk. The DVD is over 70 mins long with a further 60 min voice over, ” Directors voice over” covering more aspects of our wedding business. I also talk about my top 20 wedding shots from the last 18 months and you also get to see the finished wedding album from the shoot. We have had some fantastic feedback already.
”Brett you never fail to inspire! Watched it from start to finish the minute it came through the door. Awesome work, great tips on the directors cut and just really well put together. Anyone looking to shoot weddings “with style” should get this DVD.’
– Steve Ashton, photographer -
"LIGHT UP YOUR WEDDINGS .. with a speedlight , reflector & a little imagination."
Very excited to finally release our next BHP training DVD!
Over the years we have used larger lights on our shoots from Genesis GF400 lights to Elinchrom Rangers with over 1100 ws of power! Now for those of you that want to create stunning images on your weddings and only have a speedlight or two, a reflector and a couple of off camera triggers then this is the DVD for you! With over two hours of footage packed with information to help you take your winter & summer wedding imagery to a new level. No matter what your level then you will get something from this DVD.
A DVD that answers a lot of the questions you have about the wonderful world of wedding photography! Let me take you on this roller coaster of a ride using just a speedlight , Lastolite Ezy Box , Pocket Wizards , a reflector & a lot of imagination!
Taking a look at : Couple shots | Posing with the car |Speeches | Group shots – Bridal Party indoor & out | Ceremony and how to light it | First Dance | Table Details | Using Natural light & Reflector | Cutting the Cake | Sunlight & High Speed Flash and so much more..
These are simple techniques that you can execute with just a little thought and equipment. Sometimes we use an assistant in our own shooting but all of these techniques can be used with just a stand too. Learn the techniques that makes Brett Harkness one of the most creative and sought after wedding photographers of his generation. Take your own wedding photography to another level! -
Step by step, Brett Harkness takes you through the techniques that he uses when using Flash with his Bride & Groom. Brett talks you through step by step his reasons for creating such shots, the techniques used and the equipment utilized. Using a mixture of Speedlights & Elinchrom Ranger Lights watch Brett shoot indoors, in the dark, in a basement, bedroom & so much more. If you have ever wanted to see Brett in action and learn the techniques that have made him one of the most sought after social photographers of his generation then this is the download for you.There are a lot of speed light set ups as well as Elinchrom usage.
All quick to set up to take the session with your B&G to another level.
Shooting in Bedroom/Dark Basement/Staircase/Corridor/Doorway/Outside in Barn/Sky/First Dance/ and so much more.
Equipment used, technical method explained etc..
Kristies top tips..
The other half of Brett Harkness Photography
Kristie has been my wife & business partner for 25 years & counting! Her business acumen and people skills is second to none!
4 Top Tips from Kristie Harkness for Building a Thriving Wedding & Portrait Photography Business
Build Relationships First
Your business is built on trust. Whether it's connecting with clients or building rapport with venues and suppliers, genuine relationships go a long way. Treat everyone like a partner, not just a client or a vendor. A warm, professional approach ensures people recommend you long after the event.Master Your Workflow
Efficiency is key in a busy photography business. Streamline your processes—shooting, editing, delivering, and marketing—so you can focus on what you do best. Tools like client management software and batching edits will save you time and energy for the creative aspects of your work.Stay Inspired and Educated
Keep evolving! Whether it’s attending workshops, networking with fellow photographers, or simply experimenting with new techniques, never stop learning. Clients notice when your work has fresh energy and creativity, and it keeps your business at the top of its game.Value Your Time and Expertise
Don’t undervalue yourself or your work. Price your services to reflect your experience and the quality you bring. Be confident in communicating your value to clients—you’re not just taking photos; you’re creating memories and an experience they’ll treasure for a lifetime.
These principles have helped Brett Harkness Photography grow and thrive, and they can help you too!
Your Photography Power-Up Sessions
Which one is best for you?
1-1 & small group training
Grab your photography crew for a small group session, designed just for you! Tailored to your style, we’ll fine-tune your skills, conquer lighting, and have a laugh along the way. Think of it as a skill-boosting photo party!
Online 1-1 sessions - Website critique etc
This Christmas, why not swap the mince pies for some serious photography action? A 1-1 online session with me will get your business back on track—no reindeer games, just expert tips and a fresh start for 2025. Let’s make it happen!
Group Training - Weddings & Portraits
Our fabulous wedding and portrait photography courses are designed to elevate your skills with hands-on guidance, expert tips, and creative techniques. Learn from top photographer Brett Harkness to capture stunning moments and build a thriving photography business! ( 2025 Course Coming Soon )
A little love to people we love!
We back up all of our imagery etc with Backblaze, based in the USA. It’s awesome. Use this link to get some credit
Click Here to see who we use for our insurance & get a discount!
We have been using QB albums for almost 15 years now Queensberry Albums are simply the finest in the world.
We have been using Kaleidoscope framers for over 20 years and they are our go to for frames, prints and all things lifestyle!
go on…DO THIS ONE THING
As a photographer, the most powerful tool you have isn't necessarily your camera or your technical knowledge of settings—it's your ability to connect with your clients. When you shift your focus from the technical aspects of photography to the emotional connection between you and your subjects, you open the door to capturing truly authentic, powerful moments. The best images are often born from genuine interactions, where your clients feel comfortable, understood, and at ease in front of the camera. This trust allows them to express themselves more naturally, giving you the opportunity to capture real, unposed emotions. When you engage with your clients, listen to them, and create a relaxed, positive environment, you’re not just taking pictures—you’re telling their story. By focusing on the human connection, you invite them to be present in the moment, allowing you to photograph their true essence. Forget about obsessing over aperture and shutter speed for a moment, and instead, invest in the experience of the shoot itself. The photos you create when you put people first will always resonate deeper and last longer than any technically perfect image.
Brett
