Invaluable Lighting Insights: Susan Stripling’s Presentation at the WPPI Wedding Summit

At the recent WPPI Wedding Summit, attendees were treated to a captivating presentation by renowned wedding photographer Susan Stripling. Known for her exceptional command of light and distinct photographic style, Susan generously shared her techniques, insights, and experiences accumulated over more than two decades in the industry.

Susan’s presentation was a masterclass in simplicity and practicality. She emphasized the importance of understanding and controlling lighting—be it natural or artificial—to achieve stunning results. Her humorous, candid approach made complex lighting scenarios approachable, showing attendees how minimal equipment and smart techniques can deliver dramatic, high-impact images. From her reliance on versatile lenses like the Canon 28-70mm to her go-to lighting setup with compact Godox AD100s, Susan demystified off-camera flash photography.

One standout aspect of her talk was the step-by-step breakdown of her process: choosing a location, envisioning the scene as if natural sunlight were available, and then strategically placing artificial lighting to create authentic-looking photographs. Susan emphasized starting with basic camera settings—125th of a second shutter speed, ISO 400, and an aperture of around f/4—as a reliable baseline. She explained the importance of taking an initial ambient light test shot before introducing flash, ensuring the surroundings are balanced correctly.

Susan also shared specific tips for troubleshooting lighting setups, such as:

• Adjusting shutter speed to control ambient light, using faster speeds to cut down background brightness.

• Moving the flash further from the subject to soften its intensity.

• Employing grids on lights to direct and control the spread of illumination, reducing unwanted shadows and spill.

• Utilizing high-speed sync when needing higher shutter speeds to maintain proper exposure outdoors or in bright conditions.

• Tilting lights slightly away from the wall to avoid harsh shadows and employing “feathering” techniques.

By demonstrating live with a model, Susan vividly illustrated how these practical adjustments significantly influence the mood and clarity of a photo. She also recommended carrying simple modifiers, like compact diffusers, for versatility without bulk, particularly crucial for weddings where portability is key.

Her approach underscores a powerful lesson: photographers don’t always need elaborate setups to produce exceptional work. Practical and adaptable, Susan encouraged experimentation while also advocating for efficiency—essential for any photographer working in fast-paced wedding environments.

Susan’s mentorship and willingness to openly share her knowledge significantly enriches our photography community. Her guidance inspires photographers at every level to enhance their skills and think creatively about their work.

We’re incredibly grateful for Susan Stripling’s generosity and dedication to educating fellow photographers. Her approachable mentorship truly embodies the spirit of collaboration and continuous learning we deeply value at ISO Excited.

Thank you, Susan, for empowering us with your wisdom and experience!