Let’s be real for a second. Are you just shooting in natural light, slapping on a preset, and then sending the gallery off to your client, hoping they’ll love it? You’re not alone. That’s where most of us self-taught photographers start. It’s safe, it’s easy, and at first, it seems to work just fine. But deep down, there’s always that nagging question: What makes my photos unique?

I’ll be honest, I was in this boat for YEARS. I thought, “Hey, tweaking a preset here and there, adding a little flair, that’s enough, right?” But after a while, my photos started blending in with those of about a dozen other photographers in my area. That’s when it hit me.

I was using someone else’s presets. I was drawing inspiration from Pinterest and looking at everyone else’s work for ideas on how to make my photos “pop.” But where was I in all of this? Where was my voice? Where was my style?

The Wake-Up Call: Finding My Own Light

I’ll admit, it took me a while to figure this out. But eventually, I realized that my photos weren’t bad — they were just… predictable. Same preset, same natural light. The magic was missing.

That’s when I made a game-changing discovery: lighting.

Now, before you start thinking “Oh, lighting, cool… I’ve heard of that,” hear me out. There’s a huge difference between just using natural light and actually understanding lighting — particularly off-camera flash and constant lighting. I had been missing out on this for so long, and once I finally figured it out, my whole world of photography opened up in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

Mark Andrew Boughton: From Maternity Shoot to Mentor

Here’s a fun twist in my story: I’ve actually known Mark Andrew Boughton for years. Back in the day — six years ago, to be exact — Mark took photos of me for my first maternity shoot. I was in complete awe of his work. The way he captured the emotion, the lighting, the details—it was like nothing I had ever seen before. His photos spoke to me on a deeper level, and ever since, I’ve been a huge fan.

Fast forward to this year, and something truly incredible happened. Mark, who I’ve always admired, offered to help me. He didn’t just offer advice or some quick tips — he taught me everything he knows about constant lighting and off-camera flash.

It was more than just a technical lesson; it was a complete shift in how I saw photography.

Shutterfest Moment: How Lighting Changed Everything

While I had always been a fan of Mark’s work, this year, I truly learned from him. And let me tell you, it changed everything. His guidance on constant lighting and off-camera flash opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibility. No longer was I just relying on natural light to make my photos look “pretty.” I was shaping my light to tell a story.

The difference was immediate and drastic. My photos became sharper, more defined, and more alive. My portraits no longer looked like everyone else’s — they became something I had never seen before.

And guess what? I even created my own presets. Yup. Something I never, ever thought I would do. It was like a lightbulb moment — a combination of technique and creativity coming together to make photos that are uniquely mine.

The Big Transformation: From “Good” to “Art”

After discovering the power of lighting and learning how to shape it, my photos went from a solid 6/10 to a 20/10. No joke. It was like stepping into a whole new world. I was no longer just another photographer in a saturated market; I was creating art. And let me tell you, that feeling is everything.

I went from taking simple “good-enough” shots to capturing portraits that not only looked different but felt different. My work now has a signature style — and it’s mine. No more cookie-cutter photos. No more hoping my clients will love the gallery. Now, my clients can’t wait to see their photos because they know they’re getting something unique, something special.

Why Lighting is Essential for Your Photography Journey

I’m telling you this story because I want you to understand one thing: Lighting is everything. If you’ve been struggling with your photos or feeling like your work lacks that personal touch, it’s time to dive into off-camera flash and constant lighting. These techniques will elevate your work and set you apart from the crowd.

And here’s the exciting part — over the next week, we’re going to dive deep into these topics. I’m going to break down everything I’ve learned about off-camera flash, constant lighting, and how you can use these techniques to transform your photos. You don’t need to rely on someone else’s presets or Pinterest inspiration anymore. You’ll learn how to craft your own lighting and style, turning your photos into art.

Feeling Grateful & Excited for What’s Ahead

I can’t even begin to express how grateful I am for the journey I’ve been on. Sure, there have been bumps along the way, and yes, I’ve struggled with self-doubt (who doesn’t?), but the moment I realized my photos could be more than just “good” was a game-changer.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like me,” then know you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and I know the frustration of feeling like your work just isn’t standing out. But trust me — you can get there. You can create photos that are yours, photos that truly reflect your style and vision.

I’m so excited to share everything I’ve learned with you in the coming week. Stay tuned for a deep dive into lighting, and let’s take your photos from “meh” to wow together!

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Ready to Level Up Your Photography?
Stay tuned for next week’s posts where I break down the ins and outs of constant lighting, off-camera flash, and how you can make these techniques work for you. Believe me, you won’t want to miss it!

Keep Pushing – Keep Learning,

Chantel Marie
Chantel Marie Photography