Brett Harkness photography training — Harkness & Light

Harkness & Light

Photography training with Brett Harkness

Twenty-five years of weddings, portraits and editorial — lighting, storytelling and the business side, explained in plain English by someone still doing the job.

  • 1–1 days One photographer, one full day
  • Small groups A handful of people, hands on
  • Online sessions Screen to screen, wherever you are

Listen

Listen up.

Two episodes recorded with photographer Martin Cheung — grab a coffee and sit back.

How it started on cruise ships and ended up at luxury weddings, the off-camera flash work, and building a commercial side alongside it. Candid, and more useful than most gear talk.

  • 01

    From cruise ships to luxury weddings

    With Martin Cheung
    Listen
  • 02

    Brett Harkness returns — your wedding photography questions

    With Martin Cheung · out now
    Listen
Person sitting on a concrete edge holding a kayak paddle, wearing a helmet with a GBR label and a white sports top, against a dark background.
Smiling child lying on grass with toy cars
Chef preparing gourmet salads on plates in a restaurant kitchen under industrial lights.
Outdoor picnic table with charcuterie board, assorted cheeses, meats, olives, figs, and grapes. Two glasses of orange drinks. An umbrella overhead and a garden view.
Shrimp in a brown bowl with garlic and herbs, accompanied by bread.
Overhead view of a cup of coffee, a small creamer, and a spoon on a wooden table, with the base of a lamp visible.
Close-up of a black car side view with reflections on the windows and door handle.
Clown sitting on a barrel in front of a circus tent
Laughing child with curly blonde hair lying on grass
Man standing in dimly lit parking garage near a pickup truck.
Black SUV parked on a rural road at sunset with power lines and a large wall in the background.
A white grain elevator beside a railcar, with a cloudy sky in the background.
Woman sitting at a grand piano with her reflection visible in the open lid.
Woman in dark dress with feathered headpiece standing in field at dusk.
Man in a suit holding a smartphone against a wooden wall background
Hand opening a car door with a silver handle.
Two men in suits getting into a car outside a building with large windows.
Man with curly hair wearing a top hat, sequin tie, and vest standing under string lights.
Person in vintage suit and hat playing trombone in front of circus tent at night with fog.
A comedic scene at an outdoor event with performers. One person wears a white shirt and black shorts, seemingly in a comedic restraint. A performer in vintage-style attire uses a saw in a mock act. Another stands smiling in a colorful outfit, and two
Person in costume holding a long wooden instrument with face paint, wearing a hat, against a cloudy sky backdrop.
Person sitting on a throne-like chair inside a tent, surrounded by vintage decor and wearing a fur stole. Musical instrument nearby.
Woman holding a crystal ball with a circus tent in the background.
Person sitting on a chair in a dimly lit room, with a small model sailboat on a table beside a window, and a 'No Smoking' sign on the wall.
Man in a dark blazer standing confidently in an urban setting with office buildings and a cloudy sky in the background.
Person standing against a textured wall with short hair and wearing a dark coat, looking directly at the camera.
Businessman in gray suit with black tie, standing outdoors with sunlight shining behind, creating a halo effect.
Person in dark coat leaning against a concrete wall near a tall lamp post with two illuminated lights.
Person holding a ring over a table with a ring sizer, laptop, and ring box containing multiple rings
A child laughing, lying on grass, wearing a floral dress.
Young girl smiling, wearing striped shirt and denim overalls, standing on a sidewalk.
Young boy with blue eyes and star-patterned shirt leaning against a wooden background.
Model sailboat on a wooden cabinet near a window
Interior of a stylish dining area with arched entrance, stone floor, and high wood-beam ceiling. Features include tufted gray banquette seating around wooden tables, soft wall lighting, and framed art on light paneled walls.
Elegant table setting with a silver candelabra, lit candles, empty wine glasses, and green leaves on a white tablecloth, in a room with a large arched window.
Two diamond engagement rings on a display stand, one with a silver band and the other with a gold band.
Woman with long hair in a light-colored coat standing against a rusted metal wall, looking thoughtfully to the side.
Two diamond rings in a jewelry box, one silver with an oval diamond and one gold with a square diamond, against a blurred background.
Circus performer in costume sitting on a spool, wearing a top hat and gesturing, with a circus tent in the background under cloudy skies.
Person in elaborate costume playing a sousaphone in a field, with a circus tent in the background.
Circus performer dressed in black and white striped costume and top hat, posing with one foot on a striped pedestal, with circus tent in the background.
Man in colorful costume holding a bottle with a humorous expression
A man in vintage-style clothing stands inside a metal wheel or cage, part of a circus performance setup.
Man in a light blue suit holding a cigarette with smoke surrounding him, set against a dark, moody background.
Person wearing a sequined costume with colorful feathers and a silver hat.
A person in dark, theatrical costume with a crown and cape, dramatically displaying playing cards in mid-air, standing in front of a striped tent at an outdoor setting.
Person in colorful costume holding an accordion, standing next to a bird-like puppet with a crown.
A person wearing a helmet and red waterproof suit, paddling a kayak in water, with a blurred industrial background and moody lighting.
Aerial performer in costume on a trapeze with smoke and colorful lighting.
A person kayaking in dynamic waters, wearing a helmet and sporting gear. The kayak is partially visible with gear branding, and the scene is captured in a dramatic low-light setting.
A person wearing a red, white, and blue sports jacket is sitting on a ledge near water, holding a paddle. It is dusk or dawn, and the background is dark with trees visible in the distance.
Black and white portrait of a bearded man in a suit sitting with a contemplative expression.
Man in a light suit standing in a narrow, cobblestone street lined with historic buildings.
Man with gray beard and suit standing behind glass, reflecting trees.
A man with a beard wearing a wide-brimmed black hat and dark coat, standing against a moody, cloudy sky.
Silhouette of a man in a suit standing in a dimly lit urban alley at night, with a textured wall and window.
Man in brown hat and white shirt with suspenders looking at dark sky.
Man in a suit with a snowy or rainy background, looking contemplative.
Man holding a gun in a dark coat with bare tree branches and cloudy sky background.
Man with gray beard standing by window in white shirt and suspenders, looking sideways.
Black and white photo of a bearded man in a suit sitting on a wooden bench, holding a cane, with a modern building in the background.
Man with beard aiming revolver in outdoor setting
Man in dark clothing with branches in foreground, gray background.
Woman in yellow suit stands confidently in an urban alleyway, surrounded by graffiti-covered brick walls.
A muddy rugby player with a ball in a blue and yellow jersey.
A man sitting on a leather bench beside a mirrored wall, wearing a gray sweater and white shirt. The background features a dimly lit room with warm tones and a visible light bulb.
Woman in denim dress standing near vintage gas pump indoors.
Black and white portrait of a man sitting, wearing a coat and scarf, with a serious expression.
Blonde woman with long wavy hair in a thoughtful pose, hands near face, wearing dark lipstick, backlit by sunlight.
Woman with long blonde hair standing outside, wearing a white button-up shirt and black leather skirt, next to a glass building and wooden railing.
Man with beard and scarf leaning on railing outdoors near a building.
Circus performer in vintage costume holding a fire torch in front of a circus tent.
Woman in green dress and feather crown surrounded by greenery
Person sitting on a rooftop bench, wearing a dark coat and beanie, with overcast sky in the background.
Woman with long curly hair in fur coat standing in front of stacked firewood, wearing a metallic necklace and light dress, dimly lit rustic setting.
Luxury car interior with leather seats, digital dashboard, and control panel.
Blurred black luxury sedan driving fast on a road with overcast sky.
Person holding a Mercedes-Benz car key fob near a car.
Interior of a luxury car with a person wearing a suit, holding the steering wheel, dashboard with gauges visible.
Man in a suit exiting a luxury car on an airport runway near a small private airplane.
Three black Mercedes vehicles parked near a small airplane on an airport runway.
Person holding umbrella labeled 'Travel Style Cars' near black car, woman in background.
Man in a suit entering a black luxury car with an open back door.
Man in a suit exiting a black luxury car on an airport tarmac, with a private jet in the background.
A blue pickup truck parked in front of a building with "Memorial Field" signage and another sign for "Lyle Hein" Ball Diamond. A blurred silhouette of a person in motion is visible on the right side.
Close-up of a blue car's front headlight with a blurred background.
Mural featuring Canadian military aircraft and black car parked in front.
Front view of a white pickup truck between two metal silos
Close-up of a car's front seat with sunlight filtering in through the window.
Close-up of a brown leather car seat with detailed stitching.
Close-up of a Toyota car grille with logo and blue detail
Close-up of Toyota TRD Pro badge on a vehicle
Cloudy sky with a Canadian flag in the distance, partially obscured by a blue foreground object.
Black SUV parked in front of a building with stairs
Blue hatchback car parked on a street under a bridge, with greenery in the background.
White pickup truck parked on a gravel road between metal silos in a rural landscape with fields in the background under a clear sky.
A beige pickup truck parked on a road with trees in the background.
Black SUV parked near an industrial building with a large pipe structure, gravel ground beneath.
Close-up of a car's side mirror with integrated turn signal light, showing surface texture and blurred background.
Blonde woman with shadows on face standing near a window, dramatic lighting
Person wearing a hat and fleece neck warmer outdoors in cold weather
Person in a blue and red jacket checking a wristwatch, wearing a grey scarf and black beanie
Person trail running on a muddy path surrounded by ferns.
Silhouette of a person wearing a beanie and glasses against a cloudy sky, with a barbed wire fence and small barren tree in the background.
Close-up of a muddy trail running shoe with a red sole, surrounded by grass and mud.
Ballerina performing a backbend on pointe shoes, long hair flowing, with reflection on floor.
Silhouette of a person partially obscured by a sheer fabric, with dramatic lighting creating a soft, mysterious effect.
Ballet dancer sitting with knees drawn, wearing pointe shoes.
A dancer in a black outfit gracefully poses with one leg extended, surrounded by flowing red fabric against a dark background.
Five young ballet dancers in black leotards posing artistically on a studio floor with neutral lighting.
Ballet dancer in black tutu on pointe shoes against a textured background.
Woman sitting on a paddleboard surrounded by grass, with a paddle resting beside her, looking thoughtful.
Person holding a paddleboard and oar in rough sea
Man wearing a blue jacket outdoors with a bridge in the background.
Person leaning against a Land Rover Defender in an outdoor setting with cloudy sky.
Athletic woman in sportswear smiling, holding weight plates in gym setting.
Athlete standing in a gym with gymnastic rings, wearing black athletic wear with 'Totum' logo.
Man clapping hands with chalk dust in the air, wearing a gray Under Armour shirt and red wristband.
Man sitting in boxing ring with towel on shoulders, looking pensive, wearing athletic wear, boxing gloves on floor.
Motorcyclist wearing a helmet and protective gear, riding a blue motorcycle with logos and text on the suit and bike.
Close-up of a motorcyclist wearing a helmet and white racing suit, riding a bike with blue and white colors.
A person wearing a headlamp and magnifying glasses, likely involved in a medical or dental profession, with a beard and dark shirt.
Man with glasses and long beard sitting in a room with wooden walls and ceiling lights.
New York City skyline at sunset with the Empire State Building prominently featured.
Woman in a field wearing a brown hat, white top, and long cardigan, under a cloudy sky.
Man in winter coat with fur hood holding cup outdoors
Man in a yellow shirt laughing with his hands in his pockets standing in front of a green wall and shrubbery.
Black and white photo of a man laughing, wearing a button-up shirt and wristwatch
A man with light hair and a beard stands among tall, dry grass with a cloudy sky in the background.
Close-up of a brown leather strap with the name "ashiq" embossed on it.
Woman smiling while sitting at a table with tea set
Smiling man in a puffy jacket holding a mug, standing outdoors near a vehicle.
Model sailboat displayed on a wooden cabinet with wall lamps and a window in the background.
Man in a kitchen preparing a cocktail with assorted small bottles and a martini glass on the counter.
A smiling woman hugging a young boy in a red suit in front of a wooden fence.
Woman smiling, wearing dark athletic outfit, standing against a graffiti-covered brick wall.
Person sitting by a window wearing a light sweater, smiling, with a candle on the windowsill.
Man sitting indoors reading a book, near a window with a closed blind and framed artwork on the wall.
Woman in plaid shirt smiling, sitting on a wooden bench, dark background
Girl with long hair holding an ice cream cone, wearing a white shirt with cat designs, against a pink background.
A woman sitting on a stone bench outdoors, holding a young child on her lap. The woman is smiling and wearing a blue top and white shorts, while the child is wearing a white and blue dress. The setting is a garden with green plants and trees in the b
Two children lying on grass holding hands, wearing colorful summer clothes.
Smiling child with blonde hair and a gray sweater outdoors, hair blown by the wind.
Child wearing a hooded coat, standing outdoors with leaves falling around.
Two children lying on the ground and smiling, wearing colorful sweaters; one with rainbow stripes and the other with a patterned design.
Child jumping in a puddle wearing a striped dress and pink rain boots.
Couple lying on grass with dog, woman in cowboy hat laughing as dog nuzzles her face, man smiling.
Close-up of a child with red hair in a knit sweater, smiling, with hair partially covering face.
Leather couch with decorative pillows featuring floral designs
A wooden table with a book titled 'Atlas of the World' by The Times, a wicker basket containing a candle in a glass, and another closed book in the background.
Bottle of Bourgogne Pinot Noir wine next to a filled wine glass and a folded newspaper on a table.
Cup of coffee on a blue saucer with a spoon labeled "Dear Fuel" next to biscotti on a dark fabric.
Framed painting of a person on horseback under a spotlight in a dim room
Close-up of croissants and pain au chocolat on a plate
Framed sketch of a building with arched windows
Elegant restaurant interior with rustic decor, featuring a cozy corner booth with tufted seating, wooden tables, place settings, and vintage lighting under a high ceiling with exposed wooden beams.
Dining room with a chandelier, model sailboat, and elegantly set table.
Interior of a cozy bedroom with a fur throw blanket on the bed, a woven chair back, and a dark cabinet with soft lighting and a decorative basket.
Chickens inside a barn with window light, one perched on a beam.
Close-up of a vintage chair with a woven back and fur cushion.
Baked frittata with parsley, knife, sauces on wooden table
Charcuterie board with cheeses, fruits, and olives, accompanied by two glasses of red wine on a wooden table, lit by candles.
A person arranging pastries and macarons on a wooden display rack.
Modern wooden cabin with a hot tub, surrounded by greenery and a stone pathway.
Close-up of a gray upholstered chair with metallic studs next to a warm-toned table lamp with a fabric shade.
Close-up of a lit fireplace with visible flames and a metal handle.
Close-up of textured fabric on a round chair with a blurred wooden floor background.
Close-up of grass with blurred green background
Close-up of a hot tub water surface with bubbles
Close-up of an empty wooden bowl with a blurred background.
Modern black chair and round table on textured carpet
Close-up of a brown textured material with sharp angles and surfaces, resembling a structural or industrial component.
Construction worker ascending ladder in dimly lit environment, wearing a hard hat, safety goggles, and reflective vest.
Person working in a factory, wearing earmuffs and safety glasses, operating machinery.
Worker using a spray tool on a surface indoors.
Man in workshop wearing gloves, safety glasses, and earmuffs, working with metal bars
Modern building with dark geometric facade and windows under a blue sky.
Man working in a metal fabrication workshop, handling a large metal frame.
Person using a power drill on metal plate with bolts attached, wearing a black glove on a wooden workbench.
Close-up of a person receiving acupuncture treatment on the shoulder while lying on a bed, covered by a red blanket.
Close-up of a person performing acupuncture on another person's arm, inserting a needle into the skin. The focus is on the hands and the acupuncture needle, with a blurred background.
Students in school uniforms sitting at a desk, smiling and writing.
Teacher with raised student hands in classroom
Students in school uniforms studying together at a desk.
Four children in costumes smiling and posing in front of a chalkboard with colorful scribbles.
Students conducting a science experiment with test tubes
A child in a checkered apron holding a bowl of strawberries and green grapes, standing in front of hanging checkered aprons.
Four children in red cardigans and checkered dresses pose against a mural wall, with one holding a pink ball and another two holding bucket stilts. A person in similar attire is seated in the foreground.
A group of kids in red sweaters lying on the ground with arms raised, smiling and posing energetically.
Two young athletes participating in a relay race on a grassy field. One is handing over the baton to the other. They are wearing sports uniforms, and several goalposts are visible in the background.
Young girl playing cricket outside, holding a yellow bat, near stumps and a ball on a grassy field.
Group of children jumping and cheering on a grassy field, wearing sports uniforms, with trees in the background.
Black and white photo of a young boy playing with a soccer ball against a textured wall.
A student wearing a white shirt, striped tie, and blue apron stands smiling in a woodworking classroom, holding a compass tool. Other students are blurred in the background, also engaged in workshop activities.
Two students in school uniforms sitting at a table, one smiling and the other looking down at a notebook.
Students in uniforms walking up stairs, holding onto a railing.
Person wearing a bear costume smiling and reaching out
Students in a science lab wearing safety goggles conducting a flame test with a Bunsen burner and matchstick.
Three young women in red sports shirts smiling and standing outdoors.
Student smiling, wearing a school uniform and apron, holding crafting tools in a classroom.
A person wearing a Manchester United jacket and lanyard is sitting at a table, smiling and facing two others who are partially visible.
Person drawing a logo design on paper, with cups and sketches on the table.
View from inside a microwave showing a caregiver placing food on a plate while an elderly woman sits in the background.
Two people looking at a tablet displaying an image of a modern building.
Person wearing an RSPCA uniform with safety gear and gloves, standing near water, with blurred vehicles in the background.
Surgeon in blue scrubs holding surgical instruments during operation
Rescue worker in helmet and gear on a boat in a marshland setting.
Person shoveling dirt out of a trench, viewed from a low angle between metal beams against a blue sky with clouds.

Who we use

A little love to people we love

Not sponsors — the companies we actually pay, year after year.

01

Backblaze

Backs up every image we shoot. US-based, unlimited, and it just works.

Visit
02

Queensberry

Fifteen years of albums. Still the finest made anywhere, and the ones we put our name to.

Visit
03

Kaleidoscope

Our framers for over twenty years — frames, prints and everything that ends up on a wall.

Visit
A woman in circus attire performing on a trapeze, wearing fishnet tights and a decorated costume with jewelry, in a smoky, colorful stage setting.
A woman in a blue waterproof jacket and black cap stands in the ocean holding a paddle and leaning against a large silver paddleboard.
Ballet dancer's legs and feet in pointe shoes, wearing a black tutu, standing on a reflective floor in a dimly lit studio or stage.
A person in a business suit driving a luxury car with a modern dashboard and air vents.

Harkness & Light

1–1 Training

Online or In Person

1–1 & small groups

Sessions packed with lightbulb moments

A day on your photography rather than a syllabus. We work through lighting, composition and storytelling on your pictures and your sticking points — and the business side too, if that's what's actually holding you back.

Twenty-five years of doing this for a living, handed over straight: what works, what I got wrong, and how to apply it on Saturday when it counts. Expect to leave fired up and slightly impatient to go and shoot something.

  • 01LightingFlash and natural, on location and in a studio set-up — why a picture looks the way it does, and how to repeat it.
  • 02Composition & storytellingSeeing the frame before it happens, and building a set of pictures that hangs together as a story.
  • 03The business sidePricing, packaging and the work you choose to take — the part most photographers leave to chance.
“He takes a down to earth and fun approach to teaching… If you're thinking about booking a course or a one to one with him, just do it; it will take your skills, knowledge and photography to a completely different level.”
Louise · four workshops
“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… My prices have increased and bookings have gone through the roof.”
Ben · wedding photographer

How it works

Three ways to do it

Same material, different shapes. If you're not sure which suits, say what you're struggling with and I'll tell you straight.

01

1–1 day

A full day, just you. We shoot, we review, and we go wherever your work needs the most attention.

  • One photographer
  • Shooting and reviewing
  • Follow-up questions afterwards
Enquire
02

Small group

A handful of photographers, models and lighting set up, and enough time for everyone to actually shoot rather than watch.

  • Hands on, not a lecture
  • Models and lighting provided
  • Dates announced by email
Enquire
03

Online 1–1

Screen to screen, wherever you are. Best for portfolio reviews, editing, pricing and the business questions.

  • Anywhere in the world
  • Portfolio and edit reviews
  • Recorded if you want it
Enquire
Bride and groom smiling while walking surrounded by guests, with confetti in the air and a bouquet of purple flowers.

Just starting out

Start here

It's easy to feel like you need all the gear and all the answers straight away. You don't. You need to know your camera inside out — and to keep shooting.

  1. 01
    Learn the camera Shoot in manual. Understand how light works. Don't rush the process — the more you shoot, the more confident you get.
  2. 02
    Practise everywhere Friends, family, natural light, tricky light, indoors, out. Every shoot builds your eye.
  3. 03
    People matter as much as technique How you make someone feel in front of the camera shows up in the pictures. Be present, be calm, be genuine — people feed off your energy.
  4. 04
    Don't chase a style It develops on its own. Focus on storytelling, strong composition and clean, honest edits. Join communities, assist, ask for feedback.

You're building something — not just a portfolio, but a way of seeing.

Kristie Harkness

Five things Kristie knows

The other half of Brett Harkness Photography. My wife and business partner for twenty-five years and counting — and the reason the business side works. Her people skills are second to none. Here's what she'd tell you.

  1. Build real relationships

    The wedding world runs on trust and word of mouth. Connect with planners, venues and other suppliers — not just to network, but to genuinely collaborate. The more people who enjoy working with you, the more your name gets passed around.

  2. Stay consistent

    Every email, call, post and gallery should reflect your brand. Couples want to feel they can rely on you — professionalism at every step makes all the difference.

  3. Keep your online presence fresh

    New weddings, behind-the-scenes moments, personal touches. Let couples see the energy and emotion that goes into what you do — not just the end results.

  4. Work with the right venues

    Focus on the ones that attract your kind of clients. Build great relationships with their teams, share images for their marketing, and always credit other suppliers. It keeps your work visible to the right audience.

  5. Create an unforgettable experience

    From the first chat to the album delivery, make couples feel special. Quick replies, calm energy on the day, thoughtful touches afterwards — it's what turns happy clients into your best source of new work.

These are the principles that built our business. They'll build yours too.

Three people posing together in front of a dark background, with similar long, straight hair, wearing black outfits. The person in the center stands while the two on either side lean slightly, creating a sense of closeness.

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