Harkness & light

Photography Training by Brett Harkness

Driven by passion

Our journey has been anything but ordinary. Through every step, we've focused on staying true to our values and making space for thoughtful, lasting work.

This isn’t just a business—it’s a reflection of what we believe in. We’re here to create work that matters, led by a shared commitment to quality and care.

Bride and groom smiling while walking surrounded by guests, with confetti in the air and a bouquet of purple flowers.

Just starting out?

When you're just starting out in photography, it’s easy to feel like you need all the gear and all the answers straight away. But what really matters is getting to know your camera inside out. Learn to shoot in manual, understand how light works, and don’t rush the process. The more you shoot, the more confident you'll become. Practice everywhere — on friends, family, in natural light, tricky light, indoors, outdoors — every experience helps build your eye and your skill. If you're drawn to weddings or lifestyle photography, your connection with people becomes just as important as your technical ability. How you make someone feel in front of the camera will directly affect the images you create. Be present, be calm, be genuine — people feed off your energy. You get back what you give from behind the camera. If you're relaxed, they relax. If you're encouraging and upbeat, they respond in kind. That trust creates space for real moments, and those are the images that last. Don’t put pressure on yourself to find your style right away — it will develop naturally as you shoot more and start understanding what you’re drawn to. Focus instead on good storytelling, strong compositions, and clean, honest edits. Join communities, assist other photographers, ask for feedback, and keep learning. The best thing you can do is stay curious and keep moving forward. Every shoot, every mistake, every small win adds up. You’re building something — not just a portfolio, but a way of seeing. So give it your time, your energy, and your attention. What you put in from behind the camera will always come through in the images you create.

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! ‘

Listen

Episode 1. From Cruise Ships to Luxury Weddings

OUT NOW

Episode 2. Trolley Dash around the brain of Brett Harkness

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Quick Clips, Big Gains!

We’re introducing bite-sized video content designed to pack a serious punch, giving you actionable tips and behind-the-scenes insights into every aspect of photography. Whether it’s mastering off-camera flash, perfecting your portrait techniques, or navigating the fast-paced world of luxury weddings, these videos will deliver practical knowledge in easy-to-digest snippets.

Perfect for busy photographers, these videos are tailored to fit into your schedule while providing maximum value. Each clip is crafted to inspire, educate, and elevate your photography skills—whether you’re shooting in a studio, on location, or even working online. Stay tuned and make sure you’re signed up to catch the first drops of this exciting new content. Let’s take your photography journey to the next level!

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.

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!

5 Top Tips from Kristie Harkness for Building a Thriving Wedding & Portrait Photography Business
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 and consistency at every step make all the difference.
3. Keep your online presence fresh.
  Update your website and socials with new weddings, behind-the-scenes moments, and personal touches. Let couples see the energy, emotion, and passion that go into what you do — not just the end results.
4. Work with the right venues and suppliers.
  Focus on venues 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 that first chat to the album delivery, make couples feel special. Quick replies, calm energy on the day, thoughtful touches afterward — it’s what turns happy clients into raving fans (and your best source of new work!).
These principles have helped Brett Harkness Photography grow and thrive, and they can help you too!