Holiday Glow & Vintage Soul: Flash Photography with Sara Hageman
The holidays have a way of begging to be photographed — twinkling lights, messy kitchens, wrapped packages, and the kind of joy that only exists once a year. But when the sun sets early and the light fades fast, flash becomes more than a technical tool — it becomes a creative one.
In this holiday inspired series, photographer Sara Hageman leans into vintage flash aesthetics to create images that feel nostalgic, cinematic, and alive. Her approach is intentionally imperfect. Sara prides herself on “throwing together cheap and janky setups” — grabbing props from her local dollar store, setting up something playful with her kids, and seeing if she can bring a creative idea to life without overthinking or overproducing it. And we are here for it.
Sara shoots with a Sony A7III paired with a 28–75mm lens, using a Godox V1-S flash to bring light back into dim spaces without killing the mood. For her camera settings, she keeps things consistent: 1/250 shutter speed, f/4.0, ISO 400 — allowing the flash to do the heavy lifting while preserving ambient light and depth.
Her flash is set to TTL (Through-The-Lens), typically ranging between -1 and -3 power. For wider pull-back shots, she leans closer to -1, letting the flash gently fill the scene. For intimate close-ups, she dials it down to -3, creating a softer, more natural falloff that keeps skin tones warm and highlights subtle.
TTL is especially powerful in fast-moving, unpredictable environments — like holiday gatherings — because it automatically calculates flash output based on the scene. Instead of stopping to manually adjust settings with every movement, TTL allows you to stay present, react quickly, and focus on storytelling while the camera and flash communicate behind the scenes. It’s ideal for documentary-style work where moments don’t wait.
TTL is ideal when your subject is moving, you’re changing compositions quickly, or the lighting isn’t consistent — like holiday gatherings, in-home sessions, or candid family moments.
Many photographers use both TTL and Manual when using flash, switching depending on the situation. TTL gives you freedom. Manual gives you precision.
At the end of the day, flash isn’t about perfection — it’s about using light in a way that supports the story you’re telling.
If you are new to flash and are feeling overwhelmed create a fun set up at home, throw it onto TTL and see what comes of it.
Like anything in photography…you need to play around and practice to gain confidence!
Let go of perfection and give yourself permission to experiment. Like anything in photography, confidence comes from play — from trying, adjusting, and practicing until the process starts to feel intuitive.
This blog feature isn’t just about gear or settings, it’s about using flash as a creative extension of your vision. Sara’s images remind us that flash doesn’t have to be harsh, clinical, or over-lit. When used thoughtfully, it can feel nostalgic, emotive, and deeply human. The perfect creative touch for documenting the magic of the season.
Let these images inspire you to embrace the glow, trust the mess, and bring a little vintage soul into your holiday work.
