Harkness & light
Photography Training by Brett Harkness
Hi, I’m Brett Harkness & together with my wife & business parter Kristie we run Brett Harkness Photography.
With over two decades of experience as a professional photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing everything from stunning weddings and vibrant parties to editorial assignments & portrait shoots around the world. Photography has taken me on an incredible journey & still is , and now I’m here to share everything I’ve learned along the way.
Harkness & Light is your ultimate photography training platform, blending my personal insights with practical tools to help you elevate your craft. From mastering lighting techniques and storytelling to business tips and behind-the-scenes podcasts, this is where photographers of all levels can grow, learn, and thrive.
Whether you’re looking to refine your skills, ignite your creativity, or build a successful photography business, Harkness & Light is here to guide and inspire you every step of the way.
Photography training with a difference. From Weddings to Commercial, Lighting & Studio Portraits we cover it all.
We run 1-1 & small group sessions throughout the year so sign up to our newsletter to see when things are happening. Also be the first to know when something cool has hit the blog!
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! ‘
Episode 1. From Cruise Ships to Luxury Weddings
Episode 2. Trolley Dash around the brain of Brett Harkness
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
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.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.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.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.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!
Merch.. & coffee
New Coffees Added
Coffee - grinds & beans
Starting from £7.50
New items
Unisex organic sweatshirt
£29.00
New items
Black Mug ( Let your light shine )
£9.50
New items
White Mug ( Trust the Process ) black handle & inside
from £9.50
“I’d followed Brett’s work for a while and loved his lighting style. I decided that I needed to take my wedding work to the next level and knew that lighting and composition was the only way to do this, so naturally, I booked onto a course with Brett. His openness in how he teaches is truly refreshing and is always there to answer follow up questions, should there be any. 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. Since then I have been on a couple more of his courses and bought his DVD’s and my wedding work has gone from strength to strength. My prices have increased and bookings have gone through the roof and it’s all down to the things i’ve learnt from Brett and how i’ve implemented them into my own business model. I can’t thank you enough - You’ve truly inspired me to be a better photographer and continue to do so on a daily basis.”
Your Photography Power-Up Sessions
Which one is best for you?
1-1 & small group training
Grab your photography crew for a small group session, designed just for you! Tailored to your style, we’ll fine-tune your skills, conquer lighting, and have a laugh along the way. Think of it as a skill-boosting photo party!
Online 1-1 sessions - Website critique etc
This Christmas, why not swap the mince pies for some serious photography action? A 1-1 online session with me will get your business back on track—no reindeer games, just expert tips and a fresh start for 2025. Let’s make it happen!
Group Training - Weddings & Portraits
Our fabulous wedding and portrait photography courses are designed to elevate your skills with hands-on guidance, expert tips, and creative techniques. Learn from top photographer Brett Harkness to capture stunning moments and build a thriving photography business! ( 2025 Course Coming Soon )
A little love to people we love!
We back up all of our imagery etc with Backblaze, based in the USA. It’s awesome. Use this link to get some credit
Click Here to see who we use for our insurance & get a discount!
We have been using QB albums for almost 15 years now Queensberry Albums are simply the finest in the world.
We have been using Kaleidoscope framers for over 20 years and they are our go to for frames, prints and all things lifestyle!
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.
HOP ABOARD
