Hey wedding photographer,
If you are into the direct flash look then this list of the best flashes for direct flash photography is for you. These are based on feedback from many pro photographers and are what we recommend for photographers looking to shoot flash in this run and gun, quick and direct way. Basically you havetwo directions you can go. To Profoto or to Godox. To the premium option or the affordable option. Which should you choose? Let's dive in:

Profoto A1

Profoto A1 | Images by Anna Roussos and Haute Weddings

The Profoto A1 is the top of the line flash and go to for many wedding photographers. We love the stunning build quality and feel, easy to use and understand controls and a quicker than the rest refresh rate. Most of all we love the round head design which helps to give a natural light fall off around the edges, as well as an even light pattern. Many flashes have some spots brighter than the others or show a criss cross pattern. (try firing yours against a darker wall to see the pattern). The A1 can be used mounted on top of your camera with the hot shoes mount, or wirelessly with a trigger.

The Pros

  • Superior build quality
  • Amazing built in modelling light
  • Fast refresh rate
  • Round head design
  • Easy to use controls - turning the wheel effortlessly to change the power is just so nice.
  • Comes with a lovely pouch/carry case

‍The Cons

  • Much more expensive than competitors
  • Extra batteries are expensive

How to trigger the flash? Profoto Triggers.

The triggers available to use with the Profoto A1 are also great. While there is the more fully featured Profoto Connect Pro, the best trigger for the Profoto A1 for direct flash photography is the Profoto connect. A tiny round piece that mounts on your hot shoes and seemlessly connects to your flash. A quick twist and it’s on a ready to go. You will however need to adjust your flash settings on the flash itself.

The Profoto Trigger

Godox V1 (and V1 Pro)

Godox V1 | Images by Danilo and Sharon

The Godox V1 is a very popular choice for photographers and is the direct competitor to the A1 from Profoto. It also features the round head shape for the natural fall off, easy enough controls, and quick refresh rates - however, it is alll at a very affordable price. The main differences lie in the build quality, price and accessories available in the eco system. Many photographers swear by the V1, however, many have also reported concerns with the build quality. The Godox V1 is also designed to be used mounted on top of your camera, or with a trigger for wireless use.

The Pros

  • Round head shape
  • Quick refresh rate
  • More affordable option

‍The Cons

  • Build quality and feel is not as nice as the Profoto options
  • V1 version is known to have issues with the hot shoe mount breaking. You'll need to be careful when it's mounted on your camera.

Godox Triggers

If you want to shoot wirelessly you'll also need a trigger mounted on your hot shoe. Until recently, your options were big bulky triggers like the XProii and X2R. However, Godox has just released their new X3 trigger which is a beautifully designed, very small trigger with touch screen. It will pair perfectly with your Godox V1 and be a pretty pair.

The New Godox X3 Trigger

Profoto A2

Profoto A2  - Images by: Haute Weddings and Benjamin Wheeler

If you are not worried about your ability to mount the flash ontop of the camera and you are committed to holding the flash like below… Then the next two flashes might be for you.

The Profoto A2 is very similar to the A1, but with a few key design differences that are worth noting for you direct flash fans. The most notable is the shape. The A2 is not designed to sit on camera and is made to be used either handheld, or mounted on a light stand. Many photographers who shoot wirelessly and handheld anyway will love the sleekness of this design, as well as the included handle/light stand mount. Profoto likes to call the A2 'the soda can' and we can see why. The flash ends up being just a little smaller than the other on camera speedlites and packages away into your camera bag neatly. The A2 is a better option for run and gun flash photographers than the older B10x from Profoto.

The Pros

  • Round head shape
  • Alternative form factor
  • Easy to mount on a light stand
  • 100W of power, slightly more than the Profoto A1

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Godox AD100

Godox AD100Pro | Images by Haute Weddings

The Godox AD100PRO is the alternative to the Profoto A2. With the same design differences to a normal speedlite we mentioned above. However the Godox is actually even lighter and slightly smaller. All still while maintaining the 100W output. It's an excellent option for wedding photographers who are keen to go handheld or mount on a light stand. It's pocketable, powerful and more affordable.

The Pros

  • Alternative form factor - also comes with a handle/lightstand attachemend
  • Super lightweight at only 524g including the battery
  • 100W of power
  • Round head shape

In summary

Ultimately, you won't go wrong with any of these options. You'll notice we have only featured round head designs. We do think this is important for this style of photography. While all the camera manufacturers do offer great speed lite options, none of them offer a round head design, unfortunately. Grab one of the above and we'd love to see what you make at weddings with it!

Honorable Mentions

If Profoto and Godox are not your thing, here are a few other options you can look into:

The Westcott FJ80 also has the round head design and actually has a beautiful touchscreen on the back which none of the other options have.
The NEEWER Z1-C is a direct copy/replica of the Godox V1 can be had at an even more affordable price.
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Get flashing!

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