Thrive Gallery: Rocio Vega Cinematic Wedding Photography with Flash

We’re still coming down from Thrive! And we’re super happy to have our awesome mentor galleries to swoon over.

There are too many highlights from Thrive to list but the gorgeous Rocio Vega owning the stage and captivating attendees with her passion for cinematographic photography and her insane flash photography skills was definitely one of them!

Rocio, a wonderful photographer with over two decades of experience, is originally from Colombia and trained in cinematography in Madrid. Her unique vision, shaped by a deep belief in the emotional power of images, drove her Day Two shoot sessions, where she mentored attendees on transforming wedding photography by borrowing elements from iconic film and TV scenes.

Rocio’s philosophy centres on photography’s role in capturing and preserving fragile memories. Through her lens, she brings these memories back to life, giving them vivid, cinematic depth. In her talk and Day Two sessions, Rocio shared techniques designed for photographers feeling creatively stagnant, showing them how to use simple equipment to create powerful lighting and memorable imagery.

“I really enjoyed Rocio. I found the way she speaks and teaches so incredible it was nice watching her on the workshop to really embrace what she does.”

For those looking to elevate their wedding photography beyond the usual challenges, such as poor venue lighting, Rocio’s session was a transformative experience.

Here’s what attendees took away from Rocio’s Day Two session:

Recreate Cinematic Scenes: Rocio encouraged participants to draw inspiration from movies and Netflix shows, adding a wedding twist to iconic cinematic scenes to create striking, moody images.

Master Simple Lighting Techniques: She taught practical lighting setups that are both manageable and highly effective in creating dramatic shots with ease.

Overcome Lighting Challenges: Rocio shared tips for confidently using flash to tackle unpredictable lighting conditions, giving photographers the tools they need to succeed in any environment.

Hands-On Shooting Practice: Thriver’s experimented with two creative setups based on classic movie scenes, pushing their creative limits and building confidence behind the camera.

During her talk on Flash photography, Rocio demystified the topic for us. It can be scary but Rocio showed us how to simplify flash techniques and integrate them seamlessly into Weddings. This session became a highlight for many, offering straightforward methods for enhancing wedding photography and eliminating the anxiety of working in low-light conditions.

Rocio’s Day Two session was more than a photography workshop—it was an invitation to view wedding photography through a cinematic lens, to experiment, and to refine one’s approach. Her gallery stunningly showcases the power of these techniques in capturing both elegance and drama.

Honestly, we’re OBSESSED with Rocio’s images from Thrive right now!