Receptions are dark, colorful and fast. The light changes every few minutes as the DJ or band adjusts their show. These approaches keep your images and footage clean.
For photographers
- Bounce your flash off ceilings and walls when they're light and close enough. It gives soft, even light.
- Use off-camera flash on stands at the edges of the dance floor for depth and drama.
- Drag the shutter slightly to keep the room's ambient light and color, letting the flash freeze the subject.
- Gel your flash to match warm room light so skin tones and backgrounds agree.
For videographers
- Use your fastest lenses and keep the aperture wide
- A small, dimmable LED adds light to faces without flattening the room
- Expose for skin, and let the background fall off
- Know your camera's usable ISO range before the wedding, not during it
Plan the key moments
Entrances, first dances, toasts and the cake cutting usually happen within the first hour or two. Ask the planner or DJ where each will happen and set your light before it starts. Check the venue's rules on flash and lighting, especially during dinner.
Practice before the season
Practice at a dim restaurant, a concert or a family party. Find your settings when nothing is at stake.
See our photographer and videographer roles.