Off Camera Flash Techniques to Create Dramatic Wedding Reception Images

In our Off-Camera Flash Techniques for Wedding Photographers Guide, created with SLR Lounge, we discuss a few scenarios that may occur during the getting ready part of the day. Throughout the first and second post of this series, Pye Jirsa from SLR Lounge shared his suggestions to set up the lighting for the getting ready scene and indoor portraits to help you develop unique and dramatic images. For the third post, he will share off camera flash setup wedding reception tips that can help you create memorable and dramatic wedding reception images.

Off Camera Flash

As you move through the wedding day, one of the last lighting scenarios you will come across is the reception. Of the scenarios you will face, the reception can often provide multiple challenging lighting situations to overcome. With low lighting, uplighting, and other conflicting light sources, off camera flash techniques are a great way to capture the necessary moments from this part of the day. Below, we share a technique for photographing table decor, along with 3 quick off-camera techniques you can use during the reception.

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Image by Lin & Jirsa Photography

Scenario:

Part of the Wedding Day: Reception

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Location: Reception Room

Lighting Condition: Competing light sources from the reception room or DJ booth

Subject(s): Reception Table Decor

When working with reception detail shots, you can use additional lighting to create a strong light source for your images. In the image below, Pye uses a Lowel GL-1 and positions it on the left side of the table to highlight the details. This helps to cast a nice spread of light across the image. Because there is also light in the background, Pye increases the power of the light so it produces a light that is slightly brighter than the background.

Related: Are you using these 4 techniques for backlighting your images?

By doing this, the details on the table will stand out, rather than blend into their surroundings, as seen in the final image above. Images such as this can also be created with flashes, and you can use this off camera flash setup to capture several of the reception details.

Image by Lin & Jirsa Photography

3 Quick Tips:

Here are a few additional tips to help you shoot with off camera flash techniques during the wedding reception:

• Assess the room and determine the best position for the flashes
• Decide when to overpower DJ lights ahead of time
• Add in foreground effects for fun and creative shots

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Discover additional details about using off camera flash photography during the reception, plus more information about the bonus tips, when you click the banner below and download our free guide with SLR Lounge, Off Camera Flash Techniques for Wedding Photographers!