Wedding Planning 101: Wedding Reception Photography

Romantic Bride & Groom Portraits, Captivating Ceremony Photos, but Let’s Not Forget the Reception

When planning your wedding photography, you might focus on the dreamy outdoor ceremony or romantic golden-hour portraits. But what about the reception? Your wedding reception is where the celebration gives way to energy, laughter, and fun. Where heartfelt toasts are shared, your first dance unfolds, and the dance floor is packed with those unforgettable dance moves. As a wedding photographer, I’ve come to realize that while it is important for me to get those timeless, romantic portraits of the bride and groom, it’s also critically important for me to photograph the reception with just as much intentionality and precision. So, let’s dive in to how I make that happen.

My Approach to Wedding Reception Photography

Utilizing Natural Light—As Long as It Lasts

If your reception space has great natural light, I will take advantage of it for as long as I can. Natural light creates a soft, flattering look that enhances skin tones and keeps the ambiance of the venue true to life. Once the sun sets or the venue’s lighting starts casting overly warm orange or yellow hues, however, I transition to my professional flash setup to maintain high-quality, well-lit images.

My Three-Flash Setup for Beautifully Lit Receptions

Flash photography is an essential skill for wedding photographers. Receptions often have dim or unpredictable lighting and receptions almost always go well into the night after the sun sets. I use a strategic three-flash setup to ensure every shot is well lit, reflects natural skin tones, and has dimension you can feel. Here’s the setup:

1. On-camera flash with MagMod diffuser
   • I carry a Godox speedlight mounted on my camera throughout the evening. Attached to this flash is a MagMod diffuser, which looks like a small white globe on the end of the flash.
   • Why use a MagMod diffuser? This softens the light and spreads it evenly, preventing harsh shadows and unflattering highlights on skin. It creates a more natural, flattering effect—similar to how window light gently illuminates a subject.
2. Off-camera flash on a tripod with an umbrella
   • One of my additional speedlights is on a tripod with an umbrella modifier. This is especially useful for formal moments like first dances, parent dances, toasts, and cake cutting because it provides a large, soft light source that evenly illuminates the subjects.
   • The umbrella flash is typically placed perpendicular to where I’m standing to create depth and dimension in the images.
3. Back-corner flash mounted to a tripod for background illumination.
   • My third flash is positioned in a back corner of the room to provide subtle, fill light in the darkness of the background of the photos. Without this light, the background of reception images can often appear too dark, creating a visual “black hole” behind the subjects.

Once the formalities wrap up and the party begins, I adjust my flash setup to accommodate the lively dance floor:

• I remove the umbrella and move the flash closer to the DJ booth to help balance colorful lighting effects. While DJ lights add a fun, energetic vibe, they can also cast unnatural colors. Like bright greens, purples, and reds on people’s skin. My lighting setup helps counteract that most of the time so everyone looks their best.
• My on-camera flash points up and slightly to the right or left (opposite my other flashes). This mimics the effect of natural window light rather than producing a direct, harsh flash look.
• The third back-corner flash remains where it is but dropped to a lower output. This provides a little burst of light in the background of the dancing photos.
• Depending on your reception setup, I may incorporate light painting techniques for a handful of creative shots. This technique involves using slow shutter speeds and intentional camera movement to create dynamic, colorful streaks of light. Most of your reception photos will be sharp and well-lit. These few artistic shots, however, can add a fun, unique element to your gallery. I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea so I usually just do a handful for the people who do like it!

That’s the lighting, now let’s chat my shooting approach

1. For Formalities: Staying Unobtrusive Yet Intentional
   • During key moments like speeches and dances, I prioritize staying out of guests’ line of sight while still capturing the raw emotions of the moment with my long zoom lenses. This lens allows me to document every smile and tear without standing in the way.
2. For the Dance Floor: Getting Right in the Action
   • When the dance floor opens up, my approach shifts. I immerse myself right in the thick of the action, interacting with guests to bring out their most fun and energetic expressions. This helps me capture movement, laughter, and genuine candid moments that make the reception feel as lively in photos as it was in real life.

Why Reception Photography Skills Matter When Choosing a Photographer

Many photographers prefer natural light and don’t invest in professional flash equipment or training. However, receptions are often dimly lit, and capturing them beautifully requires an understanding of flash photography.

Ask potential photographers for full wedding galleries before booking. This is one of the best ways to ensure your reception photos meet your expectations. It also allows you to see how they handle reception lighting; not just how they shoot outdoor portraits.

At Amanda May Photos, I am dedicated to providing consistent, high-quality images throughout your entire wedding day. No matter the lighting conditions. Your reception deserves the same level of care and attention as every other part of your day, which ensures when you look back on your photos, you can relive the magic, the laughter, and the love.

Planning Your Wedding? Let’s Chat!

If you’re looking for a photographer who can document your entire wedding day, including a lively, well-lit reception, you’re in the right place! Reach out to learn more about my approach and availability for your wedding date.

I’m a Knoxville Wedding Photographer that loves to travel. I shoot anywhere! Click here to contact me with any questions you have about pricing or booking! If you liked what you saw above, go ahead and follow me on Facebook or Instagram to see my daily updates of the latest sessions!

See more from Amanda May Photos:

Wedding at The Trillium Venue

At Home Newborn Session in Clinton

Senior Session at Collective 35