For Photographers

Off camera flash tips for reception photos

Off camera flash for reception photos is pretty important, especially if your a wedding photographer.

If your a natural light photographer much like myself the thoughts of anything artificial light make you want to cringe, or burry yourself in a hole until the conversation is over! Does this feeling sound familiar? I’ve been there! In all honesty I’m going to let you in on a big secret! IT’S NOT THAT BAD!!!

So here are a few tips to help you over come the fear!

Gear

For my flash photography I use a digital Nikon D800 and I use two speed lights (Nikon SB-700) you can pick them up here! I also really LOVE my Gary Fong lightsphere (grab that here) to soften the light because as you know flash can be bright! I also use the Yongnuo flash triggers pick that up here and here! For Nikon users make sure it says YN on the front and YC for Cannon. You will also need stands to hold your flash, anything from Amazon will do really! I do recommend for your light stand get a sand bag to help keep people from nocking it over!

Tips

Depending on the situation… I love one flash on my camera and one flash off camera placed on a stand (normally near the DJ). This works well if you have a really dark room, using both on and off flash will bring in some of the background. I like seeing the background!

I always place my stand near the DJ because there’s a lot of stuff going on over there near them and it helps keep people from running over the stand, and your less likely going to get a light stand in the picture this way.

Shooting

I always try to shoot in a 45 degree angle to my off camera flash. I’ve found this to be really flattering on my subject with getting the background and that nice rim light we all love!

Shooting details with flash

In low light situations I often shoot details with flash. What I recommend is taking your flash off camera and if you have an assistant have her/him hold your flash (don’t forget your Gary Fong lightsphere) to a 45 degree angle of your detail and you will be amazed at the result.

Hope this helps!

With love,

Michelle

Check out last months FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS post here!

Here are a few examples of on and off Camera flash

Here is an example of off camera flash of some details

Don’t be afraid just let go of your fear and learn flash! It’s not that bad I promise! You will thank me later 😉 . Thanks for reading and happy shooting! Have any other photography questions? Click here to contact me!