Tools We Use to Photograph Receptions

In all my years (almost 20!) of being a wedding photographer, my favorite part of a wedding to photograph has always been the reception!!! Wanna know the tools we use to photograph receptions? Read on my friend!

Fun, vibrant + chaotic at times, the reception atmosphere is amazing!! I absolutely love translating that energy into a photograph. 

If you’re reading this, you may be curious about how we create these cool images. You might find this useful if you’re a couple getting married or even a fellow photographer!

Knowing what tools we use will help you understand what your images could look like on YOUR wedding day! Be sure to tell us what your favorites are!

It’s important for us to create an image that’s just as exciting as physically being at the reception + feeling the music in your body.

Here are a Few Tools We Use to Photograph Receptions:

1. Direct flash — during the high energy phase of a reception I use a brighter flash that’s directed right towards the subject. This helps to bring your eyes to what I want you to see, instead of the entire scene. 
2. Star filters — these turn any bright light into a sparkle! Made for disco parties, sequins and even DJ/band lights. These little things are my favorite when I want to elevate the glitter on the dance floor!
3. Blur! Ok, blur is hella popular right now, but lemme tell you, this needs to be used in a way that makes sense for the wedding + the moment. Using blur during high energy dance portions brings the feeling into the photo, especially with bistro lights or up lighting on walls. 
4. Prisms — when used thoughtfully these tools create reflections + psychedelic images. Just like blur, prisms used when the vibe is right really make sense. 

All together the tools we use during receptions help us create images of the wildest part of your day + help you remember what it felt like to be present at your reception. Which is YOUR favorite effect??