How to photograph a wedding reception Off Camera Reception Lighting

January 19, 2020

As I began working with other photographers this is a question I get asked all the time. What do you do at a reception? My set up is pretty basic and works great for me. My assistant can help, but I can also set this up all on my own without issue. My reception lighting set up consists of:

2 Canon 600 ex-rt flashes

Canon ST-E3-RT Transmitter

2 Flash stands

Photoflex Litedome soft box (16″x22″)

I ordered most of these things off amazon and purchased some from a local camera shop. At a typical wedding I have my flash set at 1/32 or 1/64 depending on how much light I need and my ISO around 800-1200. Because I want my off camera flash at an angle to the side of the couple or behind the couple. I put it in my IDEAL spot and then I walk in  U pattern. I try to find a pillar or something in the room I can hide it by.My on camera flash I set to bounce.

Below are some photos I took using this set up and where my off camera lighting was placed.

 Off camera flash left of couple. I also had the videographers light for some back light

 Off camera flash directly to the left behind a pillar.

Flash facing the couple. I had my ISO turned down a bit more here so that there was not too much light. The Christmas lights created a pretty back drop.

Hopefully this was helpful! I have been using this set up since I began wedding photography and have not felt a need to change it. I know others use a different set up so definitely do whatever works for you!

If you want to view more information about what is in my camera bag. Check out this post on lenses here.