My Approach to Wedding Receptions

January 3, 2025

When it comes to wedding photography, the reception is often where the magic truly unfolds. It’s a celebration of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments, and my goal as a photographer is to document those fleeting instances in a way that feels as alive and vibrant as the event itself. I take a documentary-style approach to reception photography, focusing on the candid moments, the raw emotions, and the joy that fills the room.

The Power of Candid Moments

During a wedding reception, it’s not just the planned events that tell the story—it’s the moments in between. The laughter shared between family members, the genuine reactions as the newlyweds enter the room, the laughter over a shared joke, the tender glances exchanged across the dance floor. These are the unscripted moments that hold the true essence of the day.

I love to capture these moments as they unfold, blending into the background so I’m not a distraction but a quiet observer of the celebration. My goal is to create a narrative through my photos, showing not just what happened, but how it felt. Whether it’s a candid toast, a joyful outburst, or a quiet exchange of words, these authentic reactions are often the most powerful images of the day.

Embracing Motion and Energy

A wedding reception is all about energy—laughter, dancing, clinking glasses, and the occasional happy chaos that fills the air. I love to capture the motion of it all, and sometimes that means embracing a bit of blur in my images. That slight motion blur in a dance shot, or the joyous movement of guests spinning around the floor, speaks to the energy and joy of the moment in a way that a perfectly still shot simply can’t.

While some may avoid motion blur, I find it adds an extra layer of storytelling. It’s not about freezing time—it’s about capturing the feeling of the moment. The blur of a twirl, the rapid movement of arms as friends laugh and cheer, the footwork on a crowded dance floor—these moments, when captured with a bit of intentional blur, show the excitement, the chaos, and the sheer fun of the evening.

The Beauty of Details

In addition to the people and the action, I also make sure to focus on the little details that make the reception so personal. Whether it’s the delicate lace on the cake, the sparkling details on the table settings, or the laughter-filled speeches, these moments bring texture and depth to the story. Every small detail contributes to the narrative of the day, and I love capturing them in a way that feels true to the couple’s unique celebration.

Lighting That Enhances the Atmosphere

One of the most important aspects of my approach to reception photography is maintaining the ambiance of the room while still staying true to my bright, colorful style. Lighting can be tricky in reception settings, with low light, colored ambient lighting, and a mix of artificial and natural sources all vying for attention. However, I always strive to preserve the warmth and feel of the room, while making sure my photos pop with rich, vivid colors that reflect the energy of the evening.

Whether it’s the soft glow of the string lights above the dance floor or the golden glow of candles flickering on the reception tables, I make adjustments with lighting gear to ensure my photos remain true to the atmosphere. I never want to lose the warmth and depth of the natural lighting, but I also want to ensure that my photos are sharp, bright, and filled with color without compromising the intimacy of the setting.

Being Present, But Not In The Way

At the heart of my approach is my goal to be present but unobtrusive. I understand that a wedding is a personal and intimate celebration, and I take great care to stay out of the way as much as possible. I want to be there to capture the joy and excitement as it happens, but never interrupt or take focus away from the experience. My style allows me to blend in with the crowd, move fluidly through the room, and let the moments unfold naturally. I’m there, but never a distraction.

Ultimately, wedding reception photography is about more than just taking pictures—it’s about telling the story of the day through images that capture the essence of what it felt like to be there. It’s about the laughter, the cheers, the motion, and the little details that make each reception unique. My documentary approach allows me to capture all of that, while staying true to the bright, colorful style that represents my artistic vision.

As I look back on each wedding reception I photograph, I’m reminded of the joy, the energy, and the love that fills every frame. And my hope is that when my clients look at their photos, they’ll be able to feel it all over again.