Wedding dances are such a magical part of the big day, aren’t they? The couple’s first dance, the parent dances, and everyone letting loose on the dance floor – these moments are filled with emotion and energy. As a wedding photographer, it’s our job to capture these memories beautifully. Flash photography can be your best friend in these low-light situations, but it requires a bit of finesse. Here are my top best practices for using flash photography during wedding dances!

1. Bounce Flash for Softer Light

One of the best techniques to avoid harsh shadows and glaring light is to use a bounce flash. Instead of aiming your flash directly at the couple, try bouncing it off a ceiling or wall. This creates a softer, more natural light that flatters your subjects and keeps the ambiance intact. You can shop our favorite gear here! We do earn a small commission off of these purchases, but nothing about our gear list is sponsored – we just love these products!

2. Diffuse the Light

A diffuser is a must-have in your photography kit. It spreads out the light from your flash, making it less intense and more flattering. Think of it as a way to gently wrap the light around your subjects, highlighting them beautifully without washing out the scene. We LOVE the Godox Octobox!

3. Master Off-Camera Flash

Off-camera flash can add a whole new dimension to your photos. By positioning one or more flashes away from your camera and controlling them wirelessly, you can create dramatic lighting effects that add depth and texture to your images. This technique can transform an ordinary shot into something extraordinary. If you want to learn more about OCF you can sign up for our flash photography freebie here!

4. Adjust Flash Power to Match Ambient Light

Balancing flash power with ambient light is crucial. You want to avoid overpowering the natural light of the dance floor. Manually adjusting your flash power ensures that your flash complements the existing light, preserving the mood and atmosphere of the moment. We teach you how to balance all of these things in Let’s Get Lit!

5. Embrace High ISO and Wide Aperture

Don’t be afraid to crank up your ISO and use a wide aperture. This allows more ambient light into your shots, reducing the need for heavy flash. A high ISO and wide aperture combination can help you capture the ambient light and the movement, making your photos feel more dynamic and alive.

6. Get Creative with Slow Sync Flash

Slow sync flash is a fantastic technique for wedding dances. By using a slower shutter speed in combination with your flash, you can capture the movement and energy of the dance while keeping your subjects sharp. This technique creates a beautiful blend of motion blur and crisp detail, perfect for lively dance floor shots.

7. Mind the Background

Always pay attention to what’s happening behind your subjects. A cluttered or distracting background can take away from the moment you’re trying to capture. Look for clean, simple backgrounds that enhance the couple and their dance, rather than compete with them for attention.

8. Communicate with the Couple

It’s always a good idea to discuss your lighting plans with the couple beforehand. Make sure they are comfortable with the use of flash during their special moments. This not only puts them at ease but also helps you understand any specific preferences they might have!

9. Test and Adjust

Don’t be afraid to take a few test shots and tweak your settings. Every venue and lighting situation is different, so what works perfectly in one scenario might need adjusting in another. Test shots help you fine-tune your setup, ensuring you get the best possible results.

10. Stay Discreet

Finally, remember to be discreet. Your presence should enhance the event, not disrupt it. Position yourself unobtrusively and use your flash judiciously to capture those candid, heartfelt moments without drawing attention to yourself.

Wrapping Up

Flash photography during wedding dances can be a game-changer when done right. By using these techniques, you can ensure that every dance is captured beautifully, preserving the magic of these moments for the couple to cherish forever. If you want to learn more about flash, come check out our best selling course – the Indoor and Artificial Light Course!

Have you ever tried any of these tips, babes? I’d love to hear about your experiences or any other techniques you swear by. Drop a comment below and let’s chat!