Capturing Wedding Reception Details: A Photographer’s Guide

It’s usually pretty early on in the wedding planning process that soon-to-be newlyweds start scouring the internet for ideas on where to host and how to decorate their wedding reception. Pinterest is packed with collections of pinned photos from inspiration boards of both past and future weddings. These images capture the carefully curated details that typically reflect the couple’s personality and style. What is important for you to realize as a photographer is that taking great wedding reception details not only makes your current clients happy, but also creates a great opportunity for brides and planners alike to pin your photos and possibly hire you to photograph upcoming weddings. To help ensure you’re ready to capture pin-worthy details, we’ve put together a collection of tips and inspirational photos you can use the next time you photograph a wedding reception.

Let’s get started.

Tip# 1 for Wedding Reception Details: Hire a 2nd Shooter if Possible

Wedding timelines in general are notoriously tight, and this holds especially true when it comes to photographing wedding reception details. It’s not uncommon for lead photographers to capture couples portraits of the bride and groom during cocktail hour while the final preparations are being made in the reception area. What’s more, the decor details usually aren’t fully ready until the literal last minute before guests are allowed into the area. If you work as a solo wedding photographer and have experienced this scenario, then you know how stressful it can be.

For that reason, it’s highly recommended that you include enough room in the budget to hire a second photographer to help photograph the wedding reception details while you’re busy with the bride and groom. A second photographer allows for more comprehensive coverage, ensuring that no detail is overlooked. Also, during the reception, they can capture different angles and moments simultaneously, giving you a richer collection of images. It’s worth noting that if a full-day commitment isn’t feasible, you might consider having a second shooter for key moments, such as the initial setup and the reception’s start to at least get shots of the decor.

Third shooters are great as well to capture grip-and-grin portraits of guests during cocktail hour, but that’s a tip for another article.

Tip #2: Scout the Room for the Best Angles

Whether it’s you or a second shooter who covers the wedding reception decor photos, be sure to take at least a few minutes to scout the room before you start snapping pictures. Doing so is crucial for identifying the best angles and potential shooting spots. During the initial walkthrough, take note of unique decor elements, natural lighting sources, and any potential obstructions. Look for key spots or angles that will allow you to showcase the decor effectively using tips we’ll cover below. This preparation will also help you capture better shots during the actual reception.

Tip #3: Follow the “Tight to Wide” Timeline

We already mentioned how tight timelines can be for capturing wedding reception details. In addition to hiring a second photographer, here’s another way to work efficiently with the time you have. When photographing wedding reception decor, start with tight shots of individual elements early in the setup process. Tight shots include name cards, plates/utensils, centerpieces, or even individual tables. This approach will allow you to capture the details without the distraction of incomplete settings. Once the setup is complete, switch to wide shots to showcase the overall design and layout.

Balancing tight and wide shots throughout the event will also ensure that you capture both the intricate details and the grand scheme of the decor.

Tip #4 for Photographing Wedding Reception Details: Use Lighting (Natural or Flash) with Intention

Lighting plays a crucial role in capturing the true vibe of the reception decor, so it’s important to set your exposure and use light with intention to set the mood. For example, natural lighting typically offers a soft, authentic look that can enhance the decor’s elegance. However, when natural light is insufficient, or when you don’t want a soft, bright and airy look. use flash techniques like bouncing or pin lighting to illuminate the details effectively.

Remember, maintaining ambient exposure is key to preserving the room’s true look and feel. Use your flash sparingly and/or strategically to complement the natural light and highlight the decor without overpowering it.

Tip #5: Use Creative Techniques: Shoot-Through

One creative technique to keep in mind when photographing wedding reception details is to incorporate foreground elements using shoot-through techniques. Use items like flowers, candles, centerpieces, or other decor elements to create layers within your photos. Blocking out parts of your frame with these elements will draw the viewer’s eye to the main subject while adding a sense of depth and dimension.

Experiment with different foreground elements and positions to find the most visually appealing combinations. Shoot-through techniques can transform a simple shot into a captivating and dynamic image.

Tip #6: Capture Different Perspectives

Capturing the reception decor from various perspectives will add variety and interest to your collection of wedding reception photos. For instance, wide shots provide an overview of the entire setup, while medium and tight shots highlight specific details. Top-down shots can showcase table settings and intricate designs from a unique angle.

Changing your viewpoint and experimenting with different perspectives will allow you to tell a more complete and engaging story. It also makes it easier to design blog and album spreads when the time comes to share your images with clients or online.

Tip #7 for Photographing Wedding Reception Details: Direct Viewers with Depth of Field

We’ve discussed using foreground elements, which coincides with this tip, but now we’re focusing exclusively on using a shallow depth of field to make your wedding reception photos more effective and appealing.

Using a shallow depth of field can isolate subjects and create a dreamy, focused effect on specific decor elements. This technique is particularly effective for highlighting individual items like centerpieces or place settings.

On the other hand, a narrow aperture can capture more detail in wider shots, ensuring that all elements in the frame are in sharp focus. Balancing these techniques allows you to emphasize key details while also showcasing the overall decor. Adjust your depth of field based on the specific shot and the effect you want to achieve.

Tip #8: Find Personal Details Included by the Bride and Groom

One of the most meaningful aspects of wedding reception decor is the personal details that reflect the couple’s choices and interests. Look for unique elements that tell their story, such as custom table settings, seating charts, themed decor, or other items that hold sentimental value. Highlighting these elements can make your images more meaningful and memorable for the couple.

Tip #9: Take Couples Portraits in the Reception Area Before the Reception Begins

Taking couples’ portraits before the reception begins allows you to incorporate the decor into their photos without the distraction of guests. This timing also ensures that the couple’s portraits are captured while the decor is still fresh and untouched.

Use the reception setup as a backdrop to create cohesive and visually appealing portraits that highlight both the couple and the decor. Quick tips for posing can help you efficiently capture beautiful images that showcase both the couple as well as their unique setting.

Tip #10: Avoid Common Mistakes

Finally, it can sometimes help to remember what not to do. In this case, to capture the best shots of wedding reception decor, try to avoid the following common mistakes:

• Test your lighting equipment for the day of the wedding reception to minimize the chances of running into technical issues.
• Double-check your focus and exposure settings.
• Match the lighting with the mood and ensure that your lighting complements the natural ambiance.
• Don’t overlook small yet significant details, even when it comes to framing your shot. If you’re capturing a centered shot, for example, make sure that it’s actually centered.
• Maintain your composure if the doors open early and do your best to navigate the crowd to ensure you capture the wedding reception photos that you need
• Don’t always stick to standard shots. In the event that you have adequate time, try to get creative angles and compositions.

The list above isn’t necessarily exhaustive, but it should help you avoid last-minute issues and ensure a smoother, more successful shoot.

Conclusion and More Photos for Inspiration

Capturing the intricate details of wedding reception decor requires a keen eye, careful planning, and a variety of techniques. By using a second shooter, scouting the room, balancing tight and wide shots, mastering lighting, and experimenting with different perspectives, you can create a stunning collection of images that tell the story of the couple’s special day. Remember to highlight personal details and incorporate the decor into couples’ portraits for a cohesive and memorable photo album. With these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to capture the true essence of any wedding reception, creating lasting memories for the couple and their guests.

And now, here are some additional photos to fuel your inspiration.