Reception Camera Settings

Reception lighting is challenging and constantly changing. Master these settings for consistently great results in any venue.

Before Guests Arrive

Venue & Detail Shots

Aperture
f/2.8 - f/4
Depth for table details
Shutter Speed
1/60 - 1/125
Tripod if lower
ISO
400-1600
Match ambient mood
White Balance
Match venue lighting
Often warm tungsten
Flash
Optional/Off
Preserve ambiance

Capture: Wide room shots, table settings, centerpieces, cake, place cards, menu, signage, string lights.

With Flash

Grand Entrance

Aperture
f/4
Sharp focus on moving subjects
Shutter Speed
1/200
Sync speed maximum
ISO
800-1600
Balance flash with ambient
Flash Power
TTL or 1/8
Quick recycle needed
Flash Position
Bounce/Off-camera
Avoid direct harsh light

Tips: Pre-focus on doorway. Use continuous AF. High burst rate. Capture excitement and reactions.

Mixed Lighting

First Dance

Aperture
f/2.8
Romantic bokeh from lights
Shutter Speed
1/125 - 1/200
Freeze gentle movement
ISO
1600-3200
Higher if ambient only
Flash Power
-1 to -2 EV
Subtle fill, not dominant
Focus Mode
AF-C/Continuous
Track as they move

Creative options: Drag shutter (1/30s) for motion blur with flash freeze. Off-camera rim light. Silhouettes with venue lights behind.

Bounce Flash

Speeches & Toasts

Aperture
f/2.8 - f/4
Balance speaker and reactions
Shutter Speed
1/125
Expressions happen fast
ISO
1600-3200
Match venue ambient
Flash
Bounce ceiling
Soft, even coverage
Lens
70-200mm
Reach for reactions

Don't forget: Speaker AND couple's reactions. Guest laughter. Tears. Use two bodies if possible.

Party Mode

Dance Floor & Party

Aperture
f/4 - f/5.6
More depth for groups
Shutter Speed
1/15 - 1/60
Drag shutter for energy
ISO
800-1600
Let DJ lights show
Flash Power
TTL or 1/4
Freeze faces, blur movement
Rear Curtain Sync
ON
Motion trails behind subject

Creative techniques: Rear-curtain sync for motion trails. Colored gels to match DJ lights. Wide angle for crowd energy. Low angles make people look powerful.

Quick Flash

Cake Cutting

Aperture
f/4
Both faces sharp
Shutter Speed
1/160
Near sync speed
ISO
800-1600
Venue dependent
Flash
TTL Bounce
Soft, flattering

Get: Wide shot with full cake, hands holding knife together, feeding each other, reactions/laughing.

Flash Settings Quick Reference

Bounce Flash Basics

  • Aim flash at ceiling or wall behind you
  • White ceiling = best results
  • Higher ceiling = more power needed
  • 45-degree angle typical starting point

Off-Camera Flash

  • Position 45 degrees from subject
  • Raise higher than subject for natural fall
  • Use modifier (softbox, umbrella)
  • Add second flash for fill or rim

Color Gels

  • CTO (orange) = match tungsten/warm
  • CTB (blue) = match daylight/cool
  • 1/4 CTO for slight warmth on skin
  • Match DJ lights for dance floor

Reception Moments Quick Reference

Moment Aperture Shutter ISO Flash
Grand Entrance f/4 1/200 1600 TTL Bounce
First Dance f/2.8 1/125 2000 -1.5 EV Fill
Parent Dances f/2.8 1/125 2000 -1 EV Fill
Speeches f/2.8 1/125 3200 Bounce
Cake Cutting f/4 1/160 1600 TTL Bounce
Bouquet Toss f/5.6 1/200 1600 TTL Full
Dance Floor f/4 1/30 1000 Rear Sync
Sparkler Exit f/2.8 1/60 3200 Off-camera
Hawaii Reception Considerations
  • Outdoor receptions: Sun may still be up - watch exposure as it changes
  • Tiki torches: Beautiful ambient but very warm color temp (2700K)
  • Ocean breeze: Lighter modifiers may blow around - sandbag stands
  • String lights: Let them show in background - gorgeous bokeh
  • Sunset during reception: Steal couple for quick portrait if timing works