OFF CAMERA FLASH FOR WEDDING RECEPTION LIGHTING — Rob Korb Photography

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March 19, 2014

OFF CAMERA FLASH FOR WEDDING RECEPTION LIGHTING

The first of several posts I created for photographers starts with one on how I use off camera flash (OCF) at wedding receptions.

If you’ve been in the business for any time at all, you know that OCF at wedding receptions is nothing new. Some might argue it’s not needed as it could get distracting in shots or cumbersome to setup, especially for a single shooter or a small intimate venue that doesn’t warrant it. For me and my business, I use it almost every wedding, even destinations abroad. It has become a part of the look of my photos produce and what my clients expect. In my opinion it gives you that extra oomph that will set you apart from the competition.

I often shoot with at least one but sometimes two second photographers at a wedding. Each photographer has their own OCF solution as not to interfere with each other. In the beginning we were using two or three light stands that just started to get clumsy, took long to setup and turned into an eye sore if not well hidden. Each photographer uses two flashes, one for each side of the dance floor. The flashes are placed 180 degrees apart from each other and on different channels, this allows us to work the entire room and adjust individual flash settings independently.

Here’s the reception equipment breakdown…

On the camera…

Here’s the reception setup…

Nikon Off Camera Flash Radio PopperNikon Off Camera Flash Radio PopperNikon Off Camera Flash Radio Popper

The on camera setup (Thanks for being my model Justin)

Off camera flash for wedding reception

Some examples of what this all looks like

Wedding Reception LightingWedding Reception Lighting FlashWedding Reception Lighting Off CameraWedding Reception Lighting OCFOCF Wedding Reception LightingOCF Wedding Reception Lighting NIkonOCF Wedding Reception Lighting Radio PopperRadio Popper Wedding Reception LightingRadio Popper Wedding Reception Lighting nikonRadio Popper JRx Wedding Reception LightingRadio Popper JRx Wedding Reception Lighting Nikon D4Radio Popper JRx Wedding Reception Lighting Off Camera Flash

I’ll post soon about my other OCF creative lighting solution for wedding and engagement portraits soon.

If you have any questions I look forward to hearing from you.

2

comments

  1. Neil says:

    Hi there Rob

    Love your work, very inspiring.
    Just have a few quick questions for you.
    With regards to the shots you do in near darkness with the speedlights behind the couple, can I ask what settings you use on your camera to get the shot right? Have tried and failed! Do you use any other light sources for those also?
    Also, your reception shots with the speedlights set up either side, I take it you adjust the power depending on how big the venue is?
    Thanks in advance,
    Neil

  2. Max Surikov says:

    Rob, why do you use a grid instead of zooming in your flashes manually. What are your flashes zoomed to? I assume you also set them to manual. I usually set all of my reception flashes somewhere bw 50-130 mm zoom depending on the distance to dance floor and the amount of contrast I desire. Thank you.

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