Wedding Photography Tips: How to Capture Stunning Indoor Wedding Photos
Our photography thrives in natural light, so outdoor shoots during the day feel completely in our element. But when it comes to reception photography, indoor lighting used to be intimidating. Dim, unpredictable lighting can make even the most experienced photographers nervous. We started by watching countless tutorials and reading articles about lighting techniques, but the real learning came from trial and error. We experimented with everything—from on-camera flashes and Gary Fong diffusers to external flashes mounted on stands—until we discovered a system that works reliably for us.
While every photographer has their own approach, the following tips have helped us confidently tackle indoor wedding photography.
- Invest in a Magmod
One tool that transformed our reception photography is the Magmod. Unlike traditional diffusers, it attaches with magnets, making it quick to mount and remove. It diffuses light beautifully, creating soft, flattering illumination. We rely on it throughout the reception, and it has consistently produced gorgeous results.
- Prepare External Flash Setups
External flashes offer versatility, even if you don’t end up using all of them. For each wedding, we bring three off-camera flash setups. This allows us to experiment—sometimes we use all three, sometimes just one, and occasionally none at all. Our on-camera flash is always on, synced with the off-camera units. During a reception, I might use a flash behind the couple to achieve a backlit effect, bounce the on-camera flash through a diffuser, or light up the entire room with multiple flashes. Lighting is never one-size-fits-all, and adjusting based on the space and the moment is key to capturing stunning photos.
- Carry Plenty of Extra Batteries
It might seem obvious, but running out of battery during a critical moment can be disastrous. Always have spare batteries easily accessible, whether for your camera or flashes. Quick swaps ensure that you can continue shooting seamlessly without interrupting the event.
- Test Your Lighting Before Key Moments
Before capturing important moments—like the cake cutting or a sparkler exit—take time to practice your setup. Lighting conditions can vary depending on the location within the venue. Running through your setup beforehand allows you to adjust positions, tweak flash intensity, and plan angles so that when the couple arrives, you’re ready to capture the perfect shot. Practicing ahead of time minimizes surprises and ensures every photo is well-lit and beautifully composed.
- Practice Makes Perfect
Preparation is everything. Jonathan and I often set up our lighting at home before weddings. We sync our flashes, test different lighting configurations, and move around to see how various lenses and distances impact the result. This practice allows us to anticipate challenges and react quickly on the wedding day. The more you experiment beforehand, the more confident and efficient you’ll be when it counts.
Confidence with Reception Lighting
Reception lighting doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right tools, planning, and preparation, you can enter a dimly lit room with confidence. Experiment with diffusers, flashes, and different positions, and practice as much as possible. By doing so, you’ll be able to capture vibrant, dynamic images that truly reflect the atmosphere of the celebration.
If you’re curious about the specific equipment we use or have questions about tricky lighting situations, we’re happy to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out via email—we love sharing our experiences and helping other photographers improve their craft.
A special thank you to Shannon Shipman for inviting us to contribute as guest bloggers. We admire her work and are thrilled to collaborate with such talented professionals in the photography community.
By applying these strategies—investing in quality lighting tools, preparing multiple setups, carrying extra batteries, testing your arrangements, and practicing regularly—you’ll be ready to capture unforgettable indoor wedding moments. Your photographs can reflect the joy, emotion, and energy of each celebration, even in challenging lighting conditions.
We hope these tips inspire confidence and creativity in your indoor wedding photography. Every wedding is unique, and with a thoughtful approach to lighting, you can ensure that each memory is beautifully preserved.
