The joy and emotion of a wedding build up throughout the special day and culminate in a celebration on the wedding dance floor. The dim lighting, fast movement, and crowded environment present both a challenge and an opportunity for a wedding photographer. This dynamic scene, full of vibrant energy and spontaneous moments, requires an understanding of off-camera lighting including quick reflexes and even a bit of luck. In this article, we’ll list out some practical tips to help you capture stunning, lively, and unforgettable dance floor pictures of your wedding clients and their guests. From mastering the technical aspects, like the settings and the lighting, to positioning yourself perfectly, we cover all you need to transform challenges into impactful, emotion-filled imagery.
The following images are provided by the photographers at Wedding Maps and used with their permission.
Get into the Action
To truly capture the action and vibe of the dance floor, you need to be in the midst of the action. Stepping onto the dance floor, rather than staying on the periphery, puts you right where the excitement is. It may push you out of your comfort zone, but being among the dancers allows you to capture the raw, unfiltered joy of the celebration. Below are a couple of examples of being in the middle of the dance floor:
Photo by Buffy Goodman in Edmonton Canada
Get up Close with a Wide Angle
Using a wide-angle lens is essential for capturing dynamic action shots. A wide-angle lens not only enables you to get more of the scene into each frame but also lets you get closer to the subjects, which adds intensity to the images. This makes the viewer feel like they are part of the action. Try using a lens that is at least 24mm wide and get close to your subjects. Other great focal lengths include 16mm and 35mm. Once you get into 50mm and above, you may find yourself too zoomed in to capture the energy of the dance floor.
Photo by Mattie Wezah at The Williamsburg Inn in Williamsburg, VA
Capture Unique Angles
Unlike regular portrait photography, where the primary goal is often to capture flattering, beautiful images, the main goal of dance floor photos is to capture the action, mood, and fun. This means that you can ditch a lot of the conventional portrait rules when it comes to flattering angles and focus on finding interesting, dynamic perspectives.
Photo by Roddy Chung at Thornewood Castle in Lakewood, WA U.S.A
Photo by Party of Two at Founders Hall in Charlotte
High Angles
Elevating your camera for high-angle shots offers a unique perspective that dominates the visual chaos of a crowded dance floor, allowing you to capture the guests’ faces and interactions from above. Going high is often a necessity, as it might be the only way you can get a view of the primary subjects.
Photo by Jos and Tree at Chateau Zen in the village of Madières in the South of France
Photo by Aidan Dockery at Marriott London in London England
Low Angles
Conversely, shooting from low angles can highlight the movement of dancing feet and legs, adding a dynamic element to your photos that emphasizes the energy of the dance.
Photo by TKM Destinations at Spearhead Brewing Company in Kingston, Ontario Canada
Photo by Creando Fotos at La Herencia in Santiago, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
Highlight a Subject with Light
On a bustling dance floor, light can be your best way to isolate a subject. By maneuvering your lighting or even using spotlights, you can draw attention to a particular dancer or group, making them the focal point amidst the chaos. For this effect, you may need a flash grid or a snoot.
Image by 4 Eyes Photography at Banff Gondola in Banff Canada
Photo by The Macmeekens at The Grand Ivory in Leonard, Texas
Photo by Picturist Photography at Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton, California
In the images above, notice how the subjects of the photo are the brightest part of the entire scene. This draws all of the attention to the subjects.
Highlight a Subject with Composition
Composition plays a pivotal role in isolating subjects. Let’s explore a few examples below.
In the image below, notice how you can only see one clear face, making him the default, isolated subject of the image.
Photo by Zack Bradley at Fairview Farm in Powhatan, VA
In the photo below, notice how the bride in the center of the image makes her the obvious subject of the image.
Photo by Shukhrat Kamalov at Hillside Country Club in Rehoboth, MA
Try Using Ambient Light Only
For a more atmospheric and moody shot, turn off your flash and rely solely on the ambient light provided by the venue or DJ lights. This technique can yield softer, more naturally lit images that convey the ambiance of the setting.
Photo by Dan Sauer at Palazzo Borghese in Florence Italy
Photo by Sofia Camplioni in Thessaloniki, Greece
Use a Backflash
Integrating a backflash into your dance floor photography can create a dramatic light burst, adding depth and dimension to your images. This technique illuminates not just the subjects but also the surrounding atmosphere. This is particularly important in dark scenes like outdoor venues and venues with black ceilings. Consider placing off-camera flashes in each corner of the room so that you can control which light, or group of lights, you want to fire in your photos.
Photo by Larsen Photo Co at Bonez in Crested Butte, CO
Use an Angled Main Light
When using a flash, consider placing an off-camera flash at an angle. This method helps sculpt the light more naturally, which can make your photographs look more professional and less like typical direct-flash dance floor shots.
Photo by Nix Weddings at The Big Chill in Charlotte, NC
Fill the Frame
In your compositions, try your best to fill the frame either in the camera or with cropping in post-production. Avoid leaving excessive empty space, which can dilute the impact of your images. A filled frame helps showcase the fullness of the event and keeps the viewer’s attention on the subjects. Make sure you fill the left and right of the frame as well as the top and bottom.
Photo by Tom Fuller at Anthony Wayne House in Malvern, PA
Photo by Jessie and Dallin at Cactus and Tropicals in Draper, UT
Using Foregrounds
Use Foreground to Add Depth
Incorporating foreground elements can add depth to your photos and help frame the main action. This enriches the context of the photograph, providing a layered and intricate visual narrative.
Photo by Anne Stephenson at Backyard Wedding in Thornton, Colorado
Use Foreground to Give Context
Foregrounds also give your image context and help the viewer understand what’s going on in the entire scene. This can help the storytelling power of the image.
Photo by The Greens Photo at Cipriani 42nd Street in NY, NY
Image by In Love and Adventure at The 10th at Vail in Colorado
Photo by Aaron Aldhizer at Private Lakefront Home in Rocky River, Ohio
Be Ready for Spontaneous Moments
Tosses
A high-energy moment to anticipate is when someone gets tossed into the air. This moment requires quick reflexes from a photographer. Set your camera to a faster shutter speed of 1/100th-1/250th or more and use flash to freeze the motion, ensuring sharp images of wide smiles and dynamic poses against a backdrop of cheering guests. If this doesn’t happen naturally throughout the night, consider planning with the groomsmen to make it happen.
Photo by Milan Lazic at The Brix on the Fox in Chicago, IL
Lifts
At many wedding celebrations, particularly in Jewish traditions, a moment everyone looks forward to is the chair lifting during the Hora dance. This spirited event sees guests hoisted high on chairs, joyously elevated above the crowd. As a photographer, capturing these moments requires both preparation and positioning.
Photo by Authentic Collective at Waterfall Club in Georgia US
Other Party Moments
Always be on the alert for spontaneous events such as unique dance moves, funny moments, and great expressions. These are golden opportunities for memorable shots.
Photo by Andy Sidders Photography at Huntsmill Farm in Buckinghamshire UK
Photo by Luzye Photography at Venue by Three Petals in Huntington Beach, CA
Try the Camera Twist (Long Exposure)
Experiment with long exposures by using a slow shutter speed combined with a flash to freeze your main subject. This technique allows the background lights to blur into artistic streaks while keeping the primary subject sharp.
Photo by Lin and Jirsa
Image by Bob Kniley at Ravenwood Golf Club in Rochester, NY
Photo by Life and Lights Photography at Comfort Inn & Suites and Conference Center in Mt Pleasant, MI
Take Advantage of Dance Circles
Dance circles are a staple of wedding receptions. As these circles form, the photographer must position themselves strategically. Ideally, find a spot that gives you an unobstructed view of the entire circle. Having a clear line of sight is essential, as the dancers often perform spontaneous and rapid movements that can be the highlight of your shoot. Use a lens that allows you to capture both the individual expressions and the overall energy of the group.
Photo by Michelle Arlotta at Grand Hotel in Cape May, New Jersey
Being ready at the right place at the right time ensures you capture the exuberant spirit and the unique personalities that come alive during these dance circle moments, creating memorable images that resonate with joy and celebration.
Keep the Great Expressions and Cull Out Bad
Unlike posed sessions, dance floor photography will result in many unusable shots due to fleeting, and often uncontrolled, expressions. Shooting multiple shots increases your chances of capturing a frame-worthy smile amidst the fast-paced action. While you shouldn’t clutter your memory card with dozens of shots of the exact same moment, capture a few extra shots of each moment to ensure that you get a good one.
Photo by Citylux Studios at River Club in Boston, MA
Capture a wide angle Image of the Scene
Sometime during the open dance floor portion of the evening, step back, get on a wide-angle lens, and capture the entire scene. This is a great way for the couple to look back at their wedding and get a sense of the overall vibe of the dance floor. To capture motion blur, try using a tripod and a slow shutter speed.
Photo by We The Light at Private Residence in Idledale, CO
Other Dance Floor Photos For Your Inspiration
Photo by Magda Moiola at La Madonnina di Barni in Barni – Lecco Italy
Image by Summit Photo and Film at Port Gamble, WA in Port Gamble, WA
Photo by Maddness Photography at Venue650 in Winter Haven, FL
Image by Green Apple Weddings at Phillips Grove in Radcliff, Kentucky
Photo by Irina Duane at Garryvoe Hotel in Garryvoe, co. Cork Ireland
Photo by Ether Photography at The Terrace Banquet Hall in Toronto Canada
Photo by John Foley at The Blackstone Hotel in Chicago, IL
Image by Ladman Studios at The Waterview in Connecticut
Photo by Images by Nic at St Johns Resort in Plymouth, Michigan 
Photo by Taber Hespe at Private Residence Tent Wedding in Winchester, Virginia
Image by Roc Focus at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester
Wedding dance floor photography requires some advanced flash techniques, anticipation, quick reflexes, and creativity. By using the strategies in the article, you can capture the spirit and excitement of the celebration, delivering photos that your clients will absolutely love. These tips will not only enhance your photographic skills but also ensure that you capture the joy and uniqueness of each wedding celebration.
