Just curious how different photographers set up for the reception of a wedding as I am still figuring out what I like and works best. Most recently I have been dragging my shutter a bit with on camera flash to show the energy and give the feel of motion around the dance floor (as the example I have shown) Though I am always attempting to grow and learn so what does everyone do for their set ups or find works best (for what they are going for of course)
For me, It depends on the venue. Sometimes it's just a flash on a hot shoe. (First Image)
Other times, I setup multiple flashes with radio triggers in the room. (Second Image)
Sometimes I use an assistant or friendly guest as a living light stand for the dance shot. (Third image)
Every now and again, I get to a venue and there is literally nothing else that I can go but shoot striaght on or use a Gary Fong Lightsphere (Fourth Image)
I had one wedding where the reception venue was this half open (no walls to bounce off of) massive gazeebo type structure. The ceiling was this spider web of support beams (no bouncing there) and there was nowhere to put my lights that would offer decent coverage.
We like to go with slightly over exposed highlights and really bring down the blacks in posts. Maybe something a little different singling out the subject. For the partying shots anyway.