Wags Loc: Mequon, WI

My daughter in law has asked me to provide photography for an upcoming reception that she is hosting for a non-profit organization that she heads up. What I know so far is that it will be indoors, late afternoon, early evening, but I have not seen the facilities yet. It will most likely include random shots and a number of group photos. I haven’t said ‘yes’ yet because this is way beyond my pay grade, but I am excited about the opportunity. I shoot with a Nikon D500. I have a Sigma 18-35, and a Tamron 24-70. I do have a flash that I can use, depending on the lighting. I’m looking for any suggestions I can get. Thanks!

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

There have been other strings on this subject if you do not get help from this post.

swartfort Loc: Evansville, IN

D500 with the 24-70 should be the ticket... Don't use the flash. Wedding photogs SELDOM do. Find a way into the venue prior to the event and take practice images. You have a fairly fast lens and plenty of ISO to play with.

Flash will cause you Way more problems than it is worth.

Suggest you start with manual, SS 250, aperture 1step down and ISO on auto with 6400 maximum. You should have plenty of capability with some minor pp to do this.

Best of luck

Wags Loc: Mequon, WI

Thanks, that’s very helpful.

Dan Mc Loc: NM

Try to get in early and get pics of the cake, the dinner entrees and wines and place settings/tables, DJ or band set up, snacks, etc. Often, these items get caught willy-nilly, so a nice memento section of the photos is a great and later appreciated touch!

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

IF, they are going to have circular tables, shoot each table to insure you get everyone. I used to have four or five folks in front move behind the other 4 or 5 folks so everyone would be at the same distance. Try to exclude as much of the table as possible.
If it were me doing the shots I would also turn my flash head up and behind me for more pleasing exposures.

khorinek

I shoot these types of events 2-3 times a week. Use a 24-70 f/4 lens. when shooting groups don't use f/2.8 as some in the group will not be in focus (shallow DOF with f/2.8). If flash is allowed at the reception use it. This is how I use flash, set your camera on manual with these settings, 1/125, F/4, Auto ISO, flash off. Look at what the camera gives for ISO without flash and divide by 2. Turn flash on and take a shot, adjust ISO to get the shot you want. Depending on how dark it is in the room, you may have to set shutter to 1/80 to 1/100. Remember, when using flash, it is the flash that stops motion, not the shutter. If flash is not allowed, I use 1/125, F/4, adjust ISO to get proper exposure.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Check this out for technique. I use a Lite Scoop on my flash
https://youtu.be/wLeaX_WXUJ8

Jaackil Loc: Massachusetts

I think it’s funny how many have just assumed this is a wedding reception because they did not read your post. Your camera and lenses will do fine. I would definately bring the flash. If you use it on camera bounce it off the ceiling. I would lean towards the wider lens as you will be closer to your subjects and you will be taking group shots. I would bring both anyways. Start with the wider lens. In that environment you will be able to change lenses pretty easy. If you do use the flash I would start with settings of f5.6. 1/125 and iso of 200. You can adjust from there I would start the flash at 1/8 power You can adjust from there as needed. One suggestion I would give is on every shot be aware of the backround. You don’t want to lose a good shot say of a small group of people because someone like a waiter is walking behind them or there is a trash barrel in the backround. If you can go online and see if you can find some pics from other similar events to get an idea of the types of shots you want to capture. Good luck and have fun with it.

dandev Loc: Enumclaw, WA

I would try and use a flash if possible. Try some with and without - and see what you like.

I like the advice of khorinek above. I have a Canon - which I shoot in manual. 1/160, around f5.6 and ISO to go about 1 stop underexposed. Then I use my flash in TTL mode - and adjust it as needed. (+/-) adjustments.
If there is a ceiling under 10 feet, bounce it off the ceiling. If not - use a diffuser on the flash. I have used a Gary Fong and other types. The Fong works OK. I use a chrome dome with it. https://www.garyfong.com/product/chromedome/

Check out the room ahead of time and understand the lighting you will be working with. If the lighting is "yellowish" then a 1/2 CTO filter over your flash might be a good thing. I recommend shooting in RAW to fix color balance issues. If there is a big window with lots of sun - don't try shooting into it.

Definitely be aware of the background as Jaackil said. I have lots of shots with a coke can or wine bottle in front of someone. You just don't see this stuff. After shooting lots of events I have learned to take a second and look at the background. If people are eating - get them between bites.

I use my 24-105 and 70-200 and swap them occasionally. I carry a small satchel bag vs. backpack.

swartfort Loc: Evansville, IN

The OP says that this is a late afternoon/early evening reception, indoors. I guess I'm a simple person in thinking that even a most formal afternoon reception will not be "darkened/evening" affair.

The D500 has such great low light capabilities and IQ. I don't see why, if after some practice PRIOR to the event, why a flash HAS to be used. KISS (keep it simple silly).... If there is no need for the flash, why make things more complicated? IF indoor sports can be captured with very fast shutter speeds and no flash, shouldn't simple indoor shots with limited motion be achieveable? These are "informal, non-professional" shots. Why make it more than it is?

OP... go, relax and don't make this a pressure filled afternoon for you. If you have the basics of your camera down, just do what you do, you will be FINE

AirWalter Loc: Tipp City, Ohio

Wags Loc: Mequon, WI

Many thanks to all the ideas and suggestions. I’m going to give it a go. What could go wrong? But seriously you have given me some confidence to take this on.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Planning is key. Try to get a view of the facilities before the day of the shoot. Get a schedule, of events, and be sure to bring extra batteries and flash cards. Tripod might be useful for group photos.

Wags Loc: Mequon, WI

Thanks. Good ideas.