IT'S NOT SCARY!! 5 Reception Flash Photography Tips

Wedding photography flash can be scary but I'm here to help with easy flash photography. Here are 5 reception flash photography tips to get you started with flash wedding photography.
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Video Index:
Flash Can Be Scary 0:00
Flash Modifiers 0:12
Don't Be Afraid to Raise your ISO 1:17
Off Camera Flash 2:48
Tell the DJ to Turn Off Some Lights 5:42
Use Continuous Lighting 7:42
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[@shawnamelva583]

John's videos are great and I have been learning so much. John is humble because he possesses the most important skill for wedding photography - people skills. He connects with his clients and everyone should take note.

[@TheFilmCouple_]

I can say first hand, bringing in even basic off-camera lighting brings your receptions to the next level, both photo and video!

[@jbivphotography]

Thanks for that added insight!!

[@MusicFed]

@@jbivphotographywhat do you recommend for mixed situation where you are required to switch from indoor (bounce) to exterior (no bounce) very quickly? Thx

[@jbivphotography]

@@MusicFed Magsphere. It really is the answer to everything. And if you'll be outside for long periods set up your OCF outside but not inside.w

[@calamity333]

im pretty new to photography and always asked my myself about using continuous lighting for photos in dark venues or night, you cleared my doubts and now im buying myself a fancy portable one

[@k.o.7405]

I never stop learning and thank you for you tips John

[@brentmiller3250]

Super video, and a great recommendation on the Lume Cube!!!

[@savvyandskye]

Man, I wish I would’ve seen this before my most recent wedding. First time with a sparkler exit and flash did kill it 😭. I know better now- thank you!

[@lenaagrj]

Bought the magmod sphere this year and can't tell you enough THANK YOU :)

[@jbivphotography]

They really are amazing!

[@jessicamedaris2593]

MAGMOD is amazing. I have the magsphere and magbounce and they are my go to for almost every wedding.

[@steevewhitehead1416]

Thanks for those great tips- just some good things to think through before hand.

[@jbivphotography]

You're welcome. I hope it was helpful!

[@kevincummings7727]

I took your advice and purchased a magmod. This is the best diffuser I have ever used in my almost eleven years in photography. It takes your photography to a different level especially for night shooting. I have also purchased the lume cube but I haven't tried it out yet since sparkler exits are not common in the Caribbean.

[@ceciliatorres6060]

Mag is the best!!

[@lorelei619]

I just started using OCF utilizing some of the advice you posted here a while ago. It so upped my game so I was thrilled to see you have a whole flash course coming. Just pre-ordered it and can't wait to learn more!!

[@drewjd27]

What is OCF?

[@lorelei619]

@@drewjd27 it stands for off camera flash 😊

[@BrianPhoto]

great video can't wait to meet you next week at the photo summit!

[@Winthorpe]

Great video sir.. appreciate you sharing, much success!!

[@kamturek]

Nice tips, thanks!

[@jbivphotography]

No problem!

[@wyeth7]

Great video! I'm a new fan! Thanks for the great tips

[@jbivphotography]

Welcome to the channel!! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@jaredmeche6325]

When I first got my Godox V1, I mainly used dome with bounce card. Picked up the ML-CD15 dome several months back, and it's my go to modifier for the V1 99% of the time. It's hilariously big with the V1, but works so well in nearly all situations. I'm not one to complain about weight, so I'll say the setup isn't for everyone. Do you ever toss CTO gel in to even out event or wedding lighting?

[@paradockz]

Thank you!! bro i needed this a week ago when I shot my first wedding, arrival to wrap up, by myself, with one camera, basically one lens, and one AD200/softbox with no flash experience LMAO

[@harrykaulfersch2320]

Great video John! But l enjoy all of your videos… so much info👍🏻

[@jbivphotography]

I really appreciate that! I hope this video is helpful.

[@FBreech]

which lume cube are you using at the end there? Nice vid, thanks!

[@allenhendricks8892]

❤ what U said does your images excellent not what people say and what U use

[@johnclay7644]

informative photography content.

[@jbivphotography]

Thanks a bunch! I hope it was helpful.

[@WayneMorrison1069]

Thank you John. Going to invest in some Magmod spheres. And yes, I am a victim of the green and red disco lights in my pictures. Wasn’t aware until after my shots. 😅 Be aware.

[@jbivphotography]

It's the worst! I don't mind it when it's open dance floor but if they have them on during cake cut, or speeches, or any other time it's the WORST.

[@yoavberestizhevsky]

John, i am a professional chef and now starting my second profession as a photographer... my question is the following. what category do you think photographers would make great progress in their career and good profit would it be landscapes , seascapes , portraits ,street photography please let me know because i am experimenting in all categories

[@Spencer_White]

Excellent advice, I find iso 3200 (f2.8, 1/200th) is good place to start.

[@jbivphotography]

Wow 3200. I try not to go so high. What do you tend to set your flash power to?

[@dinkobilic9078]

I have to check your video on how to do off camera flash because it's giving me so much anxiety :))). I wonder do you use light meter and what formula do you use. Love your videos man!!

[@jnuwan4214]

Can you please do a video of how you work with 2 cameras attached to flashes and how to interchange different lenses during an indoor environment and accessories etc. Thanks 🙏

[@alexanderruiz3997]

Can you post the short you mention in this video regarding triggering your OCF with your on camera flash, please?

[@samchuks]

That's informative on the Ocf lights. My question is in a three light set up, must there be modifiers on the flashes that's on the stands?

[@jbivphotography]

Usually most people just use grids but personally I don't because I HATE OCF shadows from the flashes. So I put modifiers on them to soften them up a little bit so I don't get as many shadows.

[@hilaryp6210]

I don't know how I came across your content, but I sure did, and I'm SO glad. I'm obsessed with your photography and the way you do things. As for the way you are starting out this year... with your talent and success... I have no doubt that you'll be alright! Question for you... I'm awaiting the MagMod Sphere delivery as we speak. Super excited about it. I found it through you! I know I'm going to love it. BUT, my question... for outdoor weddings that go in to the evening/darker hours... being there is no ceiling to bounce off of... how does the MagMod do at night outside? I don''t have off camera flash at this time. Maybe later. So how does the Sphere do at night outside without the off camera flash?

[@timgimbert3073]

The Magbounce is great as well when there is no roof.

[@jbivphotography]

Yep yep. It's a great option when you're outside for sure.

[@XxNoe619xX]

Good to see a photographer/Steam Deck fellow 😂🎮

[@jbivphotography]

Steam Deck so GOOOOOOD.

[@DangLeProject92]

is there anything like this for round head?

[@exeternardieu9509]

John - Absolutely love your content and appreciate it more than you know. Out of curiosity, I cannot seem to find much on this, but how do you handle an extremely dark CEREMONY? Black walls, black ceiling, low ambient light? Accept the grain?

[@jbivphotography]

I think @reggiebphoto made a video about that but usually you just have to crank the ISO. I've found that if the ceremony is THAT dark generally they're also not letting you use flash. On the same end however I've never been in a ceremony where I felt there was absolutely no light at all.

[@kaenova]

I actually Had a very unique ceremony in an actual Cave. I used two Ad200s and adjusted my settings to get the right exposure. I remember raising my Iso, and shooting wide open

[@anthonymahieu8392]

Very very interesting and useful! Thank you John!

[@jbivphotography]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ChrisCremie]

You say around 800 - 1000 ISO. My camera gives a 1600 ISO when adding the flash. But besides that. You shoot on flash (E)TTL? Or you go manuel?

[@thats_mr_b_]

I love it. I have one but I wish there was one for the V1 flash. I'm assuming maybe I can get it on by wrestling it on there worries me

[@jbivphotography]

I’m pretty sure the version 2 of the Magsphere can work with the V1 Flash.

[@thats_mr_b_]

@@jbivphotography let me look it up. Whats your state location by the way ?

[@auburnbluephotography9043]

What’s your approach for shooting night time outdoor receptions? I have been doing two speedlites by the sweetheart table or dance floor/DJ. But I’ve been getting more noise than wanted. I’m thinking of going for a cross light setup so that the light is consistent in the center of the dance floor.

[@jbivphotography]

Generally the Magsphere on my flashes on camera helps out a great deal while outside. But also using off camera flash is the winning solution. Basically I'll have one flash on camera and another one off camera this way I can point the off camera flashes directly at my subjects and get light that way.

[@stevenevosando8840]

My iso for my venue or dance shots are almost always around 1600-2000. Get superb shots no noice at all !! I don’t know why would people be afraid of high iso .

[@drewjd27]

What camera did you use with that 1600-2000 iso?

[@cliffhowardcapilitan4252]

Hey John! What camera strap you are using?

[@barrytakespictures8947]

Holdfast Money maker with the holdfast quiver

[@vperalta]

What is your preferred speedlite for wedding photography?

[@jbivphotography]

I'm currently using the Godox v850ii. It's what I use on and off camera.

[@DylanLiveLifeCreative]

I see that Steam Deck 👀👀

[@Br8kz]

you removed the short where you spoke about your off camera flash?

[@jbivphotography]

I did. The shorts were cannibalizing my channel.

[@Br8kz]

@@jbivphotography I'm sorry you felt that way, they were really informative and useful, It's what made me subscribe in the first place. You did good.

[@jbivphotography]

@@Br8kz That's good feedback. Thanks for letting me know.

[@SystemParanoia]

Steamdeck gang represent!! 🎮

[@jbivphotography]

👏👏👏👏 best handheld 👏👏👏👏

[@SystemParanoia]

@@jbivphotography OG Q3 model here Absolutely worth the 7months I had to wait on pre-order to get it 😅 You sir are a connoisseur and a gentleman. Full respect

[@jbivphotography]

@@SystemParanoia Yep yep. Mine is an OG Q2. Waited so long but it was TOTALLY worth the wait.

[@brittanybrantley3218]

Are you at Oakleaf Cottage in this video?

[@jbivphotography]

Yep yep. Good eye.

[@brittanybrantley3218]

@@jbivphotography Could I email or direct message you? I still have the hardest time with flash at receptions and in low light situations. I am never able to lock in focus during the moments and even with flash the subjects are soft or blurry. I have a Nikon z5 and Tamron 35 1.8

[@Fotogoscar]

​@@brittanybrantley3218Sounds like you're not able to focus because of live view or whatever is called on your camera. I have a Sony and there's a setting that allows you to view for focusing when using flash.

[@websiteckron8591]

I own magsphere, but it is heavy on top of your flash.

[@notmyname8527]

Denoise is ok for a few photos. When you have hundreds, its too time consuming.

[@Meth0z]

Dang.. idk why but, if possible, i always prefer bouncing the flash off of the ceiling, rather than using the sphere modifier.. whenever im using the sphere i still get harsh shadows on people, almost like using the flash straight on people..

[@AGag47]

The Magsphere wouldn't be the reason for your shadows as it spreads the light. Sounds you need to adjust your flash settings or maybe your pointing your Sphere straight at your subjects?.

[@JMeSkepTa]

FIRST! :)

[@jbivphotography]

Thanks for being here!

[@KittyHurryUp]

John got new hair style AGAIN lol

[@jbivphotography]

Gotta keep you on your toes. 😂

[@KittyHurryUp]

@@jbivphotography after some years there’ll be a video about your hair style catalogue 😂

[@lacuswongq7839]

Tell the DJ off the lights is rally important😅 few days ago I remember to ask them to turn off the colourful LED but forgot to ask them low down a bit the spot light during they entered. I’m using around 3000K on my camera with CTO on my off camera light… when the time up😂 everything is overexposure and the spot lights so so so so blue… I have to low down all my light power and change the white balance within second…. Really big mistake 🤢

[@jbivphotography]

It's the absolute worst. Normally I don't have DJs give me an issue but in my 10 years I have seen a couple that just want to blast their lights all over the place.

[@lacuswongq7839]

That's why I always tell my client, if you do have this idea plz let me know and I will tell you or the Hotel banquet team to turn it off the light at some specific moment...otherwise you will become Avatar or Hulk during your wedding reception🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Sashalexandros]

800 iso is much? Usually i use 3200 to have more ambiance, and sometims 5400 in extreme cases.

[@jbivphotography]

WOW. Are you not using any flash power at all? I've found the higher the ISO the flash is just TOO bright. I like to balance out the ambiance vs the flash rather than raise my ISO too high.

[@MariaNavarro1]

I wish you had this video 8 months ago

[@WizardOfCheese]

0:35 it's really not a tiny softbox at all, not unless you're doing macro work. at practical distances it's still a tiny light source. inverse square law and all that nerdy stuff. all it does is bounce your light 360. that might make your shot look better because of bounce light (as its bound to hit something) but its not much different to any other cheap plastic dome you put on the end of a flash. dont be sold over-priced junk! sorry, rant out of the way, great video.

[@frankiealex11]

John i love your work, videos and all you share with us! Super helpful and invaluble. But for the love, can you PLEASE stop doing your mocking voice, its defintely just me a problem but i drives me nuts haha

[@MrShaun_D1]

its funny if you ask me and that's why I love his videos.

[@KNUSPERTAINMENT]

Ton of people dont understand how ISO works...

[@photo2000]

Light domes for flash on camera are 90% time a waste... they do NOT soften light. All they do is waste power. The appearance of soft light comes with size of light source, look at front of flash, look at light dome... at best it might be twice the size... in relative terms this is not a noticeable increase in effective light source area. If you want to soften light with and on camera flash modifier, look at something like Rogue flashbender... it increases the effective light source area by a considerable amount, of which you will notice. But at end of day, there is nothing wrong with using direct flash.

[@creamynessification]

the pics look kind of harsh. i'll avoid the mag mod

[@jbivphotography]

What if I'm just a trash photographer and it's not the MagMod?

[@creamynessification]

@@jbivphotography it's totally the mag mod ruining your shots.

[@LadyFairChildVideo]

DJs with cheap lights are my enemy. they think those cheap club lights make for a good ambient and then turn off the venue lights . it doesn't work, so yes , i always bring my OCF for that.

[@jaughnekow]

being upfront comes up as being disrespectful.

[@jbivphotography]

Does it? So you should just sit back and let situations be bad? I'd rather be "disrespectful" than have my couples mad at me. But a big portion of it is all about your approach.

[@TheFilmCouple_]

Politely asking always goes great for me. Couples and suppliers have always been happy to cooperate

[@jbivphotography]

@@TheFilmCouple_ Exactly. I've never had it be a problem.

[@granthibberd6069]

Everyone, suppliers and staff INCLUDED are there for the wedding couple! Making sure that they get the best images/memories of their day is only in their interest and mostly folks are onboard with that. Being polite but assertive is completely ok! Big up JB4P for raising this one 💪

[@omegafire6253]

Is that a steam deck...

[@jbivphotography]

Yep 😉😉😉 I do most of my gaming on there.

[@playboxlimited.]

😆😆😆 at "64 billion"

[@jbivphotography]

😂😂

[@bvill6749]

This guy scared me with that hat on. I didn’t feel safe anymore.

[@jbivphotography]

😂😂