The Perfect Exposure: Step-by-Step
Getting the perfect exposure can be done in 8 simple steps. Please see the slide below:
Shooting Direction
There are multiple potential angles to shoot at a reception hall, and some are just better than others. This is why you should first decide on your shooting direction. Whenever possible, try to frame your subject with other people in the background (such as a bride and groom or other guests behind a toast maker). You do not want to frame your subjects under an exit sign or in front of the DJ’s speaker system. Every beautiful reception hall will still have some area that does not make an ideal background for photos.
Setting Desired Ambient Exposure
When setting your ambient exposure, you don’t want to kill the light in the room, but you don’t want to reveal every detail either. Basically, you should try to represent the scene in camera as it is in the room, and then add additional flash power when lighting your subjects so that they are separated from the background and house colors (which can sometimes be pink, purple, etc.).
Gelling to the Dominant Ambient Light
When gelling to the main light, you have to decide on the dominant light source in the room and then gel your flash accordingly to support it. For example, if the dominant light source in a room is warm tungsten lighting, then you would likely use a CTO gel to match it.
Setting Power and Making Adjustments
If your primary light is on camera, dial in the light power according to the quick guide covered in chapter 1.4. Otherwise, dial in your off-camera flashes, set the zoom, and take a test shot to get started.
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
