If the DJ is cooperative (they often control the lights) and doesn't put the reception into pitch black darkness, I go with natural lighting. Lots of nice shadows and cascading light on the guests, especially on the closeups.

John

For the reception, I only light the head table and the podium. 2 x 750w Totas and 1 x 500w Omni. I put the Totas in the front facing the head table - nice and high, one tota is facing just the head table the other one is facing the podium and the head table. The omni light is behind the podium up against the wall - giving me hairlight on the speaker (some depth). I have the lights all wirelessly controlled so when I don't need them I just press a button. Once they are on the dance floor I just turn one tota around (just loosen one knob instead of turning the whole light around) and light the dance floor.

Wow- (2) 750 Totas , that sounds like a lot. I guess it depends on the room too. Mind sharing what you're using for the wireless remote? I'd like to be able to turn on/off as well as dim remotely. I saw a Hunter fan remote at Lowes but not sure how compatible it would be with my Lowell lights.

Art

Art I was thinking the same thing along the lines of using remotes... I think the fan remotes could work, but only with low wattage bulbs.

IMHO anything over 100 watts per light is overkill for receptions and run the enhanced risk of appearing obtrusive. We use three 75 watt lights on dimmers and it's provided ample lighting for even the darkest caves also known as reception venues. :)

Of course I can't shoot with no gain with this lighting- often times I'm at 1/24th and +12db however it's better to max your camera out first and add enough additional light to get the image to pop rather than trying to light the camera basing it on an image a 1/48-1/60th with low gain.

Bear in mind there's always a critical balance between image quality and perceived obtrusiveness. Both of them are paramount. If either of the two edged out the other in importance it would be unobtrusiveness.

It does sound like alot but most of the venues that I get to shoot in are large. Im using a wireless light control by NOVA from Canadian Tire for like $30cdn but no dimming ability.

I haven't had one client complain, or even a guest about the lights I have used (knock on wood)- that is probably because I light the headtable and not the entire hall or guests. I find that shooting on 1/24th will cause motion blurs for any movements and +12 is a definite no go for ME. I would rather shoot 1/48th or 1/60th with at most +3db rather than 1/24th and 12+db.

But as long as you're getting the image quality that you need then your settings are fine.

Motion isn't as clean with 1/24th but it's far from blurry. If you've seen any of my reception footage it's ALL +12db @ 1/24th. What camera are you using?

Glen: are you shooting with the XHA1?

I'm using the A1, what about you?

XH-A1...yes.

Hey Glen,

I'm shooting with 2 x 75's and a 20 on a smaller stand for cake cutting of other remote locations. I'm at 24 fps and 1/24th for nearly the entire reception too. I'm able to shoot the dance floor with 6db and the PFVISION preset. I was at 12db with my previous preset. I'd love to try your preset though...

i am about ready to ugrade my kit, not sure whether to add lowel omnis or some
fresnels. Fresnels look high end, so I may just go with those. this will be my
first year using additional lighting for receptions.

well, I've been using a lighting setup similar to Glenn's, two, 75 watt lights on light stands with remote controls, that are placed by the DJ or stage for bands.

Works wonders for me shooting with FX1's running about 9-12db gain.
We still use on camera dimable lights for fill, when needed. And the combo of off camera with some fill lighting, really creates a nice image with good depth of field that's not flat like normal on camera lighting is.

Are you guys using halogen, or flourescent lighting??