Dance floor photos are some of the most fun of the wedding day. BUT if the DJ’s first song after the first dance is September… Then it’s time to run for the hills and just get out of there.

JUST KIDDING.

It's your last job to do before heading home from the wedding. So get yourself out on the dance floor and go for it. PS, don't try the snake, you'll embarrass yourself.

Now, there are plenty of ways to do this and techniques you can employ. But what’s good? Are we freezing motion with flash and streaking those lights everywhere? Or are we going low light, high ISO? Whatever your vibe here, here are some tips to make it, maybe a little better/easier/dancier.

⬆️ Firstly, go for a EASY lens choice
Most wedding photographers are going with a WIDE lens for dance floor photos. Whether you have a prime or zoom, most super high quality lenses are HEAVY. The hot idea here is to get yourself a lighter, cheaper lens and put that on for the dance floor photos. It keeps you nimble. Saves your wrists. Especially if you go one handed…

Even cheap lenses are super sharp at higher apertures (which you are likely using with flash.)

‍Canon users can look into the 28mm f/2.8 RF pancake lens. SO tiny, but the focus is not amazing if you want to use autofocus. (pro tip - use the constant light on your flash to help with the focus).Nikon have the Z 28mm f/2.8 or even the Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 would work great.Sony have the FE 24mm f/2.8 G or the Sony FE 28mm f/2. Point is, make it easy for yourself, and don’t be scared of a ‘cheap’ lens here.

⬆️ Flash use and manual focus
‍If you are flashing up a storm on the dance floor, and getting it done with a high aperture (7.1 plus..) then you could consider clicking your lens into manual focus. Set your focus distance to 1m and fire away. If you subject is in that range, then they will ALWAYS be in focus. It saves waiting for the autofocus in dark situations.

Bonus tip here it to make sure you constantly check that your lens is still set to the right focus distance. Getting into the dance floor at a wedding means getting up close and personal and people can easily bump your lens and push the focus off. So check it ALL THE TIME!

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⬆️ Please Stop with the Excessive Light Trails

Let’s be real: while light trails might have been unique, cool, whatever once upon a time. It's not 2014 anymore. It's time to let them rest in the archives. Yeah yeah, we all love to show off our technical skills—yes, you know how to manipulate your shutter speed and flash to freeze motion. GREAT! But let’s take a moment to consider what really elevates a dance floor photo: the connection and the energy of the moment.

Excessive light trails can easily overshadow those beautiful emotions and genuine interactions. They often come across as gimmicky rather than artistic, and while they might impress a few non-photographers, the majority of your clients are looking for timeless, elegant images that capture the essence of their special day.

Instead of relying on flashy effects, why not focus on creating a more sophisticated look? Get into flash in a way that enhances the scene without detracting from it. Think about your framing—try incorporating more portrait-oriented shots for that editorial feel. This approach allows you to show off not only the dancing but also the vibrant atmosphere and the  connections between guests.

If you do choose to experiment with light trails, keep it minimal. A subtle hint of motion can add a dynamic quality to your images without overwhelming them. The key is to find that sweet spot where creativity meets clarity, ensuring that your photos remain a true reflection of the joyous celebration.

At the end of the day, your goal should be to craft images that resonate with your clients, transporting them back to that magical night every time they look at their album. So let’s leave the excessive light trails behind and focus on capturing the authentic moments that make each wedding unique.

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⬆️ Ditch the flash and get weird
We LOVE  flash on the dance floor, but remember: variety wins in wedding photography. When you’re capturing those dance floor moments, remember to always switch things up. Turning off the flash and embracing available light is how to do that. Experiment with silhouettes by positioning your subjects against the vibrant light show from the DJ booth. This technique can add a dramatic flair to your photos, emphasizing the movement and energy of the crowd while creating constrast. WIN.

And don’t overlook the potential of using filters over your lens! A simple diffusion or star filter can create interest light effects, working with the intense lights and colors and making a vibe.

With these tips and ideas up your sleeve you’ll be well on your way to creating better and more interesting photos at your next dance floor. Please no more crazy light trails. We aint clubbing in 2015 anymore.

Finally, remember it's all about showing off that movement, chaos and atmosphere… aka make it dancier 🪩🪩🪩

Cover image by Joel & Justyna