Light up the dancefloor

Ben Davis shows you how to get into the groove and shoot dynamic dancefloor action like a pro

- Ben Davis

Camera: Nikon Z 611

Lens:  24mm f/1.8

Exposure: 1/4 sec, f/9, ISO320

Project one: Wedding parties

Capturing the vibrant energy of a dancefloor after a wedding is a real technical challenge. There's little light to work with, and focusing on moving subjects in the near-dark isn't an easy task, even for a capable camera like the Z 611.

While a fast prime lens and a high ISO setting will allow you to preserve the ambient light and produce atmospheric pictures, one surefire way to shoot truly dynamic dancefloor photos is to use the shutter drag technique. This combines a slow shutter speed with a burst of flash to freeze the action, and also injects colourful swirls and streaks of light to the frame.

So whether it's the bride and groom busting a move to their favourite tune, or a drunk uncle air-guitaring to Livin' on a Prayer, this technique will always serve up a bounty of frolicsome photos.

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