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How to Shutter-Drag on the Dance Floor | Wedding Photography Tips

Shutter dragging is one of my favorite creative techniques for wedding photography—it adds motion, energy, and a little bit of magic to reception shots. If you’ve ever seen those dreamy, blurred light trails behind a couple on the dance floor, that’s shutter dragging in action.

What is Shutter Dragging?

Shutter dragging (also called slow shutter sync) is when you use a slower shutter speed while incorporating flash. The result? A mix of crisp subjects (thanks to the flash) and motion blur in the background, making your images feel more dynamic and alive.

How to Use Shutter Dragging in Wedding Photography

Step 1: Adjust Your Camera Settings

  • Shutter Speed: Start around 1/10 to 1/30 sec—this gives enough motion blur without losing control.

  • Aperture: Keep it balanced depending on the ambient light (f/2.8–f/5.6 is usually a good range).

  • ISO: Adjust to ensure the background is properly exposed without overpowering the flash.

  • Flash Power: Use a lower power setting (like 1/32 or 1/64) so it doesn’t overpower the ambient light.

Step 2: Use Rear Curtain Sync

Rear curtain sync tells your flash to fire at the end of the exposure instead of the beginning. This ensures the motion blur happens before the subject is frozen by the flash, creating a more natural, flowing effect.

Step 3: Add Motion

Once your settings are dialed in, it’s time to experiment! Try:

  • Camera Movement: Slightly moving your camera during exposure can create artistic light streaks.

  • Subject Movement: Have your couple spin, dance, or move naturally to emphasize the effect.

  • Zoom Pulling: Slowly zooming in or out while dragging the shutter can add a fun, warped effect to your images.

When to Use Shutter Dragging

Shutter dragging works best in low-light situations where there are strong ambient light sources, like:

  • The dance floor with DJ lights

  • Sparklers or candlelit receptions

  • Neon signs or city lights during night portraits

Pro Tips for Perfecting the Look

  • Use a Wider Lens: This technique works best when capturing more of the scene.

  • Keep a Steady Hand: A little movement is great, but too much can make the whole image unrecognizable.

  • Test and Adjust: Every reception space is different—play with your settings until you find the sweet spot.

Shutter dragging is such a fun way to add energy to your wedding galleries, giving your couples a unique mix of sharp and artistic motion shots. Next time you're at a reception, give it a try and watch the magic happen!

Nic Hilton