Top 5 DJ Coordination Tips for Wedding Photographers

If you’re a photographer looking to enhance your collaboration with wedding DJs to get the best shots possible – this article is for you. Lets dive into the simple things you coordinate with the DJ to help you get the best photos possible. I have Damian here from Extreme Entertainment here to tell you more about how to best achieve this.

As the owner of Extreme Entertainment DJ Services in Ottawa, I’ve seen first hand how crucial seamless coordination between photographers and DJs is for creating the best wedding photos. 

1. Coordinate the Lighting

Talk to the DJ during setup about the lighting plan. Ask them to keep lights steady during important moments like first dances and speeches. This helps you take clear, beautiful photos. Make sure to ask the DJ not to use fast-moving lights during key photo moments – this can ruin your shots.

Quick tip: The best time to talk about lighting is when the DJ is setting up, usually 2-3 hours before the party starts. If they’re already on the decks, avoid approaching them during song transitions, as this requires their full attention.

2. Use Music to Capture Genuine Emotions

Ask your DJ to alert you before playing songs that hold special meaning for the couple or family members – or even a song that will create “ooohh” moments. These heads-ups help you position yourself for snapping those authentic reactions.

Here’s some examples:

• Parent dances

• Special dedications
• Surprise songs
• Friend group songs

When the DJ warns you about these moments, you can be ready to catch real tears, big smiles, and heartfelt hugs. These natural reactions make for amazing photos that families will love.

3. Coordinate a Group Photo

Want to get everyone in one big photo? Your DJ is the perfect helper! Here’s what to do:

• Tell the DJ when you want to take the group shot
• Get them to set the lights to all white
• Let them announce it on the mic and gather everyone around

This teamwork helps you get that big shot done quickly so guests can get back to having fun.

DJs will be happy to do this, especially if the dance floor is feeling empty because it always packs the dance floor when the photo is done.

4. Create Epic Dance Floor Moments

Great party photos happen when people are having fun dancing. Work with your DJ to know:

• When the party songs are coming
• Which songs they think will get everyone dancing tonight
• When coordinated dance moments will happen

The DJ can help you time your dance floor photos perfectly. They know exactly when the floor will be packed!

5. Sync Your Timeline

If there’s no wedding planner, the DJ usually knows what’s happening when. Check in with them about the timeline.

• When speeches will start
• When dinner is being served
• When special dances are happening
• If anything in the schedule changes

Communication Best Practices

To maintain smooth wedding day operations, know when to approach the DJ. The best times for quick chats are:

• During dinner service
• During longer songs
• During setup

Avoid interrupting during:

• Song transitions
• Important announcements
• Special dances
• Toasts

Having DJ’d countless weddings in Ottawa, I’ve seen first hand these coordination strategies consistently produce better results.

Remember – when DJs and photographers work together, everyone gets better results. The couple gets better photos, and you get to focus on taking amazing shots instead of worrying about what’s happening next.

Author: Damian Polan