A Fun Willed Wedding Reception Party at Victoria Warehouse | Manchester Wedding Photographer
Photographing weddings is always special, but shooting a wedding at Manchester's Victoria Warehouse brought its own unique challenges and rewards. With its industrial, urban vibe and moody lighting, it’s an incredible venue—but when the dance party starts, and the lights dim, that's when things really get interesting. Photography is all about the light, it’s literally in the word, translated from Greek, ‘photo-graphy’ means Light Drawing. So how to photograph when there isn’t any light? Thankfully I’ve learned a few tricks for capturing those energetic moments when the dance floor comes alive, despite the darkness.
A couples first dance….it’s like Stricly Come Dancing without the professionals!
Embracing the Darkness
Victoria Warehouse has a raw, atmospheric feel, and the dim lighting only adds to this urban charm. Let’s be honest, this vibe is exactly why couples book it as their choice of venue. So rather than trying to fight against that, I lean into it.
Dance like nobody’s watching
Working with natural shadows and embracing the colours of the venue’s ambient lighting helps to create some of the most striking shots. By adding a kiss of my own light from angles that compliment the available light in the venue I can freeze the moment and capture those party vibes. And because I work with lighting ‘off-camera’, nobody gets a flash of light in the face…..meaning they can continue to dance like no-ones watching!
Capturing the Energy
I love a party! And for me, around 8pm, is when the wedding really gets going.
A wedding day is a long day. Everybody’s dressed up to the nines, members of the wedding party have been ‘on-duty’ throughout and the happy couple have been pulled from pillar to post before being paraded onto the dancefloor to go a round of Strictly Come Dancing without the professionals!
Get into the groove
But then - Finally! - the DJ announces ‘come on everybody, join the happy couple on the dancefloor’.
The energy in the room changes. The music lifts tempo, arms are thrown in the air, there’s a rush of folks lurch onto the dancefloor and everybody just lets loose. I love photographing the dancing, as a photographer I get a real buzz from capturing that energy, spontaneous laughter, those wild dance moves and the genuine joy erupting on the dance floor.
No glasses on the dancefloor please!
Staying Discreet, Moving Everywhere
Victoria Warehouse is a large space, and once the party gets going, the dance floor can get pretty packed. I made it a habit to move quietly and quickly, blending in with the crowd as much as possible. People tend to be more relaxed and candid when they don’t feel like they’re being watched, so I stay low-key……and I’m not against throwing a few shapes to help blend in!
Black and White Working Wonders
One thing I didn’t expect was how beautifully black-and-white shots would turn out in this venue. The industrial textures of Victoria Warehouse, combined with the deep shadows and contrast, made for some truly dramatic images. Stripping away the color really helped focus on the emotions. The timeless feel of black-and-white working perfectly alongside the industrial urban atmosphere of the warehouse.
Reflecting on the Experience
Photographing the dance party at this Victoria Warehouse wedding was both challenging and rewarding. The venue’s dark, atmospheric vibe may be tricky, but with the right approach, it becomes the perfect canvas for unforgettable photos.
