Just called to do a sunset wedding TOMORROW!!!

Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD

04/16/2006 07:06:10 PM · #1

Yikes! They originally asked if I could do it Friday, but I couldn't, so they changed it till tomorrow and asked if I could do it!

I am not worried about the wedding itself, as it will be my 4th, but I am worried about the lighting. (Don't people know they are supposed to plan weddings on an overcast day in broad daylight ;o) )

I HATE using flash. My exeriences with flash at sunset were awful.

I need some tips!!!! I am thinking I should just choose higher ISO over flash, but I am worried about silhouettes with the strong backlighting. (Which isn't always a bad thing, but I don't want the whole ceremony in shadow!)

I will probably mount my 24-70 on my 300D and my 70-200mm on my 20D. (Or do you think I should reverse that?)

Thanks for any tips!
Jenn

MadMan2k

Sony Alpha a6400

04/16/2006 07:14:57 PM · #2

I say get some friends or family to go outside, and practice using flash on them... you probably won't get anything good just using a high ISO without flash, and if you expose for their faces the sky will be way washed out. Flash evens it out, you can pick an aperture that will expose the sky right at X-sync speed and just use that, and you'll get the pretty sky background along with well exposed people.

For my flash, I usually set the flash to ISO100, f/4.0 and full distance if it's more than like 15 feet away, and whatever distance they're at if it's closer. Then I set the camera to ISO100, f/5.6 and either the X-sync speed (1/200) or like 1/60th to either pan or expose the background more. But you really have to play with it to find out what looks good.. the good news is you have quite a bit of leeway if you shoot with a low ISO because there's not much noise even if you push/pull the exposure in PP :) (But you do have to be a little wary of recharge time, especially if you shoot tons of shots and wear down the flash batteries)

That's all assuming you have an external flash or several. If not, maybe you can rent one or something? heh

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

04/16/2006 07:19:12 PM · #3

Originally posted by MadMan2k:

I only have my one 420EX....and no off camera bracket.....and nowhere to buy them here on Guam...LOL

faidoi

Pentax K10D

04/16/2006 07:21:30 PM · #4

Reflectors.

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

04/16/2006 07:23:59 PM · #5

Originally posted by faidoi:

Reflectors.

I have one large reflector. Great for the groups shots, but what about the ceremony itself??? Any tips? Should I lean it up against my legs up towards their faces as I shoot the group shots?

This is a very small ceremony, btw.

idnic

Canon EOS-60D

04/16/2006 07:25:18 PM · #6

I suggest you try to get no more than one or two shots with the sunset behind them - for the others turn the other direction and photograph them facing the very flattering golden light. You will love the results. Be careful of your shadow in the scene.

Nuno

Nikon D700

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

04/16/2006 07:29:51 PM · #7

Here's a few tip's:

If there's a good atmosphere in the sky at sunset and you want to preserve it you must meter the light in the sky. Set the flash in ttl in order it will fill-in. Meter on the sky above the grooms, lock exposure, aim for your subject and then focus and compose. This way your flash will fill in and preserve the beaty of the sky. Otherwise the sky will be blown because your subjet if there's no avaiable light on it there will be a big difference in the light from subject and sky.

Just hope that your flash will have the power to fill.

04/16/2006 07:33:32 PM · #8

Originally posted by idnic:

Probably a great idea. Thanks. I think I will scope out the location tonight.

04/16/2006 07:38:03 PM · #9

Originally posted by Nuno:

Thank you.

Will metering for the sky, though, cause the couple to be pretty underexposed? Or am I counting on the flash to bring their exposure up?

One thing I just though of is I have ONE flash. I was going to use two camera bodies. Maybe I should just stick with my 24-70 on the 20d.

I do have an omnibounce...but I haven't found it to make that much of a difference.......nothing like the Lightsphere does!

fotomann_forever

04/16/2006 07:47:03 PM · #10

Don't worry about the omnibounce for outdoor shots. Just use your flash in TTL mode pointed straight at the subject. Flash outdoors is a LOT easier than flash indoors.

When using flash... Aperture controls flash exposure and shutter speed controls ambient lighting.

If the background is coming out dark, make your shutter speed longer. If the subject is coming out dark open your aperture.

I'd run the 20D at about 400 ISO for the ceremony. That way you get plenty of low-light ability and flash range while not introducing a lot of noise.

Panasonic Lumix G 14mm F2.5 ASPH

04/16/2006 07:50:22 PM · #11

Originally posted by fotomann_forever:

I never know that about aperture being the one to control the flash. Thanks for the tip! I may practice that a bit today.

Olyuzi

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7

04/16/2006 09:28:44 PM · #12

Shoot RAW files (or maybe RAW and JPG, if you have enought memory) for maximum pp flexiblity with exposure and white balance. I would imagine that you will not be allowed to use flash during the ceremony so you will have to crank up the ISO. Just make sure to preserve detail in the wedding dress and not blow it out.
My two cents from somebody that has never shot a wedding. I hope it all comes out well for you.

Chiqui

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro

04/16/2006 09:45:09 PM · #13

I recommend you practice with your flash before. I doubt a reflector will be enough. I have seen many, many pictures of sunset weddings where flash has been used and they look great. Just my 2 cents.

June

PhantomEWO

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

04/16/2006 09:52:57 PM · #14

I did my son's wedding last summer on the shore of Lake Powell in southern Utah. They were slow getting it going. It was a rocky and sandy beach and the only building around was the houseboat. The ceremony started just as the last of the sun dissapeared below the horizon. I stuck with the Sigma 24-70 f2.8 DG EX and set the ISO to 400. I also used the flash (canon 580). If you try without the flash set the time on something you can hold steady, maybe 1/80th sec or faster. I know most of us can hold down to 1/30th and lower with IS but when you are looking, shooting and everyone is moving don't take a chance on blurring them. If you can use a flash I think I would, a blurred photo is no good for anything but maybe artistic black & White. I think I'de use the 20D where it's darker, better low light capability. If you have a 50mm 1.8 or 1.4 that might be a better option. Good luck, mine was fun and most pics were pretty good.

04/16/2006 09:56:00 PM · #15

Ahhh yes........the good ol' 1.8. I knew you guys talked me into keeping it for some reason ;)

I've learned the hard way in the past......
....a photo shot at ISO 1600 is better than a blurry shot..LOL

colema19