Walking isle shots...which focus setting?

[sageone]

Simple question...when the bride walks down the isle and the B&G walk back down together (as well as the bridal party, moms, etc.) which focus setting do you use, i.e. AI Servo, One Shot, AI Focus?

I imagine it would be AI Focus as the people are moving in a to and from direction versus unpredictable like sports (AI Servo). Or do people mannuall focus, knowing all well that it's easy to screw the shot up because you really never know if you're dead on focused.

Second question...shooting a wedding tomorrow and the priest does allow flash during the ceremony. I don't want to blast everyone with the flash and distract and the ceiling is very high. Should I go with a combo of fast glass/800+ ISO and bumping up flash output and bounce? I guess it's trial and error, but as you all know, there's no time for trials!

[Toogy]

I use one-shot mode for aisle shots, I just constantly am refocusing. I really should try AI-focus or servo, but I am not sure I trust it.
As for being able to use flash, I probably still wouldn't use it during the ceremony if I didn't have to. If you do want to use flash, I'd try and bounce it off the ceiling, maybe with the white card a tad up. Just enough to put a little light on your subjects.

[sageone]

yea, refocusing is probably the way to go. However, the minute you focus, they are out of focus...

[jessiper]

I wouldn't use flash unless it was absolutely necessary even w/fast glass. If you do happen to get one of them a little OOF when they're coming back down the aisle it's not the end of the world. Sometimes it can add something to the image.

[Jonathan Consiglio]

Usally when I step into the isle for my shots, the bride will stop for 1 or 2 seconds so I can get my shots. Then, I get out of the way and let the family members get there shots. I have no problem asking the bride at the consultation if they would mind doing this. Usually they don't mind at all. I do everything I can to not get in the way, but at times it's unavoidable. I use one-shot usually, but AI Focus als works very well.

[tim]

I use one shot AF for walking up the aisle, I just refocus constantly and use F5.6 or narrower. I don't use flash during a ceremony, I use fast glass, unless it's really not possible. ISO 1600/F2.8 and 1/60th is pretty normal, IS or a tripod is mandatory for that sort of exposure.

[sageone]

good advice everyone. I really want to avoid flash at the church, so I think I'll give it a go. Three hours and counting...gulp.

[Gatorboy]

For moving subjects, AI-Servo is the mode to use. I would never use AI-Focus, for it doesn't really work as advertised.

[bpuppy]

The isle shots are about the only time I don't use AI focus ... I use AI Servo for the isle shots ... wide open all the time.

[sageone]

Well...did the shoot. Used One Shot and refocused each time for the isle shots. Worked well. Nothing to post yet, still in PP...1,400+ frames.