wedding pics when flash is not allowed

[calexs74]

I have a 50d and I was wondering what people do that have an xxd camera and have to shoot a wedding in a church that does not allow flash? I know to get a fast lens and change iso but the pics still look like a yellow mess. What settings or strategy do you employ in this situation ?

[Ken Cravillion]

Correct white balance?

[bps]

Exactly, it sounds like you have a white balance issue. In which case, you can correct beforehand by establishing the correct white balance, or you could correct it in post-processing. It really is personal preference.

As for shooting in low light without flash, you'll need to achieve a shutter speed that's fast enough to prevent soft pictures. You've already hit the nail on the head. You need fast lenses and a bump in ISO. IS helps, as well as noise reduction in post processing when you have no choice but to use a really high ISO. You can also work on technique for hand-held shots and in some situations, use a tripod.

Hope this helps,
Bryan

[tim]

Shoot RAW, but use the tungsten preset so your histogram is reasonably accurate. Use ISO3200 if you need to, you'll want F2.8 IS or faster lenses.

[EOS_JD]

I have an expodisk that helps set a manual white balance but Tim's right. Shoot RAW so you can amend later if required

[calexs74]

Thanx for the advice I tried setting the Kelvin temp to 2800 and my pics look a lot better.

[Mark Russell]

I'd never recommend this as an 'every time' thing, but I've had very good luck when I tell the couple to just reenact everything critical. Face it, church officials can be brick walls when it comes the the photographers. I've been told flat out that I'm not to be seen or heard during the ceremony whatsoever. So I just tell the couple that after they recess, I'll need them to immediately turn right behind the last pew, and come right back to the altar. From there... "Ok, let's see that ring exchange again, let's get a shot of you two lighting the unity candle, go ahead and kiss the bride one more time, etc." And with the ceremony being done and over with, turn your flash back on and fire away. And you can stand wherever you want this time.
Again, I stress that this is a Plan B tactic only, but on the occasions I've employed it, everyone seemed to be pretty happy with it. The ceremony official now likes you for your brilliant consideration for his ceremony and the couple is happy to avoid the involuntary receiving line. Proceed to breathe onto your fingernails and buff them on your shirt shoulder.

[OdiN1701]

What Tim said. Definitely shoot RAW.

Problem is that sometimes you have dual light sources - tungsten lighting and light from outdoors. The biggest problem I've had is when there is a mix of light sources like that. Tungsten lighting plus flourescent lighting is such a pain sometimes.

I had an official who didn't want me to use flash at an outdoor wedding that started about 1PM in the summer and there were very few clouds. Neeless to say, I used flash anyway. I just did test shots for the couple and showed them the horrible results without fill in direct overhead sunlight and they overruled the official and said live with it thankfully. Wasn't at a church so it wasn't as big of an issue.

I really hate officials who impose those types of rules as if it's THEIR wedding. Let the couples decide - they're getting married, they're paying for the facilities, etc.

[evelasco]

Looks like you got the answer above...but just a note, I've never been to a wedding where they allowed flash in the church...so you have to have the right equipment to compensate for this nasty tradition!

[F4 Cyborg]

The right equipment, with the right settings, at just the right time, for just the right moment, in just the right place. Lets see I dun tink I LEFT anyting outz. :oops: Humm I dun knoo

[say_cheese]

good technique, fast lens, and RAW. No fast lens, then good technique and RAW. No fast lens and lacking in technique? At least use RAW, its free! If you had all the best gear available you should still shoot (particularly a wedding) in RAW.