I found a neat web site

[RPCrowe]

The Sekonic web site has a lot of great information regarding lighting.

http://sekonic.com/classroom/classroom_Video-ProFiles-Steve-Sint.asp

[TMR Design]

The Sekonic web site has a lot of great information regarding lighting.

http://sekonic.com/classroom/classroom_Video-ProFiles-Steve-Sint.asp

That's been on Sekonic's site for a while now. It's a great example of using a light meter on location and when shooting events when time allows for it. It really does make a difference and keeps things much more consistent than using ETTL/iTTL. When white must be white and black must be black it simplifies things dramatically.

[patrick clarke]

but is it practical or possible to shoot most weddings using a light meter without interupting the free flow or spontaneity of the event

[TheHoff]

but is it practical or possible to shoot most weddings using a light meter without interupting the free flow or spontaneity of the event

Before E-TTL, photographers used a thyristor on the flash to measure light output.

Before thyristors, you either metered the light or approximated by guide numbers and distance to subject.

Before LCDs and histograms, you had to meter your flash shots if you wanted an exact exposure.

Lots of weddings were successfully shot and emotions captured before digital and E-TTL :)

[TMR Design]

but is it practical or possible to shoot most weddings using a light meter without interupting the free flow or spontaneity of the event

It will always depend on the pace of the event and also if you have a second shooter.

For formals, portraits, posed shots, group shots, etc. it makes perfect sense and it's not only very practical but it will give you consistent results.

Obviously if you're shooting the first kiss or first dance then you use ETTL/iTTL and use your intuition and experience to guide you for proper exposures.