First wedding - lessons learned

A legend in his own lunchtime

tim wrote in post #568782
[B]
Edit, 5 years later
7) I never do a CWB any more.
8) I always use partial metering, or manual.
14) I still think this matters if you're a guest, but if you do everything else right it doesn't much matter. People are usually very impressed with radio triggers, and slightly puzzled about why you need them.
15) How I photograph wedding receptions has massively changed. See that link.
16) Flash brackets are a PITA, heavy and awkward, I haven't used one in three years. I don't shoot direct flash so they're pointless.

Why no CWB?

Why Partial Metering?

ShutteringFocus wrote in post #12054250
Why no CWB?

Why Partial Metering?

I shoot raw and set the WB later. I use partial as I find it the most reliable metering method for the way I shoot in a wide variety of situations, but experiment and decide what works best for you.

A few questions for Tim...
Shooting outdoor evening wedding in a few days. Light will vary from direct sunlight to shade coming from behind audience. I was planning to use 2 FF bodies (one with a 24-70 2.8 and the other with a 70-200 2.8 IS). I was going to use a 580EX on the 24-70 body on fill and no flash on the 70-200 body (counting on iso and IS). Is this a combo you would agree with? If not what would you change? Can I get away without using a flash bracket? I have one but dont like it. I plan to use a diffuser when it gets dark. There is no where to bounce the flash so I will have to use more or less direct flash +/- the diffuser.
I am planning to get as many of posed family shots before the ceremony (probably about 5pm) as possible. I plan to shoot these in shade again with a fill flash.
Any other words of advice would be appreciated!...
Thanks!

Get another flash you need a spare. I haven't used a bracket in years. Direct flash with high iso is ok if you can't do off camera.

Sorry for brief reply, on iPhone. Best start your own thread for general advice.

tim wrote in post #12166154
Get another flash you need a spare. I haven't used a bracket in years. Direct flash with high iso is ok if you can't do off camera.

Sorry for brief reply, on iPhone. Best start your own thread for general advice.

Thank you Tim!

I actually have several flashes so a spare will not be a problem.

When you say direct flash with high iso, do you mean high iso (say 800-1600) in Av mode still using flash for fill or do you mean using camera in manual mode with flash as the primary light source?

Other than the two items you mentioned do you agree with my plan?

Re metering it depends on the lighting and situation.

I'd do it differently, lots of off camera flash, but your plan should be fine.

tim wrote in post #12166631
Re metering it depends on the lighting and situation.

I'd do it differently, lots of off camera flash, but your plan should be fine.

Thanks again!