Remote Trigger of Camera

I have a wedding coming up that:
1) No flash (Common)
2) After processional, I have to be standing behind the last row of pews

That's always a less than ideal scenario.

The church does allow a camera mounted in front of the alter one of the corners with wireless triggering. I've never done this, and was looking for anyone else that has wirelessly triggered a camera (from 150 feet away). Based on the location we're allowed, I'm picturing swaying groomsmen blocking the shots....focus issues...trigger issues..horrible composition.

I'm half tempted to nix the mount option, but the bride also isn't big on recreating the moment either because they do lose emotion.

For that range Pocket Wizards are your best bet, and I know that Skyports aren't meant to work properly to trigger cameras.

Honestly though i'd just use a tripod and a long lens. You have to work within the rules of the venue, the couple chose the venue so they have to accept the rules.

You could also use YongNuo RF602's

I could try these. I'm thinking without knowing exactly where everyone is standing, it's such a crap shoot. Shoot wide and hope. But how boring would the pictures be all from the same exact point, too? Also, with no flash, I'd have to have a low f-stop/shallow depth of field, which also makes it very challenging.

I think I'm leaning towards what Tim said, and just being steady from the rear of the church.

I don't know if you are close to the venue but if you are very concerned, why don't you ask the couple if you can attend the rehearsal so you can get the layout down and test a setup?

Yeah, a remote triggered camera wouldn't be the best idea.

Tim's suggestion is probably the best, just make sure you let the couple know the rules and explain your plan. Not much else you can do, really.

I agree with Tim too. I often work with no flash at the ceremony and usually stay behind the guests. My 70-200 IS is wonderful for these types of situations...unless the church is crazy long, like one I shot at a few weeks ago. I was lucky enough to be allowed up in the balcony, which extended over the guests and allowed me to get some great shots as well.

I love using remote cameras. I think they give you an opportunity to get shots from places you would otherwise not be able to shoot from during a ceremony as well as give you the flexibility to deal with situations like you describe.

Here is an example from a wedding earlier this summer. ISO 3200 f/2.8 1/125 from a Mk III and 24 f/1.4L. The DOF from a wide lens, even at wider apertures is pretty forgiving if you have a little distance to work. 24mm, even at f/2 with a subject at 15 feet has a DOF of over 18 feet.

If you have a couple of cameras on remotes in addition to shooting handheld from the back you can get a nice variety. I have been pretty fortunate in that the weddings I have covered recently have allowed me to go just about anywhere I wanted so have not really had the need to do remote setups but still like to set them up for unique shots like the attached. I am also lucky enough to have a 400 f/2.8 so can shoot from the parking lot if needed.

For triggers, I am 100% sold on Pocket Wizards. I also have skyports for my Elinchrom lights but still use the PW's because they just work all the time from a very long range.

I use the Plus II's.

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