Exposure and Manual Mode Setting Process

In searching around this forum sub group, it seems that most of you shooting weddings are using Manual mode. Other threads also indicated that you weren't using light meters. I guess I am just curious what process you go through to determine the appropriate settings to get proper exposure for your ceremony and posed shots? I am hoping it isn't just experience, as us newer folks have to start somewhere! I just did a wedding this weekend and without using Manual Mode, I was having a difficult time getting proper exposures because of the low light in the church and the exposure readings taken by my 40D. Again, I know what the apertures need to be for proper exposure, but was just having trouble getting the camera to cooperate short of using full Manual Mode. If there are existing books/resources you'd recommend, I would greatly appreciate that information!

I apologize if I missed a thread somewhere, but with my search terms I didn't have any luck finding threads on this topic.

Here's a thread that may be relevant; I just searched the Wedding forum for "exposure":
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=605264

Chimping, and no blinky is good.

Shoot in Av, check histogram, transfer tweaked settings to manual mode.

Well, I use a light meter. I guess that makes me a candy-assed, sissy-shooter. Seriously, don't be fooled by the seasoned pros that seem to walk into a room an instinctively know what exposure level they're going to shoot at. Some can get within 1/2 a stop maybe but they still need to make adjustments.

And if this is what people think of light meter users then there's a lot of us dullards out there I guess. Everyone should have one IMO. Make sure it measures incident light. Better yet, get one that does it all including flash. Walk around with it using different settings. (It's a great teaching tool). I use one for all controlled shots like formals and poses - things I and the subjects have time for. Meters are pretty accurate and you'll be doing far less "test" shots. It makes shooting in full manual mode much easier and less frustrating. Granted, you can't stop a processional and run up to the bride to take a reading but you can do this before the ceremony starts to get a general idea of where you need to be. You won't always have time to check your histogram with a ring bearer bolting up a short aisle either.

And there's nothing wrong with staying in one of the assisted shooting modes during fast paced live action (Av, Tv or even P). A lot of people really try to keep that dial set to, "M" simply because it sounds good on forums whenever asked I think. Personally, I don't have enough fingers to flip and push all the dials and buttons fast enough during a live event where the light changes so much. And there are times you don't have time to get real creative with the scene... you just need the shot.

And welcome to POTN where one line responses and comments like, RTFM are the norm. (Of course you always run the risk of dozing off reading some of mine).

tim wrote in post #9484900
Shoot in Av, check histogram, transfer tweaked settings to manual mode.

That's how I do it.

but you don't have to shoot in manual mode, you know... Av is a good mode too, you might try a different metering mode or using exposure compensation, depending on the situation.

RT McAllister wrote in post #9485448
... (Of course you always run the risk of dozing off reading some of mine).

Zzzzzzzzz...huh...what did you say?

Like the others have said, shooting in Manual is not necessary for weddings - Av can be just as good. If you want to learn how to shoot Manual I'd suggest not trying to learn it at weddings as you're likely to muck up. Get out and shoot lots of other stuff to get the feel of it.

RT McAllister wrote in post #9485448
Well, I use a light meter.

What's a light meter?

bigrob wrote in post #9499856
What's a light meter?

This a joke??

Well, it is what it says it is - a meter that measures light.

http://en.wikipedia.or​g/wiki/Light_meter
http://www.ephotozine.​com …handheld-light-meter-4748

bigrob wrote in post #9499856
What's a light meter?

More of that (in)famous British humo(u)r?

bigrob wrote in post #9499856
What's a light meter?

A lot shorter than a light "year".

<groan>

RT McAllister wrote in post #9500101
A lot shorter than a light "year".

<groan>

D'oh. I think I can hear crickets chirping somewhere...

I bring a light meter, but usually only use it for engagement shoots. I grew up shooting in manual (it was the only setting that came with my first slr) but generally shoot in AV just so I don't have to think about it so much. As others have said, as long as it's not looking crazy dark or blinking, I know I'm okay. I forget which metering mode I use, but it's one of the middle ones; not the widest and not spot.

Nowadays, I only use manual when shooting flash or when I REALLY need to control exposure to get the kind of look I want.

stsva wrote in post #9499994
More of that (in)famous British humo(u)r?

You got it.

I don't shoot weddings but I love reading the threads.

bigrob wrote in post #9500297
You got it.

I don't shoot weddings but I love reading the threads.

Me too, on both counts.