Natural Light for the Processional

I always use flash for the processional, typically shooting f4-5. I'm also using one-shot which gives me some confirmation that I've achieved focus.

I see so many really beautiful natural light shots coming up the aisle and would like to do it as well, but have a few questions:

How slow a shutter speed can you safely work at to assure no motion blur; 1/60?

I assume you're using AI Servo?

Is there a max aperature you'll allow yourself for these shots?

Thanks for any and all insights.

I use one shot, F2.8, ISO3200, 1/50th if necessary, and I take LOTS of photos. I've never worked out how to use servo so I just focus and shoot really quickly. I've been doing it the same for years with good success.

I use servo, but only with a fast focusing lens like a 70-200 f/2.8, 85mm 1.8, or 28 1.8 if I'm shooting wide. ISO 1600/3200, shutter speed about 1/60 minimum, depending on the lens.

I don't like to use flash if I don't have to, but if the church is dark I'll use the AF assist beam from my speedlite.

The problem with using a flash is that you can miss a really good opportunity if you just happen to take a shot just right before it since your flash does not get full charge in such a short period of time. I lean toward natural light and use 2.8 or less. I recommend asking the B&G to walk slower and stay close together if possible.

I understand your "flashless" reasoning for this Buckeye - many here have a similar style with good results, but how do you deal with really dark churches, or very bad pools of light that cause unflattering shadows?

Buckeye1 wrote in post #9661948
The problem with using a flash is that you can miss a really good opportunity if you just happen to take a shot just right before it since your flash does not get full charge in such a short period of time. I lean toward natural light and use 2.8 or less. I recommend asking the B&G to walk slower and stay close together if possible.

sapearl wrote in post #9664157
I understand your "flashless" reasoning for this Buckeye - many here have a similar style with good results, but how do you deal with really dark churches, or very bad pools of light that cause unflattering shadows?

Thanks, everyone, for your insights.

And Stu brings up another point. For me, more than half my weddings take place not in a church but at a banquet hall and it's nearlly always darker in that space even than a dark church.

I try to get 1/100, but I'll drop as low as 1/40 if I'm desperate. I prefer available light for processions, but use flash when needed.

With the D700 and 1-series bodies I use servo, and one shot for my 40d. I would probably also use servo if I had a 7d

I use whats needed. I've never had the settings to be the same as every wedding situation is different. I set the shutter speed to the longest length by using the iso. If I'm using the 10-22 I'll be a f4.5/60, 17-55- f2.8-3.5/80 or 100 if I can. 70-200 f2.8/350. I'd rather get a sharp shot than have no noise/grain. I also use one shot, servo would probably work just as well for me but I'm confident with one shot in this situation so see no reason to change.