Church pics help
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Discussion

Viper

Original Poster:

10,005 posts

304 months

Wednesday 4th July 2007
quotequote all
going to a wedding on saturday and I will be trying to snap a few pics inside, no flash aloud.

What's the best settings for an ameteur ? (Canon 400d)

I've a tripod but dont want to look to geeky as there will be an official photographer

Gemm

1,833 posts

246 months

Wednesday 4th July 2007
quotequote all
First of all, make sure you are allowed to take pics inside during the ceremony (I assume that's when you are planing to do?) because many don't allow you to. Even if you are allowed, it could be annoying for other people if you were taking lots of pics unless you are an official photographer.

This obviously depends on the weather, time of the day and the church itself, but it could be pretty hard without a tripod unless you use very fast lenses with high ISO. (Well, that's from my experience anyway) Using a tripod from the back of the church with varied focal length works well for me. You'll be totally out of the way and won't annoy anyone. wink

Famous Graham

26,553 posts

256 months

Wednesday 4th July 2007
quotequote all
Visit the church beforehand.

It's utterly utterly invaluable. See what the conditions are like, take some test shots etc.

IF you can't use flash, ramp up the ISO and widen the aperture on your lens as much as you can - churches are generally gloomy and warm.

If you've been asked to do this by the bride or groom, then arrange for a fake shoot between the real ceremony and them leaving the church (after the congregation have gone). It only takes 5 minutes and is worth doing.

The ban on shooting during the service is down to religious reasons. The few weddings I have done, I respected that, and will do for any others, however, that didn't stop everyone else from whipping out their flash-tastic point and shoots. You'll never meet the vicar again. Up to your conscience.

RobDickinson

31,343 posts

285 months

Wednesday 4th July 2007
quotequote all
Fast glass. Take a 50mmf1.8 minimum. You should be able to get 1/50ths at f2.0 ISO 800/1600

Viper

Original Poster:

10,005 posts

304 months

Thursday 5th July 2007
quotequote all
thanks for the great advice guys !
im there the day before so test pics arent a problem, inside pics seem OK with the vicar with no flash and no bleeps, so sound off.

Yes just a few extra pics for the couple hopefully

TonyHetherington

32,091 posts

281 months

Thursday 5th July 2007
quotequote all
The problem with SLR's though is that they are surprsingly noisey in a silent church, so although no beeps and no flashes, you will still be making noise!

Simply be more selective and don't take the mick it will be fine.

And yes, the 50mm f1.8 will be invaluable biggrin