Settings for Wedding Shoot

[yetimeister]

Hey guys, been shooting for a couple months now and cleverly got roped into doing a wedding for a friend, not because I have the skills to - but because they couldn't afford anything else and i'd hate to see them go without pictures on their wedding day! So here's the deal - I have 4 hours before I need to leave and i'm panicking a bit. I don't feel like i'm ready to get the settings perfect for those key shots so within the last two days i've embraced the fact that I may have to use automatic settings such as P, or Av, etc.. the only problem is i've almost NEVER used these settings, I've really been trying to get a feel for manual and learning to setup the shot without relying on these things.

So my question for you guys is - which settings should I use to capture the important moments? From my understanding it's going to be 90% outdoors. Also, do I use spot metering?

I'm so not ready for this...

 

[cgipson1]

I would use Aperture Priority (AV). You don't list your equipment.. that would help. Keep your apertures open, your shutter speeds above 200, and whatever ISO is needed to achieve the other two options.

Manual is nice if you know it really well... but most pro's use Aperture Priority. It allows you to control DOF (Depth of field).... which is important for stuff like this. Online Depth of Field Calculator

I would highly recommend finding someone with more experience... this could get nasty.

 

[yetimeister]

Thanks for the advice, Charlie! I'll spend some time practicing in Av before I get there. I know manual very well at this point and can get the settings setup fine, the issue i'm worried about it the speed, i'd hate to miss important moments and weddings seem to be full of them. This seems to be a step above a shotgun wedding though, so I doubt they expecting wonders.

I would love to seek out someone more qualified and drill them for information for days, or better yet make them come out with me, but unfortunately I don't really know anyone in the area yet.

My equipment is still pretty minimal but I did manage to pick up an external flash the other day for the event. It includes:

Canon Rebel T3i
- 50m 1.8
- 55-250m 4-5.6 (just bought hoods for both lenses)
- 430EX II speedlite with diffuser

Also have a reliable tripod but not sure when the most opportune time in a wedding is to utilize that.

 

[dmtx]

Suggestions:

Find a photo shop where you can rent photo equipment, ex. a low light zoom lens.

See if you can have a test run at the church, eg. with friends dressed in a black suit and white dress.

 

[cgipson1]

If you know how to use your flash for fill.. then use it! For every shot!

I am not a canon user.... so can't help other than really general basics...

 

[texkam]

I wonder if people that have been baking for a couple of months cleverly get roped into making wedding cakes? Go with what you know. Shoot manual and don't sweat it. You'll give them better than what they deserve. I bet they're paying for their wedding cake. Sigh.

 

[rokvi]

Hope I'm not too late.
T3i and a 430 ex ii you can use off camera and still use ETTL if your not used to using a flash. if you are then manual is the go for more consistent results.
Like Charlie said USE it all the time! Check this out too. We canon users have an extra weapon in av.
Good luck!