BetterPhoto Q&A
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Wedding Jitters...

Normally, I would be okay with this except for, it's at night, so we can't go outside and do some before and after formals. And, I am not that experienced with flash.

So, I have a call into the chapel to see if they even allow flash. Assuming that they do, I have a Metz 70-5 with one battery. I probably need at least one more. And I have 3 Visatec strobes whcih require AC power.

The bride wants mostly color shots. If she wanted BW, that's no problem, but color poses a challenge for me when the lights are dim.

Here's my plan. I am going to use Kodak Portra 400VC. 400VC handles well in the event I have to push it. I want to use 400 in case I cannot use flash, OR, if my flash fails for some reason.

I looked on-line, saw a few pictures, and the chapel looked very well lit inside. However, that could be an illusion, so I will not count on that. But, since I am a master at using available light, if I can find some, that will be good.

My question about flash in this situation is the following...

The chapel is very photogenic. There are great places to shoot. One is an elegant stairway. So, I want to use that to have the bride walking down, and then with the bridal party. So, if I need flash for something like that, is that beyond my ability? It seems difficult. I've been going over it in my mind, but without spending an enourmous amoutn of time on the set-up, I may not be able to pull it off.

Inside the chapel, say it's lit well, but still needs my on camera Metz flash. Using an incident light meter, how should I set the flash for a little fill light?

I have so many quesitons, I don't know where to start. I am very nervous about this, but the couple says it's no big deal. All they want out of it is a nice portrait or two to give to their family.

Jerry

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January 15, 2004

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January 17, 2004