Wedding Reception, Flash or No Flash

[Roger]

I have to shoot a Wedding Reception this fall, They want me to shoot the cake, them with the cake, and some group shots of the wedding party.

I have both my 50mm 1.8 and 85mm 1.8.

Plus my 430ex flash.

Should I shoot without a flash and up the ISO as needed?

Or should I use my Flash and maybe my kit lens as needed?


Thanks

[haibane]

Roger. I recommend bumping the ISO a fair amount. Make a judgment call, but I would use the flash also. If there is a low ceiling I recommend firing the flash at the ceiling and setting it to manual at about 1/4th power. Take a test shot of the cake before they get there. Try and get a f/8-f/11 shot that is a good mix of ISO and flash. I recommend boosting the ISO so that it doesn't have that flash picture look

[stilllearning]

First, don't worry, you have plenty of time to research and practice. James gave you some good advice with mixing ambient light and flash. But it takes some practice to get it right. If the reception hall is local for you then try to scout it out ahead of time. Get the lay of the land. If you know what you need to do it will be enjoyable for you and the wedding party. The cake shots will be a piece of cake ( excuse the pun).

The group shots you will want to research. Try to look at some wedding books and see how the groups were posed to give you some ideas. You will most likely be using your kit lens since it has the wide angle. If you need to use the wide angle try to center yourself and the group. I mean the group centered horizontal and vertical. Keep the lens as parallel to the group as possible. That means don't tilt it up or down to minimize distortion. The cake cutting shots should also be centered between theirs hands and their faces. This means you will be doing some squatting so you will have sore legs afterward unless you are use to this sort of thing. Oh yes keep some bottled water on hand. You will find that wedding photography is thirsty work. Good luck.

[Jonathan]

here is a gentlemen who uses a good bit of available light.
http://www.mikecolon.com/

I think the advise above is sound. I posted the following to show that some noise is not always bad

[Michael Allen]

If you have a flat, close to white ceiling I would bounce the flash, If not just make sure they know your using it and I'd use it. I make sure when and if they don't mind flash before I take the 1st photo (just one of my prep questions). With the XT I would probably use ISO 200 if your considering flash. Just my thoughts, I'm sure there is someone more experienced than me out there.

[Carlton]

Roger,
How about a little spice and do both!
Non flash always looks better, but not always possible.