BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Tips for Taking Wedding Photos

Amanda R. Milam		Wedding Photography Tips I'm taking pictures at a wedding in a few months. I have a Canon 420EX flash. The wedding is indoors. Would this flash be powerful enough to take pictures at the ceremony? I also wanted to know if 800 speed film would be a good choice for film? To love this question, log in above June 02, 2005

Christopher A. Vedros		The 420EX should be strong enough unless you are positioned really far from the subjects. You should check ahead of time to verify that it is OK for you to use flash during the ceremony. Some celebrants will ask you not to. I think 800 speed film might be overkill, especially if you are using a flash. Try to get by with 400 or slower if you can ... in order to minimize grain in your enlargements. To love this comment, log in above June 02, 2005

John P. Sandstedt		I've used my 420 EZ for years shooting weddings and other things; when I bought it, it was top-of-the-available-line and has a Guide Number a bit higher than the 420 EX. Less than the 550 EZ. Don't use ISO 800 film with flash under any circumstances; you find that Caucasian skin tones take on a reddish tone. As Chris said, ISO 800 will be overkill. But, if you're using flash, the speedlight will control the exposure. A Guide Number of 100 is fast enough in almost any conceivable wedding scenario, unless you're shooting from a distance greater than 75 feet. And, in such a case, you need to be sensitive to surrounding details that will gravely influence the image. To love this comment, log in above June 06, 2005

BetterPhoto Member		relax and do your best To love this comment, log in above June 06, 2005

John A. Lind		It should be OK with ISO 400 film. Don't put a diffuser on it though (they eat light). Even though it should be good to about 25 feet with ISO 160 film, at that distance (25 feet wouldn't be that unusual at a wedding for some of the photos) it requires a "full dump" and recycle of the flash will take about 5-7 seconds. You want some reserve so that it's not puting out full power and can recycle quickly. That's why I recommend ISO 400 with the level of flash power you'll have from the 420EX It allows getting the next shot off quickly if you need to. Waiting from full dump can seem like an eternity when the action is hot and you want to squeeze a few off in fairly rapid succession. One other tip: If you're not already using NiMH cells in the flash, get two sets of them for it along with a 30-minute or 1-hour charger that can handle 4 "AA" cells. NiMH batteries will recycle the flash noticeably faster than alkalines . . . and they will continue to do so until the very bitter end of their charge. That said, you only get about two shots of warning with slightly longer recycle time before they're exhausted (and the flash won't recycle). Also, ensure both sets are freshly charged the day beforehand . . . and take the charger with you. I have not only the wall plug for mine I also have the 12V car cigarette lighter plug that allows recharging them in my car if an out of the way outlet isn't handy. When I was using "AA" cells in the flash (long ago) I never had to go past the second set . . . and that's after 10 hours and a dozen rolls of 36-exp film . . . although I never took the chance and started set number one recharging as soon as was practical after I change them. -- John Lind To love this comment, log in above June 06, 2005

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