Flash!

[norvic-boy]

Hey,

What are peoples opinions on flash at wedding receptions?

I have to help out a friend this friday evening by being the second shooter at a wedding, however I believe my 450D can't quite handle ISO 1600 which I believe i may need for the extra light. The only thing is, I don't like to use flash because I feel it can be quite intrusive plus it makes people aware that I'm taking a picture of them - So I just wanted a general opinion on whether to use it or not? Do people (at the wedding) find it annoying? Is there anyway to get around it without using a high ISO?

Thanks,
Toby

 

[The23rdman]

Is it more annoying than having crappy pictures to offer?

 

[arad85]

You'll need either a reasonable flash so you can bounce it and/or a fast lens. I did some OK snaps at a wedding recently using a 450D and nifty fifty at around f2. Depth of field was very narrow though for people close so a lot of photos were just binned immediately.

 

[wontolla]

Once they get a few drinks down, they won't even notice you OR the flash!

 

[norvic-boy]

Is it more annoying than having crappy pictures to offer?

Fair point...

You'll need either a reasonable flash so you can bounce it and/or a fast lens. I did some OK snaps at a wedding recently using a 450D and nifty fifty at around f2. Depth of field was very narrow though for people close so a lot of photos were just binned immediately.

A decent flash may be the option then... I don't have any fast lenses. Well, a 50mm 1.8 however it doesn't seem to want to work properly... long story, honestly! Its a shame the 450D can't handle ISO 1600 in poor conditions, apart from that its a great camera, and it fills me with confidence.

Once they get a few drinks down, they won't even notice you OR the flash!

I think I'll use the flash then.

 

[JonathanRyan]

Is it more annoying than having crappy pictures to offer?

Can't remember ever going to a wedding where fewer than half the guests had cameras. Even phones have flash now. It's almost the last thing on my mind.