JOXER D'MIGHTY , Jul 09, 2009; 03:22 p.m.
This is the first wedding I am shooting and I would like some advice on which camera mode to use. I will be using a canon 50d with a 70-200 2.8 IS and 40d with a 24-70 2.8.
Pete S. 
, Jul 09, 2009; 03:46 p.m.
The best mode is the one that you can use and get the results that you want - it's not the same for everybody. If you don't know yet what you like in different scenarios you might want to practice lots and lots before shooting a wedding. The things that are good to start with are your preferences on exposure mode, metering mode, white balance setting and auto focus mode. Next after that is flash.
William Morgan - Columbus, Ohio , Jul 09, 2009; 03:49 p.m.
If you're proficient with M (Manual Mode) then it's "the best" if you know how to make it work for you.
If you don't know how to make M mode work for you then it's not "the best" for "you".
Gregory C , Jul 09, 2009; 03:53 p.m.
Manual, use a handheld meter also.
Betty Lowrey 
, Jul 09, 2009; 04:02 p.m.
Manual or I am a big fan of Aperture Priority, depending on the situation.
Luis G 
, Jul 09, 2009; 04:05 p.m.
If you don't know what you're doing, manual could prove a real disaster.
Jon Rennie , Jul 09, 2009; 04:11 p.m.
M is the best if you know how to use it quickly and well. If you can't, then use whatever works for you to get good results. Aperture Priority is a good one.
Pete Harlan , Jul 09, 2009; 04:44 p.m.
This is the first wedding I am shooting
I agree with shooting in full manual IF you are proficient, esp where flash is concerned.
Weddings are quite dynamic at times and not the best time to begin learning techniques or getting creative. When you have a few weddings under your belt, you will begin to see what works best for you.
My suggstion for you in this instance?
Shoot in aperture priority. Get there early to see how the light is falling. Take some test shots to see if any exp comp may be needed for the light of the day.
Flash: Shoot in TTL and dial it back a little...-1.0 to -1.7 should do the trick.
Essentially,as your 1st wedding, you need no surprises; so shoot what is comfortable for you.
Art Tatum , Jul 09, 2009; 05:15 p.m.
I would NEVER suggest manual to a person who needs to ask which setting is best for their first wedding shoot. Joxer's absolute best setting is full automatic because that setting will give the best results during a crazy wedding shoot. I started shooting weddings on auto and now after many weddings I shoot almost entirely in manual because I now 'get it'. It takes freakin' years.
Betty Lowrey , Jul 09, 2009; 05:17 p.m.
I have a sneaking suspicion, this may just be me being a bit jaded, but I think "Joxter" may be pulling our leg a bit.
