Ok, hold the laughter ...ME a wedding photographer!???

[clemmb]

Denise,
The other thread reminded me to inform you about the auto assist beam on your flash. I find that without it I would greatly struggle to get AF to lock on a subject during the reception, mainly when the dancing starts and the lights go way down. Even with my 1D I find it slow with any lens I use. I noticed the beam from my 580EX and EXII gets spread more on my 1D than on my 5D. When it spreads more it is not as bright which causes problems when the lights go down. If I choose the center AF point on my 1D the beam is the same as with my 5D and this helps. I am not sure how it works with the 7D. I would suggest trying it out in your largest room with the lights off so you are only locking with the AF beam to see how it works in all different AF modes. During the dancing I have to learn to anticipate the lag time. I do get many shots of the couples backside because they are moving faster than I anticipate. During the dance take lots and lots of shots here because your keeper rate will go down. Make sure you load a fresh set of batteries before the dance starts.
Do lots of testing to gain some confidence.

[ddt0725]

Denise,
The other thread reminded me to inform you about the auto assist beam on your flash. I find that without it I would greatly struggle to get AF to lock on a subject during the reception, mainly when the dancing starts and the lights go way down. Even with my 1D I find it slow with any lens I use. I noticed the beam from my 580EX and EXII gets spread more on my 1D than on my 5D. When it spreads more it is not as bright which causes problems when the lights go down. If I choose the center AF point on my 1D the beam is the same as with my 5D and this helps. I am not sure how it works with the 7D. I would suggest trying it out in your largest room with the lights off so you are only locking with the AF beam to see how it works in all different AF modes. During the dancing I have to learn to anticipate the lag time. I do get many shots of the couples backside because they are moving faster than I anticipate. During the dance take lots and lots of shots here because your keeper rate will go down. Make sure you load a fresh set of batteries before the dance starts.
Do lots of testing to gain some confidence.

Mark, the information you have provided is going to be sooo helpful with getting me through this! Of course, if I don't freeze and all knowledge goes out the window!

I am pretty sick with a head cold & bad cough right now but hopefully I will feel better in a day or two and then I plan to go full steam ahead with practicing in a dim room as you have suggested and outdoors, etc! I haven't used my speedlights real regularly in the past but by Sept. 20th or so, I am hoping they will be my bff!!

[clemmb]

Of course, if I don't freeze and all knowledge goes out the window!

If that happens just have a couple of beers to thaw it out
Those receptions with an open bar are great
But if you partake too much you may start chopping heads off