Originally posted by GeneV Another reason why a pro camera with the low light capabilitis of the K-x (or better) would be great. However, for a wedding, the quality that is expected really demands flash.
Yes, that is certainly true. I suppose that's why I have a Metz 58 waiting for me at the parcel depot.
Originally posted by skyoftexas How about the sound of the shutter? Do you have any tricks for softening that?
Timing. At events with quiet music the audience is usually very quiet too, but there are times when a distracting sound might happen and that's when I click. Since these performances are often slow-moving to suit the overall mood, I can afford to wait. Sometimes the sound is loud enough it will drown any shutter noise. Other times one simply makes do with the sound -- if I am actually being paid to shoot an event I figure they expect some small disruptions.
I sometimes can play with positioning. If I am further from the bulk of the audience my movements and sound will distract them less. (Sometimes the concern is more for the audience and sometimes the performer.)
The hardest gig is dance in cases where there is no music. It is a very quiet environment and one needs to take lots of frames to ensure a decent one with all the fast movement in low light. Compared to this I think weddings would be a snap!
I pride myself on considering these aspects of "low impact event photography", even if I am in a room with several other photogs who don't even know how to turn off their damned beeping cameras!