Ceremony Camera Settings

Quick reference settings for ceremony coverage. These are starting points - always adjust based on actual lighting conditions.

Bright Beach/Outdoor

Hawaii Beach Ceremony - Full Sun

Aperture

f/4 - f/5.6

Enough depth for both partners

Shutter Speed

1/1000+

Freeze motion, handle bright light

ISO

100-200

Base ISO for cleanest files

White Balance

5500K-6000K

Daylight or sunny preset

Pro Tips: Use a lens hood to prevent flare. Consider ND filter for f/2.8 portraits. Watch for harsh shadows under eyes - position for even light or use fill flash.

Overcast/Open Shade

Beach Ceremony - Overcast or Shaded

Aperture

f/2.8 - f/4

Open up for softer light

Shutter Speed

1/500

Safe for movement

ISO

200-400

Slight bump for exposure

White Balance

6500K-7000K

Cloudy preset to add warmth

Pro Tips: Overcast is beautiful, even light - embrace it! Colors pop more. Watch for flat light on faces, slight underexpose and recover in post.

Indoor Venue

Church or Indoor Chapel

Aperture

f/2.8

Wide open for light gathering

Shutter Speed

1/200

Minimum for sharp handheld

ISO

1600-3200

Higher for dim interiors

White Balance

3200K-4000K

Tungsten or custom for mixed light

Pro Tips: Scout beforehand if possible. Ask about flash restrictions. Use 70-200mm to stay discreet from back. Watch for color casts from stained glass windows.

Challenging Light

Dim Venue - No Flash Allowed

Aperture

f/1.4 - f/1.8

Fast primes essential

Shutter Speed

1/125

Risk some motion blur vs. noise

ISO

6400-12800

Push it - noise is fixable

White Balance

Custom/AWB

Fix in post, shoot RAW

Pro Tips: A blurry or noisy photo is better than no photo. Use burst mode for critical moments. Brace against walls/pews for stability. Modern sensors handle high ISO well.

Golden Hour

Hawaii Sunset Ceremony

Aperture

f/2.8 - f/4

Balance subject and sky

Shutter Speed

1/250 - 1/500

Adjust as light changes fast

ISO

400-800

Increases as sun drops

White Balance

Shade/7000K

Enhance warm tones

Pro Tips: Light changes rapidly - check exposure constantly. Position couple with sun behind for rim light. Use fill flash at -2EV for face detail. Best 20 minutes is just before sunset.

Recommended Ceremony Lenses

70-200mm f/2.8

Primary ceremony lens. Compression, reach, discretion.

24-70mm f/2.8

Wide for venue shots, medium for groups.

85mm f/1.4

Low light backup, beautiful bokeh.

35mm f/1.4

Environmental shots, tight spaces.

Camera Settings by Moment

Processional/Bride walking: Pre-focus on the aisle, continuous AF, burst mode. Priority is groom's reaction - have second shooter on bride.
Vow exchange: Switch to single-point AF on eyes. Slower burst. Watch for emotional moments - stay ready.
Ring exchange: Close-up lens ready (85mm or 70-200mm). Focus on hands. Capture both putting on rings.
First kiss: Pre-compose, continuous AF, high burst rate. Don't chimp - keep shooting through the moment.
Recessional: Wide to capture joy and venue context. Front-on as they walk toward you. Confetti/petals if happening.

Hawaii Ceremony Considerations

Trade winds: Hair, veils, and dresses blow constantly - embrace it or have clips ready
Sun position: Check sunrise/sunset direction for your venue - avoid backlit faces during vows
Sand reflection: Beach sand acts as a reflector - watch for under-eye fill
Ocean glare: CPL filter helps but may slow you down - know when to use it
Quick weather changes: Have rain covers accessible - showers pass quickly