1. If at all possible visit the location beforehand to assess the layout, lighting, outlet locations for recharging batteries and to be nice to the priest or officiant. Check out the parking access to enable a quick getaway from house to church to reception.
2. Have a checklist for the day so that you don't forget a single thing. Don't use new untried equipment on the wedding day.
3. When shooting, shoot lots. Remember, this day will never come again. It is much easier to edit down your master tapes than to lengthen them.
4. Stay very alert. Concentrate on keeping the camera still (unless you're adept at tracking). Get big powerful closeups. Shoot people, all the people. A bit of the location, but go back and shoot more people. Remember we're all here because people like looking at people.
5. Check over your equipment very carefully. Check that white balance, exposure and focus settings are all as you require.
6. Check with the bride if there is anything she really wants included in the video or special guests she wants to remember.
7. Try to be in two places at once. Wear comfortable but appropriate clothing, take a brave pill and move among the guests, filming and smiling graciously.
8. Decline alcohol as drinking time is lost filming time. You can't do 2 things well, so concentrate on getting the footage. Don't be tempted to shoot stills; it requires a different mind set.
9. Edit ruthlessly, but keep the original master tapes.
10. Remember your video camera is a sound recorder that just happens to record pictures at the same time. If you stop recording mid sentence the conversation will be nonsense. Always try to pad a few seconds before and after someone speaks.
2. Have a checklist for the day so that you don't forget a single thing. Don't use new untried equipment on the wedding day.
3. When shooting, shoot lots. Remember, this day will never come again. It is much easier to edit down your master tapes than to lengthen them.
4. Stay very alert. Concentrate on keeping the camera still (unless you're adept at tracking). Get big powerful closeups. Shoot people, all the people. A bit of the location, but go back and shoot more people. Remember we're all here because people like looking at people.
5. Check over your equipment very carefully. Check that white balance, exposure and focus settings are all as you require.
6. Check with the bride if there is anything she really wants included in the video or special guests she wants to remember.
7. Try to be in two places at once. Wear comfortable but appropriate clothing, take a brave pill and move among the guests, filming and smiling graciously.
8. Decline alcohol as drinking time is lost filming time. You can't do 2 things well, so concentrate on getting the footage. Don't be tempted to shoot stills; it requires a different mind set.
9. Edit ruthlessly, but keep the original master tapes.
10. Remember your video camera is a sound recorder that just happens to record pictures at the same time. If you stop recording mid sentence the conversation will be nonsense. Always try to pad a few seconds before and after someone speaks.
Top Ten
Wedding Video Tips
Wedding Video Tips
Top Ten
Wedding Video Tips
Wedding Video Tips