Wedding Videography Tips
During wedding rehearsals, we most always uncover problems that would have prevented us from having the best view of the couple during the ceremony. For example, in one instance, the unity candle was placed in a gazebo. During the ceremony, the groomsmen blocked one of the entrances. Fortunately, our videographer was able to get a decent frame through quick assessment of the situation. However, this could have been avoided. We've also seen officiants try to place bridesmaids where the maid-of-honor would be too far to assist with the train or hold the bride's flowers, placing the bride on the wrong side of her father and many more mistakes that we were able to correct during the rehearsal. If you must go without a rehearsal, please let us know so we can go over information with you to help ensure that all will go smoothly.
#2: Decorations
Florists and decorators often place large vases of flowers or other decorations right in front of where our cameras will be. Often, we arrive early on the wedding day to check decorations and notify the decorators of any conflicts so that they will have time to make any necessary changes. You may want to let them know in advance that you want your wedding videographers to have a good view of the ceremony. They are welcome to email or phone us in advance of the ceremony for tips.
#3: No gum chewing
Please ask everyone who may be on camera not to chew gum. Gum chewing looks terrible on video, and your wedding videographer will have a hard time getting a decent expression.
#4: Photographer dress code
Although most photographers dress professionally, surprisingly, a third of them do not. So to protect your wedding video, please ask your photographer not to dress in bright colors and to stay out of the way of the video cameras. You don't want a loudly-dressed photographer distracting you every time you watch your wedding video.
#5: Ask your Photographer to respect our Videographers
A photographer only needs a second to get a shot, but it only takes a second to ruin a wedding videographer's shot which needs to run five seconds or more. Most photographers are great to work with, but believe it or not, there are photographers out there who feel that they can create more demand and sales for their photos if they block enough video. We've actually had photographers purposely stand in front of our videographers every chance they got. And other wedding videographers we've spoken to have experienced this as well. An easy solution to this potential problem is a kind word from the bride or groom asking that they cooperate with the videographer.
#6: Say the vows slowly
You both will be understandably nervous on your wedding day. Please try to remember, when it comes time to say the vows, to look each other in the eye and say those words with meaning. Some nervous grooms will try to rattle off the lines as fast as they can while looking at the minister.
#7: Ring Exchange
When it comes time for exchanging your rings, if you can remember this, try to ever so slightly tilt the hand you are placing the ring on toward one of the camcorders so it can capture the moment in a close-up. Typically, the camera on the groom's side catches him placing his bride's ring on, and vice-versa.
#8: Positioning
Best Man and Maid of Honor
One of our videographers will always be close to you, behind and off the side of the officiant. Please ask the Best Man and the Maid of Honor to look over their shoulder at the videographer on their side and be sure that they have left a wide enough gap (for the camera) between themselves and the groom (three feet works fine). Preferably, the best man will leave a few feet between himself and the groom. If you can't see the camera, the camera can't see you.
Bridesmaids Ask the bridesmaids (especially the maid-of-honor) to look over their shoulder at the camera operator and be sure they have left a wide enough gap between themselves and the bride, for the camera. Preferably, the maid-of-honor will leave a few feet between herself and the bride.
Reception During cake cutting, toasts, etc., the groom should stand on the far side of the bride, so that she is closest to the camera side, and not blocked by the groom. (Do the opposite if the bride is much taller than the groom.)
#9: Sunlight
If your wedding will be held outdoors, remember that bright, overhead sunlight can be harsh and unflattering. The couple of hours after sunrise and before sunset are the best times for photos and video. (Of course, if you can arrange an overcast day, that works fine too!)
#10: Officiants refusing videographers
We recently heard of an unusual instance where a minister refused to have camcorders anywhere but in the far back of the church. The videographer (from another company) called us for advice. Our advice was for him to talk with the minister and explain how discreet video operators can be. Failing that, a remote-control system might be acceptable. If the minister holds fast and the bride will not change the ceremony location then he should still setup multiple cameras with varying perspectives and make the best of it. But you cannot get the very best wedding video that way. If you have any doubts about the rules set by your officiant, you should advise your videographer right from the start.
#11: The Groom should not touch his lapel mic
We will place a wireless lapel mic on the groom, about twenty minutes before the proceedings begin. Sometimes the groom wants to have a private conversation with his buddies and turns the mic off. They never remember to turn it back on, thus diminishing the audio for bride and groom's vows. Tell the groom that we will not turn the receiver on until the ceremony begins, so there is no need for him to turn his mic off. Although we use a backup mic, this does not capture voices quite as clearly as the lapel mic, so please tell the groom to not touch his mic or transmitter.
#12: Keep the lapel mics where they are
A well-meaning person, perhaps your photographer, may suggest you change your lapel microphone location from your coat lapel to your vest, pocket, or behind your boutonniere, etc. Firmly refuse. Your videographer knows where to place your mic. A seemingly minor change like one of the above, can ruin your wedding audio.
| #1: Have a Wedding Rehearsal |
Tags: tips for good wedding video, wedding video tips