the "wedding videographer's companion DVDs"
 

I have heard that Advanced Broadcast Camera Techniques DVDs are recommended to get.

What about he Wedding Videographers Companion DVD? Has anyone see it or know if it is up-to-date? Is it worth getting?

Thanks!
Mary

When I first got into the industry Elite Video's tutorials were some of the best around. But then they disappeared over the years. Didn't know they still existed. If John Cooksey is still in charge then I'd say get them, it will be worth it.

Those videos helped me gain a solid foothold in wedding videography 10 years ago. Even if some editing styles have changed over the years, the idea of good solid camera work will never be obsolete.
Even now, a lot of videographers in my area are relying on wiz-bang effects or HD cameras to sell videos, but the problem is their camera work is simply crappy (excuse the language!)
Buy the videos.

Mark G

I agree! John Cooksey's Advanced Broadcast Camera Techniques is legendary. The whole WALLDO technique thing got me out of trouble when I was lacking inspiration during shoots. If you are looking for good quality wedding video inspiration you can't go past the Von Lankens or Randy Stubbs. I don't know about Elite's wedding videos though but I can say that the last camera training DVD I got from them was too basic and lacking in stuff you really want to know about the camera's operation.

If anything I highly recommend Advanced Broadcast Camera techniques Vol 1&2 and also Camera Command by the RAVAS' guys. Wedding videos by pros are nice to watch and good in the search for new ideas but they won't teach you the basics of good camera craft.

Mark I agree with you about wedding videographers who say they are professional but you see them frame brides down the isle with no walking room or cropping at natural joints among other framing errors.

JT

Update
 

If anyone is wondering: I purchased the Wedding Videographers Companion. It shares some professional secretes and for someone with little to no experience its a great way to start!! Some of the clips are older but I'd recommend it.