Shooting workflow?
 

Hi!
I'm entering the wedding film business and I would like to hear your shooting workflow, just shortly; how you shoot, mic and light the wedding and party. Where you stand and where you put the mics and lamps. Maybe this could be a thread without product discussion, just the workflow of the actual shooting.
Thanks

What is your current setup? One or two cameras? How are you capturing audio? Etc...

I'm pretty new to all this too so I don't have an elaborate set up. I have one XL2 camera, an iRiver for audio and a Manfrotto tripod. Very bare bones. So my workflow is quite different than many of the more experienced experts here. Because I only have one camera, I have to get a lot of B-roll to cover up movements and screw ups. I always show up at the rehearsal not only to get some extra shots but also to understand where I need to be. In both the weddings I have done, I have started at the front of the church shooting down the center aisle. Once the bride comes down, I hurry around the back and set up straight down the center aisle. I mic the groom shortly before the ceremony and make sure the mic is at a level to pick up the brides audio as well.

I do NOT light low light situations like the reception. There are many that do which is great. And their footage probably is better than mine. But I don't feel right about drawing any more attention to myself than necessary. People should be noticing the B&G, not the videographer. But this is something I discuss with the couple prior to the wedding. If they want me to use a light, I will.

Try to have an assistant with you. My wife come with me and has extra batteries, tapes and misc items in case I need something quick. She also brings a digital camera to capture some still images I can use if needed. Bottom line, you can't over-prepare. Write it all out and have a plan of action before the big day. Roll with the punches, it won't go 100% as planned. Good luck!!!

Two 3ccd cams, 1 radio lav on the groom, one cardioid mic on a stand, one furred and shock-mounted shotgun on a cam, one mini-fur in my pocket for the lav (these last things for the running-out afterwards). Two operators at the ceremony, else just me. At the ceremony I want both cams on the same side, due to not crossing continuity line. I'd like reaction shots during the ceremony, there's a lot of emotion going on there. What do you think of having one cam on a side preaching platform (2 meters up)? Will it still look good mixed with a floor-based cam? I think it'd work.

What do you do to escape attention? I wouldn't like to attend a wedding where camera people are running all over the place.

Would be cool though to have three remote-controlled mini-cams, sitting mixing everything live at the rear with a little flatscreen rack.