Wedding Videography - Beginner's Questions
 

I have tons of questions, so this will be a long post... try to bear with me :)

My second wedding video job is about 5 weeks away, and I want to do it right this time. My first one was a last-minute rush job, done with my crappy $400 1-chip cameras and built-in mics. It wasnt very good. In fact, it really sucked. However, the couple had no expectations and were still thrilled.

Fast forward to today: I have just purchased a GL2 and an accessory kit containing a wide angle lens, telephoto lens, tripod, filter kit, camera bag, cleaning kit, etc. In addition to this, I have access to the GL2 that my high school owns, and I will be using both GL2s for the wedding shoot.

What I need to know is what else I will need to produce a good video. NOTE: I am on a VERY low budget, and equipment will be bought as I can afford it. At the same time, I will also be willing to spend a little more on a quality product, but I want to make sure I am spending the little money I have wisely.

First (and most important): Sound. I have done some research on the web, including forums here, but I am still somewhat confused. I would like to know exactly what I need to buy (product numbers/models, where to buy, etc) to create the best wireless mic system. It would be nice if I could buy a basic one-mic system now that has the capability of adding a second mic later... is this possible? Is there a way to run two mics into the GL2's mic input via a splitter of some sort or would I need the XLR adapter for that? I have heard that the Sennheiser EW100 series and the Azden 100LT are both good UHF mics, but are still very expensive for me. Do these models connect to the GL2's mic input or via XLR? I assume I wont find any cheaper UHF mics, and that VHF mics should not be used... so I'm also open to other audio solutions.

Second: Light. I know that there are better prosumer cams (vx2100) for low-light, but the GL2 was much cheaper with the rebate and I was already familiar with this cam anyway. I need to be able to shoot good video in dark receptions. Is the GL2 good enough to shoot these without a light? If so, what manual settings should I use? If I need a light, will the Canon VL-3 or VL-10 work best, or should I get something of a different brand? On a side note... is the built-in mic on the GL2 good enough for picking up sound at a reception? I can't really afford a better shotgun mic. How do you pros pick up sound at receptions?

Lastly, are there any other accessories I may need in the future that I havent thought about? I'd like to look at camera stabilizers, but one would not be purchased any time soon.

Please keep in mind that I am just getting started in the business. This next wedding is from a family that is very good friends of ours–they know I'm not a pro yet and are very easy going. They are also only paying me $600. In other words, I do not need THE BEST of everything... because that is not what they are paying for.

Sorry again for such a long post. I appreciate all your help!

All you would need besides the GL2 is:

• a tripod
• a couple of extra batteries
• Canon's external mic for the GL2
• lens hood
• tapes
• and the bag, of course.

By Canon's external mic, I assume you mean the DM-50 that connects to the hot shoe? It's shown on canon's website here: http://www.canondv.com/gl2/a_audio_access.html

Do you not think I will need a lapel mic to pick up the wedding vows and the officiant? How well will that canon mic pick up voices from the back of a church?

Are there any other options for on-camera mics that connect easily with the GL2's hot shoe, or is the DM-50 my only option?

Re: Wedding Videography - Beginner's Questions
 

Chris understand that we're both in exactly the same boat and I've taken a few of the steps that you're taking so let me tell you what I did.

1st I purchased 2 GL's for front of house and back of house shooting. I needed the wide shot from the back of the church and use my primary or main cam for the closeup shot of the couple. I put the wide angle adapter on my cam and never take it off, like my provideo friends say, you can never be too wide! With this in mind, use the 2nd camera if you can get it. Set it up on a tripod in the back of the church, pay a friend a dinner at McDonalds to make sure it's working, show him or her how to zoom in, change the zoom to very slow and instruct them on when they should zoom. This will all make for a great B-Roll when intercut with your main camera.

This I cannot stress enough, once you're at about T-Minus 10 minutes and you start filming the 2nd camera - DO NOT SHUT IT OFF UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES! Also do not shut down your camera either, you will need seamless video on both cams to make an easier A-B edit. Also if you can, when you setup the 2 cameras and they are both rolling, focus in your hands clapping in front of both cameras simultaneously or have the phtog fire off a flash that both cameras can see, you will use this to sync later in post.

Shooting modes, I like to use semi-auto, it works great and I only need to keep my finger on the exposure lock in the event of low or too much light. Set the camera to the "P" mode let it do the rest. Once you get really good you can start to use the full manual modes however let me tell you, I know some provideo guys that shoot news and other events, this is the mode they shoot in all the time. If it works for them, I'm good with it too! I will also suggest that you use FRAME mode, I rarely turn it off and for a wedding it's a great look!

Next, white balance! Take a second and get this done or you're shooting in the blind and your video may be reddish, it's quick and you only need a sheet of paper, the auto balances in the cam are ok but a true white balance is preferred.

Audio, I know that you're on a budget but sometimes you need to get items that you will only need to get 1 time cause they will last forever, get yourself the XLR-Pro from signvideo (www.signvideo.com) bolt it to the bottom of your camera and never take it off. You can run with it unplugged from the side of your camera so that you can use the internal mic from time to time but it's just best to keep the thing on there if you need it.

You're going to need solid audio for the couple, I purchased a pair of Sennheiser ENG100 kits. These are the dream kit for you and run about 470 if you shop around, I got mine from EVSONLINE and they come with 1 receiver that you can velcro to the top handle of your GL. You will want to use a pair of tie wraps to keep the playback control door shut cause it may open by the weight of the wireless kit. Point the antennas towards the front of the camera.

The advantage of this kit is that it comes with 1 receiver and 2 transmitters, one is a mic plug on and the 2nd is a lavalier. Pin the lav on the groom and remind him that he's live so that he doesn't say something embarassing. The 2nd mic can only be used with the first one off, however you can use this during the reception for a handout mic for guest commentary.

The XLR-pro will route the audio from mic 1 to left channel and mic 2 to right so that you can play with the audio tracks in post. I suggest that if you're shooting in a very windy place, take a 2nd mic (handheld) and run in into mic 2 on the XLR-Pro, record the entire ceremony with that mic clipped to your tripod, let it pick up the wind noise and the wireless lav will pick up the groom.

You ask why would you want wind noise on the recording, simple if you take that 2nd mic track and reverse the phase of it, you will now have the wind noise on track 2 180 degress in reverse of the wind noise on track 1. If you recall high school algebra, a negative and a positive equals a negative so your wind noise will be null. We used to use this on TV shoots in large stadiums where we placed 10 to 20 mics on the crowd, we'd reverse the phase of all odd mics so that the noise of all those mics would be cut in half.

Video lighting, here you're going to have to use judgement, I have 2 lighting kits, 1 an NRG Varalux Pro about 200 bucks which is dimmable from 20 to 100 watts. My second is a Frezzi MiniDV kit with the barndoor adapter for about 250. Each of these is terminated with a cirarette lighter plug. I went with this option and not a more pro 4 pin XLR or NP1 system for 1 simple reason, PEP BOYS!

I can pick up a 12v 4.5amp hour battery pack at Pep Boys for 19.95 that will power my lights at 30 watts for over an hour. The kit is by Vector Power, pick up a couple, charge them fully and let them pay off on the 1st shoot.

Batteries, if you haven't done so already get the largest battery back that you can for the cams, order an extra and make sure they're both fully charged. I order from Batteries.com and paid about 110 bucks for 2 of the largest canon batteries you can get.

Enjoy, and if you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Wow, that is a lot of money to be spending. There is no way I will be able to afford a $450 wireless mic in 5 weeks, let alone an XLR adapter and a good light too.

What do you think about the Azden 100LT? I have talked to another videographer briefly who uses one of these. I have seen them for around $300 or so, which is not quite as bad. Is there a major reason I should opt for the more expensive Sennheiser?

Also, the lights you mentioned seem very powerful. Isnt 20 watts going to blind everyone at the reception? Will a smaller (and less expensive) light such as the VL-3 or VL-10 not work as well?

Sorry for trying to be so cheap. I'm a high school student and have VERY little money :(

Let me know what you think about the 100LT and the Canon video lights though. Thanks again!

Chris I can understand your situation, money is tight and the fact that you're a student it's not as easy, also consider that the majority of america is in money problems right now so we all feel the same pain.

Let me tackle this from a differnt perspective, get the XLRpro you can use this for a lifetime. For a mic, get what you can afford for now and when you start to make some money, get something better. Your church may be able to get you a nice wireless that you can borrow for the event, consider this. Also consider EBay, pawn shops, local bands that you know, local music stores and a scratch and dent sale etc. You may even just resort to a wired mic on a stand in front of the couple, whatever works best without breaking the bank. One thing, be at the rehearsal and test!!! Also put on a pair of walkman headphones and monitor the audio to make sure that you're getting what you think your getting! I forgot to mention that in my last post.

Lighting, 20 is nothing trust me! 3 and 10, don't spend the money, you're not going to light up anything over 3 feet away and you're going to wish that you spent a few buck on that 20 anyway. I just shot some stuff last week for my local sheriff and in their communications center I used my Frezzi. It turns on at 20 and I had to jack it up to about 30 to get the room at a good level for my video to be solid during my wide shots. For close work I was back at 20 and still found that I was cranking it up a little from time to time. I have a whole closet full of cheap video lights and that's exactly what they are, cheap, 3 foot throw low quailty lights. Again get what you can afford but why spend the bucks 2 or 3 times when you can do it right the first time, you just shelled out a ton for that camera and it's a BMW dude, you want to put a lighting kit from Saturn on it? Don't spend extra money.

Just trying to share what I've learned in the past with you...

<<<-- Originally posted by Chris Wright : Wow, that is a lot of money to be spending. There is no way I will be able to afford a $450 wireless mic in 5 weeks, let alone an XLR adapter and a good light too.

What do you think about the Azden 100LT? I have talked to another videographer briefly who uses one of these. I have seen them for around $300 or so, which is not quite as bad. Is there a major reason I should opt for the more expensive Sennheiser?

Also, the lights you mentioned seem very powerful. Isnt 20 watts going to blind everyone at the reception? Will a smaller (and less expensive) light such as the VL-3 or VL-10 not work as well?

Sorry for trying to be so cheap. I'm a high school student and have VERY little money :(

Let me know what you think about the 100LT and the Canon video lights though. Thanks again! -->>>

Now that you mention it, my church might have a wireless mic I could borrow... I'll look into it. As far as a light goes, I'm assuming now that I absolutely must have a light? The last wedding I shot was with my crappy $400 JVC handy-cam, and the reception footage recorded from it (in very very dim light) was rarely focused but still visible. I assumed that the GL2 would be much better and record a good image without a light, but maybe I was expecting too much. My main concern with a powerful light is that I dont want to become the center of attention. Do the light kits that you mentioned come with diffusers to soften the light and make it less annoying for guests?

If this is the case, I may just attempt to borrow a wireless mic for now and spend my money on a light. Which of the two lights you mentioned do you think would be best for me to start with?

Thanks again, you've been a big help!

Chris wrote:That's why I made that bare-bone list for the essentials. That Canon mic is very good for the money, by the way.

I have everything on your list except that mic. My only concern though is whether or not the Canon external mic will do a good job at picking up voices (wedding vows) at the front of the church, while the camera is all the way at the back. At that distance it makes it difficult for me to believe that even this external mic can shoot that far and get good sound. Please correct me if I'm wrong, though.

Also, if I have an external mic on the accessory shoe, would the camera record audio from the external mic AND anything plugged into the mic port, or would it ONLY record from the external mic?

Something interesting about weddings, they don't seem to mind the video guy shooting video with a light on as long as it's not a killer light that blinds! I've been shocked to see how many times the bride is anal about lighting, yet during the reception since everyone is drinking and the nerves are settled after the I DO's, it's really ok to crank it up a little, especially when they turn down the ambient light about 10 seconds into the 1st song!

NRG is nice, it's less than Frezzi, you don't have to go for the big 100 watt Varalux Pro that I got, they have some lower power and dollar amount units that will work nicely, just make sure that it's dimmable, you'll thank yourself for this! Also make sure that you get something that ends in cigarette lighter plug, the battery pack that I told you about in my last messages are checp and really do the trick.

There is one more solution, however I've not priced nor used this one, I was only made aware of it about 2 days ago. LED Technology! Lower power consumption, bright output and they seem to be pretty hip right now. Here is a link, it's a white paper on the new products however it's good reading:

http://www.microlamps-tg.com/html/Paper_drivers.htm

A vendor for this stuff is: http://www.litepanels.com/html/homea.html

Now can the GL2 do better in low light than the 1chip that you used that time, yes it will, however you're still looking at grainy video vs. quality video, you'd be amazed at how much a few watts of light in the right direction can do for your image.

<<<-- Originally posted by Chris Wright : Now that you mention it, my church might have a wireless mic I could borrow... I'll look into it. As far as a light goes, I'm assuming now that I absolutely must have a light? The last wedding I shot was with my crappy $400 JVC handy-cam, and the reception footage recorded from it (in very very dim light) was rarely focused but still visible. I assumed that the GL2 would be much better and record a good image without a light, but maybe I was expecting too much. My main concern with a powerful light is that I dont want to become the center of attention. Do the light kits that you mentioned come with diffusers to soften the light and make it less annoying for guests?

If this is the case, I may just attempt to borrow a wireless mic for now and spend my money on a light. Which of the two lights you mentioned do you think would be best for me to start with?

Thanks again, you've been a big help! -->>>

<<<-- Originally posted by Chris Wright : I have everything on your list except that mic. My only concern though is whether or not the Canon external mic will do a good job at picking up voices (wedding vows) at the front of the church, while the camera is all the way at the back. At that distance it makes it difficult for me to believe that even this external mic can shoot that far and get good sound. Please correct me if I'm wrong, though.

Also, if I have an external mic on the accessory shoe, would the camera record audio from the external mic AND anything plugged into the mic port, or would it ONLY record from the external mic? -->>>

You won't be using the mic from the camera at the back of the church for a primary mic, that's what the wireless that is on your primary camera is used for. You will be at the front, just to the right of the couple aimed at the bride, ALWAYS AIM AT THE BRIDE, THE GROOM IS JUST THERE FOR SHOW! Your wireless is going to be on him and your front camera is going to be synced to that audio.

The 2nd camera if you can get it, will be in the back and that one will use ambient sound to get the sound of the church organs, singers etc. If you can't get a 2nd cam, don't worry about it, just make sure that you're in the front!

Why are you going to shoot the vows from such a large distance?

The external mic will disengage the internal mic.

If you can't afford an external mic, don't worry. The GL2 audio/internal mic is very good---good enough for event videography. (DV Mag wrote a GL2 review a while back.)

No reason not to rent a wireless mic, until you can afford a good one. I rented a Shure wireless for $50/day, it runs over $1200 new. It was noticeably better than any system I've ever used.

Don't underestimate the value of a good wireless mic for weddings. Catching the whispers between the bride and the groom will really make your video look good.

Otherwise for audio, you need a decent directional mic and some sort of shockmount to get it away from the cam a bit, but this will give you some decent audio during things like the reception. If your adapter has phantom power, I sugguest the Oktava 012 w/hypercardioid capsule. If you need a battery powered mic, the new AT897 is supposed to sound get and it's not as expensive as a new motorcycle.

The Lite Panels look interesting, however it doesnt seem like it would attach to the top of the camera, which I would prefer. That website also doesnt have any prices listed.

It looks like the best way to go (for now) may be a lower-wattage dimmable NRG light. If you happen to know off hand which model this would be, let me know, but i'll do some hunting around.

Back to the mic issue... I know for a fact that I will be able to have both GL2s on the wedding day. If I set one in the back with the standard built-in mic and use the other at front with Canon's external mic, and don't use a wireless mic at all, will that setup still produce good enough sound?

Frank > I guess I assumed I'd be using both cameras at the back, one unmanned, and use the other to get closeups. I figured it would be better to stay out of the way... because wouldnt the officiant object to having a big camera/tripod setup right in front of the church?

Martin, I'll toss one to you, on my rigs I have my XLRpro under my cam with a quick release for my tripod. On the top of my GL I have my wireless receiver on velcro attached to the transport control door of the camera and the antenna and output cable just happens to rest on either side of my light which is on the hotshoe.

Question, do you have any idea of a product that I can use to attach another mic to the system such as an omni or directional boom mic? I seem to be at a loss for this right now and feel kinda snookered.

<<<-- Originally posted by Martin Garrison : No reason not to rent a wireless mic, until you can afford a good one. I rented a Shure wireless for $50/day, it runs over $1200 new. It was noticeably better than any system I've ever used.

Don't underestimate the value of a good wireless mic for weddings. Catching the whispers between the bride and the groom will really make your video look good.

Otherwise for audio, you need a decent directional mic and some sort of shockmount to get it away from the cam a bit, but this will give you some decent audio during things like the reception. If your adapter has phantom power, I sugguest the Oktava 012 w/hypercardioid capsule. If you need a battery powered mic, the new AT897 is supposed to sound get and it's not as expensive as a new motorcycle. -->>>

Chris, I didn't mean right in the front. I usually go close to the front and off to the side. Every church is different. So I can't suggest the spot or spots best suited to set up. Have you visited this site? http://www.videouniversity.com

someone else recommended that videouniversity website, but its been down for a while now.

What do they offer on their website?

Chris,

I have looked at this forum on & off for months and picked up a lot of tips along the way. I had planned on going all out for weddings only but have changed my mind but you will still learn an awful lot here.

http://www.videouniversity.com/wwwboard/wedding/

Good luck

Chris,

I use a VL-10li light on a regular basis with my XL1 mainly for shooting in night clubs and a few times at local press conferences and I think that it is a great light for the money. I never used it for a wedding but I believe that it would do very well.

Of course, at more than 6 feet it will be less effective but anyway, you do not want to kill the atmosphere by illuminating all the room. And if you want to be sure to not blind anyone, cut a little square of diffusion gel and attach it in front of the light with velcro.

Hope this help,

Thanks for all your input. It's been a great help...

I think what I may do is buy the canon external mic and borrow/rent a wireless mic for now. Im sure the audio-technica shotgun mic is much better, but the canon one fits my budget better and it's supposedly very good for the price. Does anyone know where I can rent a wireless mic in the Kansas City (Missouri) area?

Im still debating on lights. The VL-10 is much cheaper, but it seems the more expensive ones have great benefits (more power, dimmable, etc).

Also, how do all the video pros in here shoot wedding receptions? I had thought to set one camera in the back and record a continuous wide shot, and then run around with the other camera and attached light hand-held. Would this work best? Or do you think I should keep the reception to only one camera?

Chris,

This combination was and continues to work for us:

1. If possible, always use 2 GL2s and 2 shooters for ceremony.
2. Make sure 1 cam is always on tripod.
3. Get a diversified wireless mic system (Samson UM32 recommended)
4. Get a BeachTek audio adapter for your primary GL2 and you'll have 2 channel XLR audio.
5. Get an on-board light system. 20W will be enough for the GL2 but if you have extra money, get the Frezzi Micro-Fill 35W because it's dimmable.
6. Get an on-board XLR type shotgun mic.
7. Go full manual and always white balance (very important).
8. Make sure at least 60% of your shots are tight or medium.
9. Most important for professional work...keep camera as steady as possible and don't overuse zooming and panning.

Bob

Thought I might jump in here. This thread has answered a lot of questions I have also Chris! Thanks for asking them. I wanted to add a few more, for clarification, and because they fit the topic.

1. I will be shooting my first wedding this June. I have 2 Samson Airline receivers, 2 lavs, and 1 XLR plug. Should I "lav" the groom and officiant since I can, or would it be best to lav the groom and use the AT897 mic on-camera? (I have the XLR pro)

2. I have 1 GL2, and a 1chip Sony camcorder (TRV19). Is it worth it to set up the TRV19 in the back on a tri-pod, or will the quality difference be severe? Regardless, would it be best to have the GL2 on a tri-pod (or monopod) or will that limit my ability to change location quickly (and unobtrusively).

3. Are any of you fellas lighting any part of the ceremony? Or is all the lighting info aimed at the reception or b-roll footage?

4. I have a lot of questions about editing, but I'll be brief. Software used by you folks that are getting paid on a regular basis?(I have Sony Screenblast now, but am considering upgrade to Vegas)

5. If you sync the 2 cams with a obvious point, how do you take advantage of that in post? I have done a lot of amatuer NLE work, but have never had input from anyone that actually knew what they were doing, so I am sure I do a lot of stuff the hard way. I have not been able to peruse the editing section of these forums much as of yet. I just edited footage from 5 cameras (6+ hours, about 80 gigs of data. Yikes) down to 45 minutes. It was a painfull, time consuming process, so I know I have a lot to learn.

6. Lastly, what about tape length? What type of tape (timewise) is best? I just have this fear (well, one of many) that I will run out of tape in the middle of "I do" or something awful like that. What steps do you take to ensure you will have tape to spare once you start rolling on a non-stop shoot like the ceremony? And how many tapes do you normaly use on a wedding vid?

I know that is a ton of questions, but I promise to pass along any info shared with me to the guy that follows me in. Thanks.

James,

I will jump in for Item 4 only - check out Pinnacle Liquid Edition for editing, I have used it since last July (1st real editing suite) and it is just awesome. There is some great Webcasts showing you the product etc here http://www.pinnaclesys.com/docloader...roduct_ID=1474
At the moment you get Wavelab free too- I didn't get it :(
Of course I am sure you will get lots more feedback from others.

Chris, videouniversity is not down. As the other member said, it has a lot of useful information about shooting weddings.

Shooting weddings are not difficult. I just find that they require a lot of work; and every wedding offers different challenges. You can make a good wedding video even with a 1-chip cam, if you shoot it correctly.

James,

1. You said you have two receivers and 1 XLR input? Not quite sure what you actually have but if you have 2 complete wireless systems, consider using both, one for each channel. You'll need to have them set to the same Group but each on a different channel. You'll find that the on-board shotgun won't help much and in a large church, the echo will be a big problem. Absolutely put one lav on the groom and one on the podium.

2. Put the GL2 on a tripod. It is very important to capture the processional so you might have to move your camera.

3. Do not use a light at the ceremony. Reception only.

6. We have done plenty of Catholic ceremonies that usually last 45 - 60 minutes. Make sure you have a new tape loaded and you should have plenty of tape for everything. We've only had to change a tape sometime around communion. But, just in case, keep another tape in your pocket. BTW, I expect to use 1 tape for every 2 hours of coverage...others may vary.

Thanks Bob. To clarify; I have the XLR Pro adapter (two xlr connections mounted below the cam as well as two other aux line inputs) and two seperate wireless receiver/transmitters on different UHF freqs. So you recommend one lav on the groom, and one lav (I could go wireless hand-held or shotgun mic here) on the podium, not the officiant. Yes?

Is it common practice to reposition your cam (primary cam/on tripod up front) during the ceremony? And, do most run non-stop during the "official" ceremony (soloists, etc)? Not having done a wedding (although my wifes wedding was done :) I have watched every demo on the net, I should pull my own wedding vid out!) I assumed it would be "edited" a bit with obvious respect to the key sections. But now I am thinking the only editing during the actual service will be of #1cam to #2cam (if available), or b-roll inserts. I really appreciate people reading through this muck and offering advice. Don't focus on my questions specificaly (especially if they are repetitive and frustrating), I am mainly seeking any pearls of wisdom I can find, knowing that I have a lot to do on my own. Thanks.

James,

I would mic the groom for sure. I prefer not to mic the officiant since I just don't think they're very receptive to the idea. Also, there's no guarantee they won't cover the mic with their garment or even lose something.

Go to the rehearsal, learn the house rules and meet the groom and best man. Plan your camera placements and let the best man know where you'll be so he'll be less likely to block your shot.

If it's a small church, the on-board shotgun and lav combo might work but if it's a large cavernous chuch, the shotgun won't help you at all. Consider a second lav on the podium. We also use a mini-disk recorder for capturing ambient sounds or musicians and vocalists.

We use 2 GL2s, one is fixed on the tripod and the second is mobile. The mobile cam gets the bride's arrival, processional, readers and B-roll. Check out our short streaming video for sample processional shots.

http://www.beaconvideo.net/wedding.htm

Hey thanks Bob. I enjoyed looking through your website. Man, sometimes I feel so motivated about this, and other times I feel overwhelmed and way out of my league. What is the average length of your finished product (your most commonly sold package)? And how often do clients request copies on VHS? You realize I will probably keep asking questions until you start ignoring me, hehe. Seriously, thanks.

edit* One last thing I really wanted to ask; assuming you are able, do you normally place your tripod GL2 as far away as possible and rely on the lens to get you up close? (I am thinking this is the cam that will be used for the majority of the ceremony shot, and will be placed generaly in front, to the right of the bride) In particular, once you place that cam, do you normaly move it for better/different angles, or is it only moved if there is a line-of-sight problem

I am doing my weddings on DVD. For now I'm just using iDVD's wedding themes (which look pretty good) until I can learn DVD Studio Pro.

For those of you that author DVDs of your wedding videos, do you just have one long feature that includes the ceremony, reception, and any other extras? I am more inclined to make the ceremony, reception, photo montage, highlights, etc, each their own menu selection on the DVD. And then within have chapter markers within each segment.

For example: your main DVD screen could have Wedding Ceremony, and a Ceremony Scene Selection which breaks down different parts of the ceremony, and do this with the Reception as well.

What do you all think?

James,

I don't offer VHS any longer. I try to get as close as possible to avoid long zooms.

If you're going to be doing weddings professionally then I would encourage you to join WEVA. There are many experts there who can help you along.

Good luck.

Much appreciated, I'm looking into WEVA.

Some notes for you wedding videographers from my experience.

*Use multiple cameras (I use 3 GL2's) for the ceremony.

*Instruct your operators to really minimize their use of zooms and pans, and they should never stop recording during the ceremony.

*As much as possible, stick with tight, close shots of the action, because video is a personal medium. The wider your shot, the less engaging it is. Notice this the next time you watch a movie.

*Have a set plan for tape changes. For example, have one operator ready to do a tape change when 10-15 minutes are left on the tape. Have the second operator do a change with 5-10 minutes left. And you change tape at 0-5 minutes. This will ensure that you aren't changing tapes at the same time (very bad).

*Always make sure your operators have at least twice as much tape as you think they'll need.

*Purchase the biggest, baddest batteries you can for your camera. My GL2 batteries can go around 6-7 hours straight if I don't use the LCD, so I really usually get around 5-6 hours. Keep the battery that came with your camera (usually a 60-minute) ON YOUR PERSON as a backup. Just in case.

*Don't rely on your built-in mic for ceremonies. Try and use a wireless whenever possible.

*Use a shotgun mic like the DM-50 for everything else, because you can switch it from directional to omni with the flick of a switch (use omni if you're filming people dancing to music, otherwise, the directional will pickup the music differently depending on where you're aiming).

***Make a checklist that you go through before every wedding. Don't try to just remember what you need to bring/check. And ALWAYS check everything (battery strength, make sure tapes are rewound and NOT copyprotected, etc.). Don't ever assume anything, always check.

There's obviously a lot more to the process, but that should be a good start from a tactical standpoint.

Fantastic advice for anyone doing this type of work.

I have a question for you, what process do to use to train your crew?

I have a kid that is about to embark on a couple of projects with me, he's very much into the hobby and is looking at a run at Full Sail here in Orlando to get formal education on video and audio.

I've gone over the basics that you covered such as don't ever hit the stop button on the camera during a ceremony etc., but I'm curious what do you tell the guys, how do you bring them up and get them trained so that you don't have to micromanage the shoot?

<<<-- Originally posted by Travis Cossel : Some notes for you wedding videographers from my experience.

*Use multiple cameras (I use 3 GL2's) for the ceremony.

*Instruct your operators to really minimize their use of zooms and pans, and they should never stop recording during the ceremony.

Well, it is difficult. I try to find people with previous camera experience, but often that doesn't really mean much. I had a seasoned news photog run a camera at one weddding and all the zooms were really fast and harsh, and the operator didn't hold shots for longer than 5 seconds usually. But that is how news is often shot.

My advice would be to set up the camera to the best of your ability before handing it over to the operator. For example, set your shutter speed in advance. Set your white balance in advance if possible. Switch the focus to manual and then zoom in all the way on the farthest object you can find, and focus, and now your focus is set to infinity, and you won't have to worry about auto-focus screwing things up. Turn your ND filter on or off depending on the circumstances. Just basically have as much as you can set and ready in advance.

Then, emphasize to your operator the types of shots you want. I usually need tight, steady, non-panning, non-zooming shots, so I emphasize this need before I teach them anything else.

Next, teach them how the exposure works and how you want them to use it. For example, I explain that I need good exposure on faces and important details, and that underexposure is always better than overexposure. Overexposure in lights, or unimportant details is not important as long as the primary objective is in good exposure.

Show them the basics of zooming (if they're new to camera-work, set all zoom controls to a non-variable speed setting, probably slow, or perhaps medium). Show them the basics of the tripod operation, and explain what they see displayed on the LCD or in the viewfinder. Show them how to change tapes, and change batteries.

Keep in mind that it is important to not just show your operator 'how to do things', make them do it while you are there, before the event starts. This way they'll remember better, and if they have questions, or don't understand, you're there to provide the answers.

Finally, re-emphasize the shots you want. Chances are you'll need to remind them of that at this point, because no matter how well they operate exposure and zoom, if they aren't getting the shots you want, it won't matter.

Other than that, just instill confidence in them that you know they'll do a great job. You don't want them operating the camera scared.

Hope that helps.

I honestly didnt read all the other posts. With that in mind, I do many weddings now, and can give you a list of what I recommend, and use the most. Tripod, fluid head, lanc controller for head, beachtec(or similar) XLR adaptor, OMNI directional wireless mic, on board light, shoulder pod, computer and software.




John

WOW, I just want to thank everyone for all the tips and suggestions. I'm also wanting to get into shooting weddings and after reading all of the post I feel a lot more confident in doing so. I have shot video at some rock concerts and outdoor festivals and a promo video for a local band. But was not to sure of what other equipment I will need to do weddings. Thank you all!

Now, off to look for a wireless mic and light!

<<<-- Originally posted by Travis Cossel :
Switch the focus to manual and then zoom in all the way on the farthest object you can find, and focus, and now your focus is set to infinity, and you won't have to worry about auto-focus screwing things up. -->>>

This is a point that I need clarification on.

If I'm filming a stage play, how does setting the focus to infinity keep all the actors in focus?

Thanks,
--Steve

Steve,

There is a point on all lenes past which everything is in focus. That point can vary depending on Fstop but is usually somewhere between 50--100 ft. If you are that far or further away from your subject (In your case, behind the audience) you can just leave you focus alone once it's set for max.

<<<-- Originally posted by Rob Wilson : Steve,

There is a point on all lenes past which everything is in focus. That point can vary depending on Fstop but is usually somewhere between 50--100 ft. If you are that far or further away from your subject (In your case, behind the audience) you can just leave you focus alone once it's set for max. -->>>

Thanks Rob.

The last theatre production I shot, on day one I shot from behind the audience and on day two, I shot from a seat in the front row.

There was a huge difference in how the video felt when I watched it. Closer was so much better.

So in that case I was about 10 feet in front of the stage.

How does that figure in?

Thanks,
--Steve