Filming the Reception at DVinfo.net

Eric Holloway · January 30th, 2006, 04:37 PM

How often do you guys use a tripod at the reception? I normally just use a monopod during the reception but I was thinking about tripoding for the grand entrance up high above everyone with my main camera (XL1S). And when I'm done filming the grand entrance, speeches, and toastes, I'm thinking about leaving the main camera on the tripod for later and grabbing my GL2 (handheld) to capture most of the event since it's smaller and easy to handle. Then when the partying and dancing starts, aim my main camera which is still on the tripod towards the dance floor and let it record for an hour or so and still use my GL2 to bounce around recording other things.

Does anyone use this approach?

Thanks,
Eric

Travis Cossel · January 30th, 2006, 06:58 PM

I never use a tripod at the reception, just a monopod. As far as leaving a camera unmanned, I don't think I would use much of the footage. Video is a personal medium, especially for a wedding event, and wide shots on the scale you are looking at probably wouldn't be very useful.

I'd rather get half as much footage, but get it up close and personal. My opinion.

Also, leaving a camera unmanned at a reception would scare me to death. Too many little kids running around just looking for trouble to get into.

Don Bloom · January 30th, 2006, 07:09 PM

Depending on the size of the bridal party (intros) and the number of speeches I might use my tripod with wheels for that but the rest is done handheld. Remeber though, I'm using a fullsized camera that loaded out with a wireless receiver, light (liteweight but still) and a battery the rig is probably close to 16 lbs so after a while with the long winded talkers it get a bit cumbersome.
Don

Richard Zlamany · January 31st, 2006, 12:54 AM

I use a modified shoulder support for the pd170. I started shooting receptions with a monopod but since the shoulder support creation I stopped using the monopod at receptions.

Joe Allen Rosenberger · January 31st, 2006, 02:02 AM

use a tripod for the toasts....as they can get long, real long and you will get tired, especially if handheld shooting vs shoulder mounted. the rest can pretty much be handheld.

DO NOT LEAVE YOUR GEAR UNATTENDED....EVER!!!!!

I was working Sat at a high end venue......the photographers' had 2 cameras lifted....most likely by the hotel staff....waiters. This has happened to me in the past with two cameras I had stolen......do not leave your gear unattended......these hotel workers wait for events like weddings to lift expensive electronic gear.....its happens frequently.....is the word on the street.

Patrick Jenkins · February 7th, 2006, 10:28 PM

I caught one of the hotel staff trying to lift one of my cameras at a recent wedding. I was taking a breather in the hallway outside of the banquet room (hotel to remain unnamed - nice place), sat it on the table across the way from me (hall was about 15? feet across - nothing to act as a shelf near me) and was facing it. The guy either didn't see me, or more likely assumed I wasn't attached to it (we wear plain black for weddings - nothing fancy - we're very active) and just picked it up and continued walking. The hotel planner whom I was working with exited the banquet hall just about the same moment I approached/accused the guy. Hotel GM was brought in and the guy was fired.

So yes, don't leave your stuff unattended. They'll try to rip it off even with potential witnesses around (fortunate he mistook me for joe schmoe).

Bob Harotunian · February 8th, 2006, 06:23 PM

I use a Manfrotto/Bogen 3245 monopod. It's the most valuable and versatile tool I have. High shots, low shots, overheads, angles and most importantly, it saves my back. My PD-170 gets very heavy fully rigged and the monopod solves that problem.
Bob

Nick Weeks · February 8th, 2006, 08:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Harotunian

I use a Manfrotto/Bogen 3245 monopod. It's the most valuable and versatile tool I have. High shots, low shots, overheads, angles and most importantly, it saves my back. My PD-170 gets very heavy fully rigged and the monopod solves that problem.
Bob

Bob, does that particular monopod require a head or does it mount to the camera's tripod mount? I'm looking into one myself, and the one you suggested looks great

Bob Harotunian · February 8th, 2006, 09:18 PM

No, it doesn't require a head but I bought quick release locks for it so I could go quickly from tripod to mono. I think the part number is QR 625 at B&H.

January 30th, 2006, 04:37 PM	#1
Eric Holloway Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Santa Clarita, CA Posts: 173	Filming the Reception How often do you guys use a tripod at the reception? I normally just use a monopod during the reception but I was thinking about tripoding for the grand entrance up high above everyone with my main camera (XL1S). And when I'm done filming the grand entrance, speeches, and toastes, I'm thinking about leaving the main camera on the tripod for later and grabbing my GL2 (handheld) to capture most of the event since it's smaller and easy to handle. Then when the partying and dancing starts, aim my main camera which is still on the tripod towards the dance floor and let it record for an hour or so and still use my GL2 to bounce around recording other things. Does anyone use this approach? Thanks, Eric

January 30th, 2006, 06:58 PM	#2
Travis Cossel Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Miami, FL Posts: 2,933	I never use a tripod at the reception, just a monopod. As far as leaving a camera unmanned, I don't think I would use much of the footage. Video is a personal medium, especially for a wedding event, and wide shots on the scale you are looking at probably wouldn't be very useful. I'd rather get half as much footage, but get it up close and personal. My opinion. Also, leaving a camera unmanned at a reception would scare me to death. Too many little kids running around just looking for trouble to get into. __________________ Black Label Films www.blacklabelweddingfilms.com

February 7th, 2006, 10:28 PM	#6
Patrick Jenkins Major Player Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Maryland, USA Posts: 382	I caught one of the hotel staff trying to lift one of my cameras at a recent wedding. I was taking a breather in the hallway outside of the banquet room (hotel to remain unnamed - nice place), sat it on the table across the way from me (hall was about 15? feet across - nothing to act as a shelf near me) and was facing it. The guy either didn't see me, or more likely assumed I wasn't attached to it (we wear plain black for weddings - nothing fancy - we're very active) and just picked it up and continued walking. The hotel planner whom I was working with exited the banquet hall just about the same moment I approached/accused the guy. Hotel GM was brought in and the guy was fired. So yes, don't leave your stuff unattended. They'll try to rip it off even with potential witnesses around (fortunate he mistook me for joe schmoe). __________________ PAL shooter in NTSC territory

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January 30th, 2006, 07:09 PM	#3
Don Bloom Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,609	Depending on the size of the bridal party (intros) and the number of speeches I might use my tripod with wheels for that but the rest is done handheld. Remeber though, I'm using a fullsized camera that loaded out with a wireless receiver, light (liteweight but still) and a battery the rig is probably close to 16 lbs so after a while with the long winded talkers it get a bit cumbersome. Don

January 31st, 2006, 12:54 AM	#4
Richard Zlamany Major Player Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Hamden CT Posts: 470	I use a modified shoulder support for the pd170. I started shooting receptions with a monopod but since the shoulder support creation I stopped using the monopod at receptions.

January 31st, 2006, 02:02 AM	#5
Joe Allen Rosenberger Major Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: USA Posts: 419	use a tripod for the toasts....as they can get long, real long and you will get tired, especially if handheld shooting vs shoulder mounted. the rest can pretty much be handheld. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR GEAR UNATTENDED....EVER!!!!! I was working Sat at a high end venue......the photographers' had 2 cameras lifted....most likely by the hotel staff....waiters. This has happened to me in the past with two cameras I had stolen......do not leave your gear unattended......these hotel workers wait for events like weddings to lift expensive electronic gear.....its happens frequently.....is the word on the street.

February 8th, 2006, 06:23 PM	#7
Bob Harotunian Major Player Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Somerville, MA Posts: 360	I use a Manfrotto/Bogen 3245 monopod. It's the most valuable and versatile tool I have. High shots, low shots, overheads, angles and most importantly, it saves my back. My PD-170 gets very heavy fully rigged and the monopod solves that problem. Bob

February 8th, 2006, 09:18 PM	#9
Bob Harotunian Major Player Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Somerville, MA Posts: 360	No, it doesn't require a head but I bought quick release locks for it so I could go quickly from tripod to mono. I think the part number is QR 625 at B&H.