This is one of my most popular clips that is on my wedding videography website. This youtube version in HD is actually a little cleaner than the flash version that is on my site. I wish I could get this quality in FLASH without the files being SO HUGE.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
My new PROMO video for WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY
Many of my clients know that I am also a San Francisco Bay Area top rated wedding photographer. And if you didn't know, then just take a look at this video of my in action! One of the benefits of having my own videographers is that I can get some great footage of me working! LOL
Friday, November 6, 2009
How to shop for a wedding videographer
We found this great article over at http://www.yourbridalplanner.com on the subject of how to shop for a wedding videographer. Here is the direct link to the page.
http://yourbridalplanner.com/videography.html
We've also asked permission to reprint the article here for your convenience.
THE SAD FACT:
Sadly, wedding videography and the wedding videographer are often un-justly pushed to the bottom of the priority list. Often, it's the misconception of what role the videographer and wedding video will play in the overall scheme of things, that has many brides thinking of this as a low priority. Moreover, the primary obstacle that the wedding videography industry has to overcome is the fact that it is a relatively new service [15 to 20 years], versus wedding photography, which has been around as long as we can remember.
POSSIBLY RECONSIDER?
Our goal with this page is to try and get brides who are sitting on the fence with regard to videography, to reconsider. We will do this by relating stories we have received from brides who regretfully did not hire a videographer, as well as the happy brides who did! We are thankful that they changed their minds!
SEE THE WORK:
When a bride is given the opportunity to view a truly professional wedding video, this is often enough for them to change their minds. More often than not, it is the amateurish, home video that they have seen and may be the reason for leading them to believe they do not want a wedding video. The reality is, a professionally produced wedding video is a beautiful thing and often reflects the day as it was. Moreover, it is an opportunity for the bride to see the things that she missed or couldn't have possibly seen..such as parents being seated, or the ceremony processional. Wedding Photography is great! But having a photographer doesn't negate having a videographer. They are two totally different artforms, telling an entirely different side of the story.
COMMON MIS-CONCEPTIONS:
When it comes to videography, the most common thing we hear is that it is out of the budget. This is true if we take into account our budget theory detailed on our budget page. The bottom line is, if the videography is not important to you then yes, it will be out of your budget. However, if it were at the top of your list, and you wanted a really great video, then you would find the budget within your overall wedding budget to be able to hire a videographer. It really hinges on the fact of how important it is to you!
WHAT TO AVOID:
It is important to choose a videographer who will work well within the given parameters of your wedding. First and foremost is the lighting. If you are having a gorgeous, formal candle lit dinner, the last thing you want is a videographer who uses 1000 watt lights mounted on huge stands that stick out like an eyesore. These "10' o'clock news" videographers often use bright lights in guests faces, light up the dance floor and often ask guests to speak directly into the camera offering best wishes to the couple. This style has been heavily frowned upon, but is still prevalent among lower end vendors today.
Another important factor is how well your videographer will work with you photographer. Most brides will agree that photography is paramount. Therefore, if your photographer offers a professional videography service, then it's recommended to go with that. If your photographer offers video, but not as professional as you would like, seek out a videographer who understands that the photographer has priority over any particular shots and placements of cameras, tripods, etc. Along these same lines, do not get a videographer who will shoot over the shoulder of your photographer. Think about it....if your videographer is filming you getting your picture taken, who is covering the actual event? Wouldn't you much rather see your cocktail hour on video, rather than seeing you getting your photo taken?
A good videographer will fill in the gaps that the photographer is leaving (as mentioned above, filming your cocktail reception because you are off site taking pictures) and be your eyes and ears for the things you will not be present for.
SOUND IS CRITICAL TO ANY MOTION PICTURE.
WIRELESS MICROPHONES: We recently read on a videographers website that 'for realism, we do not use wireless microphones'. To put it nicely, this is complete and utter rubbish. Wireless microphones are an absolute must have so be sure to choose a videographer who uses them. The reason being that, audio production is a huge part of video production. If the videographer doesn't think enough of the audio to use a wireless mic, chances are they are not true professionals and they are certainly not concerned with the audio portion of the program.
Another great way to capture sound is by using additional digital audio recording devices, or patching directly into the sound system being used for the ceremony and/or reception. Videographers do this by using additional wireless microphones and the necessary cables to connect to the sound system being used.
F.A.Q. Presented here are the many reasons we have heard from brides who do not want a wedding video...and the reason to reconsider.
1. I can't afford it. It's simply not in my budget!
This is the most common excuse from brides who simply do not care about, nor do not want a video. If this is the case, nobody except the bride herself, can change her mind. As our budget theory states, if something is not important to you, then you place no value on it. If a bride really wants a professional video, then the budget WILL be there as importance will be placed on this most important wedding service.
2. I have family and friends who will be taking video so I don't need to hire a videographer.
Home video is great! So are still photos taken by family and friends. But for the same reasons, you wouldn't want your family and friends doing your wedding photography, is the same reason you need to hire a professional videographer who knows what it takes to make a professional movie based on good, solid video production techniques. With family and friends taking video, often what you end up with is an incomplete program, shot handheld, very shaky with absolutely no editing. This is far from what a true professional videographer will offer you.
3. I'm spending a lot on my photos on a really good photographer so I don't need a video.
Photography and videography are two totally separate art forms and industries. One does not negate the other. What the photography doesn't have is the sound and the motion. Let us give you one example. You have living grandparents that are coming to your wedding. In the future, when they pass on, would you rather stare at a picture, or see them move and hear them talk on a video?
4. I will just get a cheap videographer because I am spending so much on my photography!
You have to be really careful on this one! Many brides do not fully understand the impact a low level videographer can have on your wedding and on your wedding photography. If you get a low level videographer who interferes with your photographer with their unprofessionalism, bright lights and overall intrusiveness, then you are actually hurting yourself. If you do decide on video, make sure to get a vendor that matches the overall professionalism of all your vendors including the photographer. Don't get a videographer who will shine bright lights and stick a microphone in your guests putting them on the spot.
5. We are not video people and/or we don't want to see ourselves on video and/or we don't watch alot of television.
It really comes down to seeing all of your hard work on the big screen. A good videographer will get a great mix of shots, guests and the decorations. The video will not be a 90 minute close up of just the couple. And, with the proper pre planning with your videographer you can minimize that shots you don't want. For instance, if you are only doing one camera for the ceremony, have the videographer shoot it from the audience view to get an overall feel of the ceremony. Do not shoot it in front so that all you see in your ceremony is a close up of your faces. Instruct your videographer that your goal is to see all our family and friends on the video, not just yourselves.
Ok, so those are some of the excuses we hear! Now let's talk about some reasons to do videography! But not just do it, do it right!
The video will be your eyes and ears for things you won't see! How would you like to see your processional? How about being able to see the grooms reaction as you come down the aisle? When you are off taking photographs at the reception, the video can film the cocktails and do interviews at that time and show you what you missed there. How did the reception room look before guests entered? You see, there are many things that you will not see but would like to. This is the reason for the video.
LET'S GET EXCITED ABOUT THE VIDEO!
For those couples who want to do video right, you'll want to do your research and find out who is shooting High Definition (HD) or HD's little cousin HDV. You'll want someone to do multiple cameras and offer a DVD with a customized motion menu. You may also want a long form video as well as a short form video with highlights. Slow motion sequences are also very popular. Wireless microphones are a must, as are low light HD or HDV cameras that can shoot in available light without having to bring spot-lights that spoil the mood of your reception. If necessary, a soft-diffused on camera light can be used to fill in the flesh tones at a dark wedding venue.
WEDDING VIDEO TURN AROUND TIME.
Wedding Video turn around times vary from videographer to videographer. The average time we have found is 2 to 4 months. Videographers that spend more time editing to create a highly stylized movie, may take anywhere from 4 to 8 months. Also, it is not uncommon for some videographers to take up to a year to produce a finished movie. In many cases, the videographer may ask you for your music choices and/or images for a montage. To decrease your turn around time, make sure to give your videographer any and all of these components as a delay in your part to submit these, may increase the turn around time.
http://yourbridalplanner.com/videography.html
We've also asked permission to reprint the article here for your convenience.
THE SAD FACT:
Sadly, wedding videography and the wedding videographer are often un-justly pushed to the bottom of the priority list. Often, it's the misconception of what role the videographer and wedding video will play in the overall scheme of things, that has many brides thinking of this as a low priority. Moreover, the primary obstacle that the wedding videography industry has to overcome is the fact that it is a relatively new service [15 to 20 years], versus wedding photography, which has been around as long as we can remember.
POSSIBLY RECONSIDER?
Our goal with this page is to try and get brides who are sitting on the fence with regard to videography, to reconsider. We will do this by relating stories we have received from brides who regretfully did not hire a videographer, as well as the happy brides who did! We are thankful that they changed their minds!
SEE THE WORK:
When a bride is given the opportunity to view a truly professional wedding video, this is often enough for them to change their minds. More often than not, it is the amateurish, home video that they have seen and may be the reason for leading them to believe they do not want a wedding video. The reality is, a professionally produced wedding video is a beautiful thing and often reflects the day as it was. Moreover, it is an opportunity for the bride to see the things that she missed or couldn't have possibly seen..such as parents being seated, or the ceremony processional. Wedding Photography is great! But having a photographer doesn't negate having a videographer. They are two totally different artforms, telling an entirely different side of the story.
COMMON MIS-CONCEPTIONS:
When it comes to videography, the most common thing we hear is that it is out of the budget. This is true if we take into account our budget theory detailed on our budget page. The bottom line is, if the videography is not important to you then yes, it will be out of your budget. However, if it were at the top of your list, and you wanted a really great video, then you would find the budget within your overall wedding budget to be able to hire a videographer. It really hinges on the fact of how important it is to you!
WHAT TO AVOID:
It is important to choose a videographer who will work well within the given parameters of your wedding. First and foremost is the lighting. If you are having a gorgeous, formal candle lit dinner, the last thing you want is a videographer who uses 1000 watt lights mounted on huge stands that stick out like an eyesore. These "10' o'clock news" videographers often use bright lights in guests faces, light up the dance floor and often ask guests to speak directly into the camera offering best wishes to the couple. This style has been heavily frowned upon, but is still prevalent among lower end vendors today.
Another important factor is how well your videographer will work with you photographer. Most brides will agree that photography is paramount. Therefore, if your photographer offers a professional videography service, then it's recommended to go with that. If your photographer offers video, but not as professional as you would like, seek out a videographer who understands that the photographer has priority over any particular shots and placements of cameras, tripods, etc. Along these same lines, do not get a videographer who will shoot over the shoulder of your photographer. Think about it....if your videographer is filming you getting your picture taken, who is covering the actual event? Wouldn't you much rather see your cocktail hour on video, rather than seeing you getting your photo taken?
A good videographer will fill in the gaps that the photographer is leaving (as mentioned above, filming your cocktail reception because you are off site taking pictures) and be your eyes and ears for the things you will not be present for.
SOUND IS CRITICAL TO ANY MOTION PICTURE.
WIRELESS MICROPHONES: We recently read on a videographers website that 'for realism, we do not use wireless microphones'. To put it nicely, this is complete and utter rubbish. Wireless microphones are an absolute must have so be sure to choose a videographer who uses them. The reason being that, audio production is a huge part of video production. If the videographer doesn't think enough of the audio to use a wireless mic, chances are they are not true professionals and they are certainly not concerned with the audio portion of the program.
Another great way to capture sound is by using additional digital audio recording devices, or patching directly into the sound system being used for the ceremony and/or reception. Videographers do this by using additional wireless microphones and the necessary cables to connect to the sound system being used.
F.A.Q. Presented here are the many reasons we have heard from brides who do not want a wedding video...and the reason to reconsider.
1. I can't afford it. It's simply not in my budget!
This is the most common excuse from brides who simply do not care about, nor do not want a video. If this is the case, nobody except the bride herself, can change her mind. As our budget theory states, if something is not important to you, then you place no value on it. If a bride really wants a professional video, then the budget WILL be there as importance will be placed on this most important wedding service.
2. I have family and friends who will be taking video so I don't need to hire a videographer.
Home video is great! So are still photos taken by family and friends. But for the same reasons, you wouldn't want your family and friends doing your wedding photography, is the same reason you need to hire a professional videographer who knows what it takes to make a professional movie based on good, solid video production techniques. With family and friends taking video, often what you end up with is an incomplete program, shot handheld, very shaky with absolutely no editing. This is far from what a true professional videographer will offer you.
3. I'm spending a lot on my photos on a really good photographer so I don't need a video.
Photography and videography are two totally separate art forms and industries. One does not negate the other. What the photography doesn't have is the sound and the motion. Let us give you one example. You have living grandparents that are coming to your wedding. In the future, when they pass on, would you rather stare at a picture, or see them move and hear them talk on a video?
4. I will just get a cheap videographer because I am spending so much on my photography!
You have to be really careful on this one! Many brides do not fully understand the impact a low level videographer can have on your wedding and on your wedding photography. If you get a low level videographer who interferes with your photographer with their unprofessionalism, bright lights and overall intrusiveness, then you are actually hurting yourself. If you do decide on video, make sure to get a vendor that matches the overall professionalism of all your vendors including the photographer. Don't get a videographer who will shine bright lights and stick a microphone in your guests putting them on the spot.
5. We are not video people and/or we don't want to see ourselves on video and/or we don't watch alot of television.
It really comes down to seeing all of your hard work on the big screen. A good videographer will get a great mix of shots, guests and the decorations. The video will not be a 90 minute close up of just the couple. And, with the proper pre planning with your videographer you can minimize that shots you don't want. For instance, if you are only doing one camera for the ceremony, have the videographer shoot it from the audience view to get an overall feel of the ceremony. Do not shoot it in front so that all you see in your ceremony is a close up of your faces. Instruct your videographer that your goal is to see all our family and friends on the video, not just yourselves.
Ok, so those are some of the excuses we hear! Now let's talk about some reasons to do videography! But not just do it, do it right!
The video will be your eyes and ears for things you won't see! How would you like to see your processional? How about being able to see the grooms reaction as you come down the aisle? When you are off taking photographs at the reception, the video can film the cocktails and do interviews at that time and show you what you missed there. How did the reception room look before guests entered? You see, there are many things that you will not see but would like to. This is the reason for the video.
LET'S GET EXCITED ABOUT THE VIDEO!
For those couples who want to do video right, you'll want to do your research and find out who is shooting High Definition (HD) or HD's little cousin HDV. You'll want someone to do multiple cameras and offer a DVD with a customized motion menu. You may also want a long form video as well as a short form video with highlights. Slow motion sequences are also very popular. Wireless microphones are a must, as are low light HD or HDV cameras that can shoot in available light without having to bring spot-lights that spoil the mood of your reception. If necessary, a soft-diffused on camera light can be used to fill in the flesh tones at a dark wedding venue.
WEDDING VIDEO TURN AROUND TIME.
Wedding Video turn around times vary from videographer to videographer. The average time we have found is 2 to 4 months. Videographers that spend more time editing to create a highly stylized movie, may take anywhere from 4 to 8 months. Also, it is not uncommon for some videographers to take up to a year to produce a finished movie. In many cases, the videographer may ask you for your music choices and/or images for a montage. To decrease your turn around time, make sure to give your videographer any and all of these components as a delay in your part to submit these, may increase the turn around time.
Middle Eastern Wedding Traditions
Here's a fun video clip showing a middle eastern wedding traditon of hoisting the bride and groom on the shoulders of some very strong people and giving them the ride of their life! The groom looks no worse for the wear but the bride was clearly terrified~!
This wonderul reception was held at the Spinnaker in Sausalito, CA This Spinnaker has arguably the best seafood in Marin County. I say arguably because there are a few other really good seafood restaurants in Marin so it's mainly a matter of preference.
Here are some additional links to more middle eastern wedding traditions
http://www.koco.com/wedding/2399786/detail.html
http://www.worldweddingtraditions.com/
Click this link for a google search on Middle Eastern Wedding Traditions
This wonderul reception was held at the Spinnaker in Sausalito, CA This Spinnaker has arguably the best seafood in Marin County. I say arguably because there are a few other really good seafood restaurants in Marin so it's mainly a matter of preference.
Here are some additional links to more middle eastern wedding traditions
http://www.koco.com/wedding/2399786/detail.html
http://www.worldweddingtraditions.com/
Click this link for a google search on Middle Eastern Wedding Traditions
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Wedding Videography Tips for the bride.
I wanted to share this article on wedding videography tips with you. These tips are really helpful and should be implemented whenever possible. This article is being used by permission from one of Los Angeles' premier wedding videography firms,
Breathe Videography.
Click here to see the original article.
Making Your Wedding Video Perfect
This day is about you and your soon to be husband. Our videographers are sensitive to this and will do everything they can to make sure they remain unobtrusive while filming your wedding video. Due to the fact that wedding day preparations are full of hustle and bustle, we would like to share some tips with you for ensuring that our production of your wedding video goes smoothly.Here are some tips to help make your wedding video production go smoothly:
#1: Have a Wedding Rehearsal
During wedding rehearsals, we smost 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, suprisingly, 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 photoggraphers 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 understandbly 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 videographers 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 aks 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 videographers 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. We truly appreciate your helping us make the production of your wedding video a breathtaking success!
If you haven't booked yet, keep in mind that dates often start filling up three to four months in advance and that some couples book as early as a year in advance.
Breathe Videography.
Click here to see the original article.
Making Your Wedding Video Perfect
This day is about you and your soon to be husband. Our videographers are sensitive to this and will do everything they can to make sure they remain unobtrusive while filming your wedding video. Due to the fact that wedding day preparations are full of hustle and bustle, we would like to share some tips with you for ensuring that our production of your wedding video goes smoothly.Here are some tips to help make your wedding video production go smoothly:
#1: Have a Wedding Rehearsal
During wedding rehearsals, we smost 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, suprisingly, 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 photoggraphers 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 understandbly 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 videographers 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 aks 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 videographers 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. We truly appreciate your helping us make the production of your wedding video a breathtaking success!
If you haven't booked yet, keep in mind that dates often start filling up three to four months in advance and that some couples book as early as a year in advance.
Sherry and Patrick Slow Motion Wedding Video Recap
Sherry and Patrick are the most wonderful couple to work with! It was truly our pleasure to be a part of this most joyous occasion.
Special thanks to all of the other wedding vendors who did a great job [well mostly].
Photography = Sunny Leung
Videography = US
Wedding Venue = Ruby Hill Golf Club
Wedding Coordinator = Bonita Kwong
Makeup & Hair Styling = Michelle Hong
Disc Jockey = DJ Henry
Special thanks to all of the other wedding vendors who did a great job [well mostly].
Photography = Sunny Leung
Videography = US
Wedding Venue = Ruby Hill Golf Club
Wedding Coordinator = Bonita Kwong
Makeup & Hair Styling = Michelle Hong
Disc Jockey = DJ Henry
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