Advice on DIY Wedding Video...
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"If you think this undertaking -- two
people in a mostly predictable setting -- is simple, think
again. Shooting a wedding is one of the most challenging
of all home-movie settings, and it's one of the high points
of most people's lives, so if you mess it up with bad audio,
bad video or lighting problems, the newlyweds may hold a
grudge for along time."
From Making
Home Movies DIY.net
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If you are strapped for cash you may consider getting
a friend or relative to video your wedding. Having watched some home-made
wedding video horrors we would like to offer some simple advice to make
sure you can avoid some of the pitfalls.
- Preferably find someone who has had some experience of video production
and have a look at what they've done. Just because a person owns a
video camera and computer doesn't mean they'll be able to create a
watchable video.
- The commonest weakness in 'home video' is the cameraperson
constantly panning the camera left to right and back again, zooming
in and out, all in one
shot, from one location. After a short while you get dizzy watching
it, and the result is almost impossible to edit or watch. Zooming and
panning should
be
very rarely
used. Instead ask them to take a series of static shots, from a
variety of angles (following the 30° rule)
and without breaking the 180° rule.
- If they are following your arrival with a moving camera
(rather than on a tripod) they need to make sure they use the widest
angle possible. If they use any telephoto, as
they walk the camera's movement will be exaggerated to giddying proportions.
Of course, using
a Wide Angle means they will need to get closer to you to frame the
shot correctly. We can use an expensive steadicam
for these types of shots - a bit like the camera supports you see used
at televised
football.
- During the Vows you'll most probably want the shot to stay on you
both. Tell your friend it is imperative they keep a Medium
Shot on you at this
time. At other times they may be able to get cut-away shots
of the guests to see their reaction.
- If they do want to use any pans or zooms (see 2. above) ask that
they are done smoothly and gently. (Whilst some styles of TV do use
whip pans and constantly moving shots it's a style that you'll probably
get
tired of after a short while.) A sturdy tripod with a fluid head
and
a camera
remote contol arm may be useful.
-
To catch the vows and those whispered conversations a gun microphone,
or better still a tie clip mic with radio or minidisc should be used.
Do not rely on the camera's mic - they are notoriously poor and often
pick up tape and camera handling noise.
- If you are going to include any of the day's music
(hymns, instrumentals, bands, discos) or add music to the finished
video, you will
need to clear copyright with both the MCPS,
the PPL and
perhaps the
CCLI.
Infringing copyright is a risk, even for private individuals who simply
give videos to friends and family.
-
Artificial lights are best avoided. They're distracting
and draw attention to the cameraperson, the very person you want
least noticed. To avoid shining lights in people's faces ask if
your friend can use
a modern
3-Chip
camera. These allow images to be captured in very low lighting conditions.
- For the majority of the time your friend should focus manually,
but particularly in low light, when autofocus gets very confused.
- To get the colour right ensure they set white
balance for the lighting conditions. We suggest they use
the camera presets for tungsten and outdoor light, rather than automatic
white balance which is
often fooled. If they are in mixed lighting (ie. a room with tungsten
lights and sunlight from windows) they should be able to colour correct
in the editing stage.
- Ask them to 'be prepared'. Have they got spare tapes, fully
charged batteries, a back-up camera in case theirs fails? (We
carry an assortment of bits 'n' bobs just in case.) And a person
to help the cameraperson is really useful. They can sort stuff out
while the camera keeps rolling.
- The cameraperson needs to anticipate events and follow the
action. We like to attend the rehearsal where possible and we also
ask for a timetable of the day. Having said that, you might want
to suggest
they don't just follow the photographer - you'll have the photos,
but what was everyone else doing at this time? Perhaps a second cameraperson
may be useful!
- The edited video needs to be well-paced and punchy. Too
many long shots and you'll get bored, especially after a couple
of viewings. You should also ask that special effects be kept to a
minimum. The video is about you and the emotion of the day. Fancy transitions
and graphics whizzing around are often compensating for weaknesses
elswhere.
- Whilst a video tape is OK they do deteriorate fairly quickly.
Ask that your final film be mastered onto DVDs so that you have a
longer
lasting record. Check that they will work with your DVD player(s).
Of course... you could always just book a professional!
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