"TIPS FOR BETTER FILM"
TIPS FOR BETTER FILM
Your day is almost here. Are you ready to capture your wedding on film? There are many things you can do to ensure your wedding is not only hassle-free on the day but also a beautiful love film to enjoy for years to come.
REMOVE THE CLUTTER
When you are having the morning, preparations filmed or any time really, remove rubbish and clutter. We all know that the time before the big day can be stressful. Just remember the camera sees all, so clear unsightly distractions like take away and other rubbish.
EVERYTHING IS ON DISPLAY SO LET IT SHINE
Your guests may not see your dress hanging by the window but the camera will. Simple things like a nice hanger make all the difference.
BE PREPARED
All-day coverage may seem like a very long time but with so much to cover time is never on your side. It's the little things that make your film special. Have your rings, jewellery, shoes, dresses, suits and anything else you want to be filmed ready beforehand.
REMEMBER TO SMILE
I find many great shots are left in the edit bin because couples are uneasy about being on camera. Don't wonder why are you filming me now. I most likely have a plan for every shot just smile you will be glad you did.
LIGHT UP THE ROOM
Proper lighting is critical for video. Just think what your wedding photos would look like if the photographer couldn’t use a flash. Sometimes that’s the mood you're going for, however, even with great cameras without enough light to capture the video, your results could be dismal. You can alleviate this by using plenty of feature lighting, in particular around the bridal table and speeches. I also bring along supplementary lighting, it will make all the difference.
UN-PLUG
Many couples these days are having an unplugged wedding and with good reason. Nothing ruins that professional shot more than friends and family with tablets and phones aimed down the aisle. Trust your videographer and your photographer to get the shot without obstructions in the way. Mention this to your celebrant
Be organized
On the big day, it is important to have someone run the day. Whether it's your MC or wedding planner, someone needs to keep things rolling. Having a run sheet with the times of each important moment will allow me to be ready to capture every moment. With multiple cameras and audio recorders, this can take a few minutes to set up, a simple heads-up 10 minutes before an event will ensure nothing is missed. It’s OK to pause a little if you're MC flows from speeches to cake cutting on the other side of the room in under a minute it's safe to say there will not be time to set up at the new location.
DON'T HIDE
Where will the action be? In the Church are there tall vases of flowers that will impede getting a shot of the vows, the kiss and the ring exchange? Ensure there is a vantage point not hidden by the wedding party, altars and flowers. Likewise, for the reception hall – all too often the head table is decorated with high vases hiding the faces of the wedding party. Consider low vases and flowers that extend no higher than 20 cm
BE HEARD
Use the microphone as it’s the only way the camera can hear. Sometimes couples and your guest feel more comfortable not using a microphone "I have a big voice I don't need a mic ". Trust me, moving lips with no sound is no fun to watch. I try to record audio in pristine quality one of the best solutions is to get a ‘feed’ or ‘line’ from the soundboard of the audio system. You can confirm with your DJ, celebrant or audio person that a microphone will be available and tested before use. Placement is so important for both speaker and microphone if it’s possible, stand behind the speaker rather than in front it will stop the squealing. I suggest you never allow the DJ to play music in the background during speeches. Speeches can be moving and emotional. The wrong music selected by the DJ can spoil the ambience.
Speeches
When you feel awkward, people want to walk around when making a speech, but if you use a mic stand during speeches additional audio recorders can be used and lighting can be set to highlight your speaker. I always bring along a mic stand.
DON'T LOOK AT THE CAMERA
Unlike your photos "look at the camera" I will try to film the action not create it. If you look past the camera rather than at it feels much more natural.
Make sure you allow time for video during the photo shoot
some of the most beautiful shots of you and your partner will come from the Shoot make sure you allow time for these shots. This doesn’t mean your photographer can take photos during this time, it just means they may have to stand back a little.
