| I have been involved in filming and producing DVD's, as | | | | Again this microphone would need to be positioned on |
| part of my job, for approximately ten years. This | | | | a stand or possibly a lapel mic. could be used, with the |
| technologically driven industry has moved on at a rapid | | | | groom wearing this as it would be easier to disguise. |
| pace. What I have found is that anyone can now give | | | | You would then need to have a suitable receiver |
| filming and editing a reasonable shot. The software | | | | attached to your camera in order to receive the audio. |
| and hardware is more readily available and the quality | | | | I, personally, leave radio microphones as a last option |
| of video cameras to choose from is immense. | | | | only because other audio equipment within the general |
| I have filmed a few weddings and would like to share | | | | vicinity may be working on the same frequency as |
| my hints and tips on how to make sure you capture | | | | your radio mics. and you may pick up erroneous audio |
| the footage you want by forward planning and | | | | which you don't want, such as a karaoke bar nearby. |
| diligence to get the shot. | | | | Tip Four - Composition |
| Tip One - Rehearsal | | | | The number of cameras available for the wedding will |
| Where possible attend the wedding rehearsal and | | | | help decide what sort of shots you can get. Obviously |
| take your video camera with you This not only | | | | two cameras are best. I ensure that I keep my |
| familiarises you with the main characters for the big | | | | camera ongoing throughout the ceremony as I'm |
| day but more importantly it lets you ascertain where | | | | capturing the sound as well as the wide shots. My |
| you will be permitted to set up your camera. | | | | husband, whom I drag with me, I mean take with me, |
| Sometimes the clergy of the church will dictate where | | | | he is always the second camera person. He has the |
| you can or cannot stand so it is always important to | | | | good job, I always say, of taking the close-ups or "cut |
| ask this question. | | | | aways". What I advise is to ensure you look for the |
| Tip Two - Who's who? | | | | shot that you want, get the camera set up for that |
| If you are unsure that you will remember the | | | | shot and then press record. Hold it for at least 10 |
| particulars of the wedding party then take a digital | | | | seconds (whilst staying still using a tripod and no |
| photograph of them and also write down their names | | | | zooming) and then stop recording. Amateur |
| and obviously some way of remembering who | | | | videographers are prone to zooming in and out wildly |
| everyone is e.g. Mother of the bride had short blonde | | | | and never settling on a particular shot. This can make |
| hair and glasses. Then when you get home you can | | | | post production editing so difficult. If this is the only tip |
| print out the photos and easily identify everyone again. | | | | you take with you from this article then please heed it |
| If it is easier then you can film them and say the | | | | - PICK your shot, RECORD for 10 seconds STOP |
| names yourself into the camera then look at the | | | | recording and then COMPOSE the camera for your |
| footage later to remind yourself. | | | | next shot. |
| Tip Three - Audio | | | | Tip Five - Talk to the bride and groom |
| Ask the bride and groom if they want audio captured. | | | | You are the video expert therefore always talk to the |
| They may only want the vows captured and nothing | | | | bride and groom about the shots you plan to take both |
| more. They may want all the ceremony captured. | | | | inside and outside the church. They may well have |
| Whatever the choice this will dictate where you need | | | | their own ideas which is great but if not then I like to |
| to be with regards your camera catching sound. The | | | | inform of the sort of shots I plan to take. This will put |
| closer you are to the action then you should pick up | | | | them at ease on the day. When they see you they will |
| decent sound quality. I can tell by the meter readings | | | | remember discussing that you planned to film the |
| on my camera whether the audio is high enough but I | | | | wedding car as it drove up to the church, you planned |
| still wear headphones, which are plugged into my | | | | to film the bride and her father as they walked up the |
| camera, to ensure I am definitely picking up audio. I | | | | aisle, you planned to shoot from the gallery of the |
| suggest you get to know your camera's audio settings | | | | church at the end of the ceremony etc. etc. |
| and practice before hand if you are not sure. | | | | Tip Six - Auto or not? |
| There are several other options available to you if you | | | | I personally do not use the "auto" button on my |
| can't get close enough to the action but this is | | | | camera for any filming. I prefer to control the camera |
| dependent on the kit you have as well as the | | | | rather than the camera control me. This is my personal |
| capabilities of your camera. My camera has a | | | | choice and it really depends on the understanding of |
| microphone input which allows me to run an XLR | | | | your camera and confidence in your own abilities. If |
| cable from my camera to my microphone. The | | | | you are not sure then by all means use the "auto |
| microphone is then placed on a stand and set up near | | | | function" for white balance, focus, exposure etc. |
| to the bride and groom. You will then have to ensure | | | | I will endeavour to cover the basics of manual |
| that this does not cause a tripping hazard, therefore, | | | | functions of a video camera in another article. If you |
| tape down any cable which could potentially cause an | | | | follow the above tips I'm sure you will have great |
| accident. | | | | success in capturing the happy couples special day. |
| Another option would be to use a wireless microphone. | | | | |