Tips for DIY wedding videos from a video professional

[PaulSchrank]

Get two cameras and two tripods. Set up one camera in front of the speaker (assuming the resort is providing a sound system) on a tripod. Pick an angle where you can see the bride and groom and the minister and make the shot as wide as possible to include the guests. The sound is very important so be sure it is clear and loud in front of the speaker. Be aware of the wind and try to block the wind from the microphone on the camera.

 

Put the second camera on the tripod and extend only one leg. Hold the tripod above where the legs meet and below the tripod head. Your hand should fit comfortably in this space. The tripod leg will provide a counterweight to the camera and your hand position will eliminate a lot of the handheld camera shake. This is the same principle as a Steadicam. When you lift the leg off the floor you can glide around. When you put the leg down and the floor and stay in one spot it steadies the camera. The best way to avoid camera shake is not to touch the camera, so hold the tripod, not the camera.

 

Before the ceremony starts, start both cameras at the same time and slate them by standing in front of them and clapping. It's OK if you don't do this but DO NOT STOP RECORDING on either camera once you start them. All of this will help synch the shots in editing.

 

Let the camera on the tripod in front of the speaker record one steady shot with good sound. Give the other camera to someone else who can move around and get close ups and interesting angles. The tripod/steadicam technique will help immensely. it would be good for this person to practice it and adjust the tripod for comfort and balance before the ceremony starts.

 

I recommend AVCHD cameras. They are inexpensive ($500-$1000) and shoot in HD. Do your best to find HD cameras, the quality difference is huge. Canon has the best picture for the price when it comes to video.

 

Everyone should have a decent video of their ceremony. Of course a professional will do it best, but with these simple steps your home video will be much better.

[nsimpson]

This is totally awesome! Thanks for the great advice...and for free too! I'm going with a professional for my wedding but I appreciate the information because I love doing basic videos with Windows Movie Maker. This will certainly give me some new skills to work with. Thanks again!

[Chelymo]

Wow thanks for the how to.

[shellk]

thats really helpful i know you shouldnt really share your tips.but this will help the brides who cant reall afford a videographer.

 

thankyou

[roo66]

Im sure there ae lots of eber here who will find this post helpful,How many of us would of thought of having two cameras? Im sure i wouldnt !!!!! Thanks for the heads up

[PaulSchrank]

I just picked up a Canon Vixia camera. After a couple weddings using this as my third camera, I'm very impressed with the picture. I think it's the best I've seen for the price (~$500). The more expensive cameras in the Vixia line have a bigger chip and are worth the extra cost. The chip used is the same technology used in the Canon 5DMII, the current gold standard for HD video.

[mormac01]

Thanks so much for the advice

[gresley]

great advice, thanks!

[seastripes]

Love this idea! 

[jlee89]

Here are more tips! http://switchcam.com/blog/2013/07/16/best-practices-for-shooting-the-perfect-wedding-video/