1.If
at all possible visit the location beforehand to assess the
layout, lighting, powerpoints for recharging and to be nice
to the priest/officials.
2.Check
out the parking access to enable a quick getaway from house
to church to reception. See 7) below.
3.Have
a checklist for the Big Day, so you don't forget a single thing.
Don't use new untried kit on the day.
4.When
shooting, shoot lots. Remember, - elegant
wedding favors - this day will never come again. Much easier
to edit down your master tapes than to lengthen them.
5.Dance
on your toes. Stay very alert. Concentrate on keeping the camera
still (unless you're adept at tracking).
6.Get
big powerful closeups. Shoot people, all the people. A bit of
the location, but go back and shoot more people. Remember we're
all here because people like looking at people.
7.Check
over your kit very carefully. Check whitebalance, exposure,
focus settings are all as you require, and are happy with.
8.Check
with the bride if she's asked you to do this film. Ask exactly
what she'd like you to record. I had one bride who insisted
that I never let the camera stop even for a second. They called
me one-shot tom for months afterwards.
9.Try
to be in two places at once. (see 4 above). Wear unobtrusive
clothing, take a brave pill and move amongst the guests, filming
and smiling graciously.
Decline alcohol (difficult one this) as drinking time is lost
filming time. You can't do 2 things well, so concentrate on
getting the footage. Don't be tempted to shoot stills; it requires
a different mind set.
10.Edit
ruthlessly, you hear me? Keep the original masters for sure,
but if possible get the happy couple to see your edited masterpiece
before they see the long version.
Remember your video camera is a sound recorder that just happens
to record pictures at the same time. If you stop recording mid
sentence the conversation will be nonsense wheras the pictures
may be fine.
About
The Author
Shawn
Hickman Find more articles at www.media43.com.
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