How to Videotape a Wedding

Videotaping a wedding can be stressful, it's a big day for someone and they want their video to be perfect. Also, you only get one chance, there are no retakes. Thus you need to be prepared and know what you're doing, here's how to videotape a wedding.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 2 Video cameras
• 2 Tripods
• Wireless mic
• Several tapes
• On camera lights
• Extra batteries

1. Pack your camera bag with extra tapes and batteries. Check your equipment to make sure everything is working properly. Get to the location where the couple is getting ready early. Film the bride and groom each getting ready as well as their wedding attendants and parents.

2. Leave ahead of the bride and groom to get to the ceremony site. Set up a tripod and place the camera on it. Get a shot of the bride and groom each getting out of their arrival vehicle. Place a wireless lav microphone on the groom's collar. This will record the clearest audio of the vows possible.

3. Hurry over to where the ceremony will take place. Set up one camera at the back of the aisle. Set up the other one of one side of the arch so you can get close-up shots. Plug the wireless mic receiver into the camera at the back of the aisle. Check the color balance on both cameras so they appear the same.

4. Record the ceremony as it plays out. The back camera can do some pans and zoom ins but should for the most part remain the steady shot. The front camera should record an array of close-ups with tender moments and tight shots of the couple together.

5. Follow the bride, groom and wedding party for pictures. Get some footage of the photographer taking the photos and the goofiness of the wedding party. Then it's on to the reception.

6. Set your cameras up directly in front of where the wedding party will be walking in for the grand entrance. Record this then follow them around all night and make sure to capture all the elements. As it gets dark or if the room you're in is dim attach a camera light to the top of the video camera. This will provide a spotlight allowing you to record in low level lighting conditions.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to get as much footage as you can so it can be used for the editing extras.
• Don't block anyone's view or get in the way of another photographer or videographer.

[Take1Cincy]

on 7/23/2008 Hire a professional. If the couple has hired a professional - please don't get in the way! They are being paid for this job - you're not!