Things You'll Need:
- Two video cameras
- Wireless lavaliere on groom
- Two high quality tri-pods
- Two camera operators
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Step 1
The first thing you want to do before the ceremony begins is to get plenty of "B" roll. Flowers, water fountains, candles etc. You want these items close up. The reason for this is even though you are using two cameras, if something goes wrong with one of them you have some back up footage. For instance, let's say that as the vows are being said the minister suddenly gets in front of your camera. You cannot cut that scene out because you want the audio but instead during those few moments that you had to move your camera over you can place some of the "B" roll over that area in the editing.
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Step 2
Now that you have your "B" roll it's time to set up the cameras. Always, always, use tri-pods. There is no way you can get good footage relying on holding a camera that long. So having said that, it's time to place the cameras. Place one camera at the end of the isle and to the groom's side. We will call this camera #2. Place the next camera next to where the minister will be but facing the bride. We will call this camera #1. Camera #1 must always face the bride! So in other words you will be on the ministers left side facing the bride and groom. This camera #1 will be the one used to capture the bridal party coming up the aisle and also the bride. It will also be used to zoom in on rings and a few close up shots of the bride and groom. The camera at the end of the isle (camera #2) will be only moved if someone is in the way and it will be used to capture the whole wedding party and don't worry about getting the back of the guests heads. When the bride and groom are walking out be sure to move to the center area to capture them walking towards you and then as they get close you can then move to the side. VERY IMPORTANT: Once the ceremony is about to begin, Never ever turn off either camera or pause them. Never.
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Step 3
Now for the editing. This will be easier than you think because remember, you never turned off either camera during the ceremony. Put footage from camera one on the timeline. Next put the footage from camera two on the time line underneath the first one. The way to sync it up is by the audio. Don't try to sync up using video because it's too complicated that way. As you play the footage, when ever you needed to move camera #1 or when ever you needed to zoom just cut those sections out so that now all you see is the footage from camera #2. Showing the actual zooming in and out is amateur looking. Therefore, it's best to cut to camera #2's footage so that when you are back to camera #1 the scene is already zoomed where you wanted it. If for some reason both cameras got moved, for instance camera #1 was zooming at the same time someone stood up in front of camera #2 then simply put in some of the "B" roll of flowers etc.
Comments
SchoolOfLife said
on 3/15/2009 I enjoyed this article. Thanks! :)
FrazzledNanny said
on 3/1/2009 Very useful advice. I've video taped two weddings. I wish we'd had two cameras. 5*
TiffIsaac said
on 3/1/2009 great tips! 5* and a recommendation :)
shawproductions said
on 3/1/2009 I don't know anything about grants for small businesses. Sorry.
yoyoho said
on 3/1/2009 Good tips here for an aspiring videographer. Any tip on how to get a grant for small business videography and photography. Gave you 5. Will you care to read my articles and offer your comments?