Wedding & Event Videography Guide from the Videoguys - July 2012 Update
Videoguys by Gary Bettan
Event Videography is one of the most challenging and rewarding areas of digital videography. It can also be very profitable - if you do it right!
One of the most important aspects of event videography that makes it so challenging is that you only get ONE chance to shoot it. Just like the old days of live TV, you have to get it right the first time. You need to make sure your lighting is good, your audio is coming through loud and clear and most importantly, that you have plenty of power available. Like the Boy Scout motto says "Be Prepared!"
Even the best, most experienced Event Videographers will inevitably run into the "shoot from hell". Have plenty of batteries, an extra tripod, back up microphones, a headset to monitor your audio while you shoot, and most importantly comfortable shoes! Once you've successfully shot your video, you still have one major challenge ahead of you - editing it. This is where you can really set yourself apart from the competition. You can add additional production value to your video by integrating high quality graphics and animations, adding animated title sequences, creating heart warming photo montages, and memorable highlight recaps.
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Videoguys "Bag of Tricks" for Event Videographers
Here's a little "Bag of tricks" that we recommend you bring with you to every shoot - for those times when bad things happen to good videographers: |
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Event Filmmaking
If you really want to be successful in the Wedding & Event Videography business, you have to differentiate yourself by offering brides something more than just a recap of the wedding. You need to add production value that really creates strong emotions and reactions from the audience. Many of the most successful Event Videographers are actually Event Filmmakers, specializing in highly stylized Wedding Cinematography. These videos look and feel like you are watching an independent movie or documentary about the couple and their big day.
It is amazing the kind of wedding movies that are being created today by talented and creative event filmmakers. These shoots utilize multiple high end HD cameras, and Steadycam/Glider motion tracking shots. They also involve a tremendous amount of planning and practice. You will need to pay attention to every detail, have a full understanding of lighting and most of all, the co-operation of the bride and groom. Be prepared to spend a lot of time editing your movie, but as you gain experience and learn all of the ins and outs (pun intended) of your editing software, the editing will become easier. If you have the talent and are willing to learn how to be a filmmaker, you can find the high end market very lucrative.
Some of the other creative things that Event Videographers are doing is coverage of the bridal prep, taking the couple on location to create moving vignettes about their romance and one of my favorites "Trash the Dress" shoots where the bride will jump into a fountain, or climb and crawl around an abandoned factory or warehouse, or better yet, walk right into the ocean! read more...
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