The distinction between a decent and a great wedding filmmaker does not come down to having the finest camera or equipment. The distinction is you. Are you the kind of person couples would want to have at their weddings? These are a few tips to help you become a great wedding videographer.

Communicate with the bride and groom

You should meet with the engaged couple well in advance of the wedding date. Learn what they are searching for in their video. Do they want you to record certain moments? Will there be any surprises or choreographed dances that you should be aware of? Will the bride be wearing the earrings her Great-Great-Grandmother wore? Being prepared to catch these moments will make your work really stand out.

Inquire with the ceremony and reception locations to see if they have any restrictions or regulations. Many churches do not let videographers in specific locations, so be aware whether you will need to carry a zoom lens. Some big reception venues demand evidence of insurance before allowing you to shoot on their property. It is your duty to ensure that everything is in order before arriving.

Speak with some of the vendors, namely those you will be working with on the wedding day. Knowing industry vendors is your key to success. Their suggestions may assist you in obtaining future marriages. Begin by getting to know the Wedding Coordinator. Request a copy of the schedule as well as contact information for the other suppliers. Then you may inquire about the DJ’s setup. Will they allow you to connect to their soundboard for backup audio? Will they provide a high-end lighting package for the reception? Check to see whether the photographer is willing to work with you. Can you shoot close-ups side by side and rotate? Getting to know everyone will make the shoot go much more smoothly.

Tips for Amateur Wedding Photographers

There is a lot to consider if you are shooting a wedding for the first time. Here are a few pointers to help you stay cool and keep shooting.

Understand your camera: If you are going to use a DSLR camera, be sure you are familiar with it and know how to adjust the settings. If you are using your smartphone to capture everything, check to see if your camera app has any features that may assist you to improve your photography. Is your current camera app failing you? To improve your photography skills, download a camera app or picture editing software.

Bring an extra of everything:
Back up spare batteries, memory cards, and, if possible, extra cameras!

Prepare yourself:
Make a wedding-day schedule as soon as possible, and attempt to see the wedding location before the big day. It will show you what lighting you may need or where you might be able to capture a nice picture of the event. Also, create a contingency plan for inclement weather.

Stay on the bride:
The bride is typically where the action is, so keep an eye on her! It will allow you to keep up with any delays or changes in plans. Can not reach the bride? It is usually a good idea to get to know the maid of honor so you may call on her in a crisis.

Create a shortlist:
Consult with the bride and groom about the pictures they want you to take. Even if they do not ask, snap pictures of wedding elements such as flowers or wedding favors. Make a list of individuals you want to photograph and talk about when you will be able to do it.

Take candid shots:
Some of the most beautiful wedding pictures are entirely unexpected. So, in addition to the pictures on your shot list, do not forget to shoot some unposed shots.

Do not delete during the wedding:
Even if you are accustomed to deleting pictures as you go, save them until after the wedding. You may only obtain one or two pictures of a crucial time. Alternatively, you may come upon a picture that will look fantastic if cropped.

Maintain your speed while carrying as little stuff as possible:
A wedding morning is a pretty routine procedure. The groom and his groomsmen socialize, while the bride and bridesmaids get their hair and cosmetics done. After that, you will be rushing about like a crazy person until the wedding is done. As a result, it is advisable to place the heavy bag in the corner and rest your shoulders and back. Carry just what you need.

Having every lens choice available at the same time is useless to you. Running about with a camera and two lenses is ideal. Make sure you have additional batteries and formatted memory cards on hand. Nothing is worse than having to advise the couple not to throw the bouquet because your batteries have died. Do not let yourself become that person. If required, locate an outlet and set up a charging station for any previously used batteries.

RAW capture is recommended:
I realize that many readers believe they do not have the time to shoot in RAW (because of the additional processing), but shooting in RAW may be very helpful during a wedding, since RAW allows for much more freedom in manipulating pictures after they have been taken. Weddings may confront photographers with difficult lighting, necessitating the need to adjust exposure and white balance after the fact, and RAW can greatly assist with this.

Consider your backgrounds:
One of the difficulties with weddings is that people are always moving about, even into the backgrounds of your pictures. Scout out the location where the formal photos will be taken ahead of time and search for suitable backdrops. Ideally, you will want uncluttered spaces and shady locations out of direct sunshine where a great aunt is unlikely to stroll into the picture. You can look for amazing floral backgrounds or sceneries to take candid pictures of the bride and groom.