A GUIDE TO WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHY

Films by Jinbon

Hi there,

At this point in time, I have probably already reached out to you because I feel you are the right fit to join my team— Congrats by the way! Below is a wedding videography guide that outlines my typical workflow for a given wedding day and any details I feel may be useful to you. I include information regarding equipment and gear, how to capture couples and details, what to wear on a wedding day, and much more. This guide is a work in progress so if you feel I missed key details and information regarding anything wedding videography related, please do let me know.

Filmmaking Style and Approach

I like to keep things simple. As a solo filmmaker, the need to be minimalistic has shaped the way I capture weddings. Throughout the majority of the day, you can find me shooting with only one or two cameras on me. No gimbals, no monopods, no shotgun microphones… just me and my handheld cameras. After all, I only have one pair of hands and no teleportation device so all my gear needs to go from point A to B in one trip. Having less gear has actually been advantageous to me and the photographers that I work with as you won’t find equipment lying on the floor in most of our captures.

Candid captures are my favourite. They are the most natural and least obtrusive to our couples and they allow them to be themselves. The last thing I want to do is force an unnatural pose that makes our couples feel uncomfortable. The photographers will already be guiding the pair so I feel that a laid-back, fly-on-the-wall approach has worked best for my captures and filmmaking style.

At first glance, you probably didn’t notice me filming in the photo below.

Equipment

Here is a list of equipment that I bring to every wedding. More details on when and where I use each specific piece of equipment will be outlined later on.

Cameras

• Panasonic GH4, GH5, GH5S, S5

LENSES

• Panasonic 12-35mm F/2.8, 35-100mm F/2.8

• Voigtlander 10.5mm F/0.95, 17.5mm F/0.95, 42.5mm F/0.95

STABILIZATION

• DJI Ronin S

• Benro Tripod 2x

External Monitors

• Atomos Shinobi 2x

Workflow and Setup

If you have not filmed weddings before, the key thing that I have learned throughout the years is to be at least three steps ahead of the game. Whether that means showing up early to a venue, setting up and breaking down gear, testing audio— you always have to be ready because you only have one chance at capturing the important moments at a wedding. A lot of times, I find myself more relaxed, calm, and stress-free than most other videographers that I have met and worked with. I owe this all to my simple workflow that I am about to explain to you.

Preparation and Getting Ready

For the morning preparation, I always try to arrive onsite early however, I will wait in my car until five to ten minutes before my scheduled arrival time. The couple is expecting you to be there at a specific time so don’t arrive too early. Assuming we are working with a bride and groom for this wedding, I will almost always start at the groom’s location as a solo shooter. The bride typically does not get dressed until closer to the ceremony start time so it’s best to start with the groom’s captures. Try to budget at least thirty minutes for the groom and sixty minutes for the bride.

In terms of gear, I typically use a 42.5mm (85mm equivalent on a micro four thirds mirrorless camera). You might be thinking, why would I use such a long focal length? Especially in smaller spaces like a condo, hotel room, or house. The main reason why I prefer this focal length is because of the depth of field. I am able to isolate the subject to create a clean capture. There will be many times where you will be walking into a messy hotel room so a wide angle lens just won’t cut it. If you take a look at some of my past wedding films, you will rarely find a clip that looks messy. Don’t forget, I am also able to magnify my focal length by 2x on my Panasonic system so there are even situations where I may shoot at 170mm. Lastly, always carry a small audio recorder with you that has a lavalier microphone (I use a Tascam DR-10L). This is especially helpful if the bride and groom has cards or letters that they want to read out for their film.

In terms of composition, here are a few tips. 1) To create a clean capture, use objects within the room for your framing. Doors, walls, and flowers that are blurred out help to create a very minimalist shot. 2) Try to shoot the same shot from different distances and vantage points. For example, if the bride is getting makeup done, try to get a shot of her from far away and then move in closer to get a more detailed shot. Use mirrors and TV reflections if you want to be extra creative. 3) Try to avoid shooting directly “into” a window while the bride or groom is in front of it. It will be extremely difficult to expose the shot properly with the daylight coming in. Either the window will be too harsh in terms of light or the bride/groom will be too dark. Instead, have the subject stand beside the window and have them stare outside or at you. Position yourself near the subject pointing your camera away from the window. The natural light should light the subject well 4) Avoid shooting from bottom up. No one wants to see up your nostrils! 5) If possible, turn off the lights! When the room is lit by only the natural light, everything looks so much better. Be sure to ask politely before turning any lights off. It’s not a big deal if they prefer to keep the lights on. 6) Often at times, music will be playing or the television will be on. Have the bride or groom turn off the music or television if they plan on reading cards, doing a first look with their parents, or anything else special where the audio could be of importance. You want to be able to capture reactions cleanly during those moments. They can turn the music back on afterwards.

Gear: Camera body, lens, audio recorder, external monitor

First Look

The first look is always great because you have full control of how you want to capture it. You can decide on the general location, where to place the groom, where to shoot from, etc. Be sure to communicate with the photographer(s) on how you both want to capture it. When I am shooting the first look, I like to place the groom in a well lit spot. I also like to pick a location where the bride has a long “runway” to reach the groom. This gives you a great opportunity to get THE shot where the groom is standing in front of you while the bride is in focus.

Tips: 1) Explain to both the bride and groom how the first look will work. I like to have the bride stop when she is a few steps away from the groom. This allows you and the photographer(s) to position yourselves accordingly for the shot. Indicate to the groom which way you want him to turn when the reveal happens. 2) Don’t forget to mic the groom with an audio recorder. The first look is always very emotional so the audio captured during this moment is always amazing.

Gear: Camera body, lens, audio recorder, external monitor

Ceremony

As a videographer, the ceremony is definitely the most difficult part of the day to capture. There are a lot factors that need to be considered and not to scare you but you only have one shot at capturing it. I always try to arrive thirty minutes before the start time. This gives me enough time to set up my tripods, scout the area, tap into soundboards (if there is a DJ), and most importantly, mic the groom and officiant. In terms of setups and captures, when shooting solo, I will typically have one camera on a tripod on the left or right side of the guests and another camera on a tripod at the back of the aisle (this camera is placed after the processional). Try to make sure this camera is not directly in the way of anyone walking by (especially for the recessional). Furthermore, I also carry a handheld camera with me. During the processional, I will be positioned at the front on the opposite side of the groom. This allows me to capture a reaction shot of the groom while the bride is about to walk down the aisle. Once the bride reaches the front, I will move out of the way and place my tripod cameras in position.

Tips: 1) Always continue to check the focus on the tripod cameras throughout the ceremony 2) Capture guest reactions throughout the ceremony. Especially if tears are being shed! 3) Position yourself at the back of the aisle in preparation for the first kiss.

Gear: Camera body, lens, audio recorder, external monitor, tripods

Photoshoot

For the photoshoot, I like to keep things candid and natural. The photographer(s) will be guiding the session throughout so try to capture the moments from afar. I usually stage only a couple of shots—walking shots, holding hands, close up details.

Tips: 1) If you are walking with the bride and groom from one location to another, this is the perfect opportunity to get candid “walking shots” . Get close up shots of their shoes, holding hands, etc. 2) I only use my gimbal a few times throughout the day. I use it for establishing venue shots and reception decor as well as for the walking shots of the couple during the photoshoot.

Gear: Camera body, lens, external monitor, gimbal

Reception

Capturing the reception is my favourite part of the night. For me, it is typically the easiest part of the day and also the most fun— you get to eat, chat with fellow vendors and guests, and capture exciting shots on the dance floor. The key to capturing the reception is setting up properly. The first thing I do is ensure my audio is in tact. You want to introduce yourself to the DJ (when he is not busy) and ask politely to tap into their soundboard to record the speeches. Once that is complete, set up lighting (even if you don’t think you’ll need it) and tripods. After everything is in place and set up, I then grab reception details shots. Budget thirty minutes for reception setup.

Tips: 1) Try to get a wide/full shot of the reception area with no guests/workers in it. If there is a wedding planner on site, they typically budget a few minutes for you to capture the room in full. 2) Store all your gear neatly in a corner or out of site.

Gear: Camera body, lens, audio recorder, external monitor, tripods, light stands, lighting, gimbal.

TO BE CONTINUED…