Tips to Make the Most out of your Wedding Film
Candid Moments.
HI, IT'S ME! YOUR BROKEN RECORD ABOUT
Unless this is the first time you've read any of my tips, this won't be news. To best represent the natural wedding experiences in your film, all you need to do is focus on is relaxing and really living in your wedding moments. You only get one day to celebrate this fabulous event, so do your best to engulf yourself in the wonderfulness of it all! The more you naturally enjoy yourself and cherish your day, the better your film will be in representing the real you. Pure happiness and excitement isn’t something that can be posed or staged.
As we approach your wedding day, I want to provide you with a few pointers that will greatly help us in capturing your story in the way you have envisioned. You’ve invested a fair amount of time and money into both your wedding and wedding film, so it is my hope that this will be a helpful resource for making the most out of your investment! This is not meant to micromanage your day. Rather, I feel that my couples deserve to be informed and in the loop on how to create a smooth wedding day.
DON'T SHY AWAY FROM
Emotional
Moments.
If you are feeling the moment, go ahead and feel the moment! I have seen everything from misty eyes to all out sobbing, male and female. It is OK! The makeup can be retouched. There is nothing is embarrassing about it. Don't hold yourself back! I guarantee that you won't regret being able to relive the happiness later. What you might regret is when you replay it and you wonder why you brushed off and rushed through a sentimental moment to prevent tears. Pretend I'm not there! It's you two! It's your one chance to have this moment. I don't judge.
WHEN GETTING READY, YOU NEED
Natural Light.
Natural window light allows your video to be crisp and have accurate color. Too many warm incandescent lights will cast harsh yellow tones onto your skin and clothing so I always turn those completely off and use real sunlight. It is helpful if you can sit near a window during hair and makeup preparations. Also, keep in mind that the tidier the room is, the cleaner and more elegant this segment of your film will feel.​ Finally, make sure your space has ample room for everyone present (family, friends, makeup, hair, photo team, video team)
GET YOUR NERVES OUT OF THE WAY WITH A
First Look.
First looks can add an extra memory to your day. It allows you a chance to experience an amazing private moment together before the main wedding frenzy begins. It also gives you an extra chance to capture truly intimate and candid photos & video of just the two of you. Every couple that chooses it says this helps ease their nerves before the ceremony.
If a first look isn’t for you, you may instead be interested in doing a first touch (where you aren’t able to see each other). Don’t forget that you also have the option to do a first look with dad, bridesmaids, family members, etc.
One hour of setup time prior to the start of the ceremony and reception is requested to ensure proper camera setup, lighting placement (for reception), and audio connections. If less time is given, some equipment may not be used due to lack of time available for proper setup. I plan to use multiple cameras, multiple audio sources, and multiple lights (for reception). Placing, adjusting, and getting everything running properly takes time. Without everything being setup, your video might look and sound different than my other films. Setup choices will depend on the time available as well as other variables such as room design, etc. ​
These 60 minutes are also used to capture shots of your venue and the details so it is very important for the storytelling in your film. These will only be able to get captured if we have ample time allotted.
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Please note that this will be different than the time your photographer needs for setup in large part because of the extra equipment required for videography.
VIDEOGRAPHY JUST TAKES LONGER...
Setup Time is Crucial.
DON'T LET UNCLE BOB RUIN YOUR FIRST KISS,
Consider Unplugging.
DON'T LET UNCLE BOB RUIN YOUR FIRST KISS,
I understand how excited friends and family are to share special moments during your wedding day. However, that excitement often compromises the imagery of the professionals you’ve hired to capture the day. Gently requesting that your guests leave cell phones and personal cameras tucked away can prevent (well-intentioned) guests from interfering in professional shots. Further, without distractions, they are free to fully immerse themselves in your special moment!
MAKE IT CUSTOM WITH
Personal
Vows.
I come equipped with multiple small recorders that I place on the bride, groom, and officiant to record your voices during the ceremony. This wired microphone does not interfere with the venue’s audio system. The recording unit easily slips into a coat pocket (a different method is used on the bride) and is about half the size of a deck of cards.
If you plan on having uplighting, twiknle, or string lights at your venue, be aware that some lights have a strobing, wave, and/or pulsing effect when videoed! These distracting blinking lines cannot be avoided if they are lighting the room. If you think this could be an issue, please check to see whether the lights are video-compatible. If they are not video-compatible, it is recommended to have them turned off during important filming moments. Some (rare) DJ lighting setups can have a similar effect. I also recommend talking to your DJ to request that they use neutral white lights during speeches and first dances (if they use lights during that portion).
DON'T LET THIS RUIN YOUR VIDEO:
Venue Lighting.
IT'S NOT A ROAST. IT'S A
Toast.
Audio from your reception speeches may be featured in your Highlight Film. To ensure that we have some fantastic material to choose from, it may be good to let your toasters know that what they say may be in your film. My number one tip is: do NOT google "wedding speeches" for toasting material. Instead, encourage your loved ones to write what comes naturally from the heart. This will help with creativity and meaningfulness.
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I will coordinate with your DJ to setup a microphone and stand. Lighting will be setup for that specific location which is why I urge toasters not to carry the microphone away from the stand, as other locations may not have good lighting.
THE LIGHT IS YOUR FRIEND.
First
Dances.
Much like the toasts, I setup lighting for your first dances. Dance floors can be dark and we like you to look stunning in your video by creating artistic highlights with our lighting. With our lights setup, the venue is free to turn the lights down low for the extra romantic feel.
Grand Exit.
HAVE YOUR MOVIE STAR MOMENT DURING A
At the end of our day, if it's something you desire, I would love to share one last moment with you to end things with a bang! This could mean celebrating a private last dance together (in a location separate from your dance floor - outdoors, etc) or a Grand "Exit" (this doesn't have to actually be your real reception exit). Sparklers, smoke bombs, fireworks, confetti, bubbles, you name it and we will film it at the end of our day with you!
EXTRA EYES AND CAMERAS
2nd Videographer.
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IF your package includes a 2nd videographer or you added one to your package:
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Awesome choice! This will allow us more flexibility, complexity, and creativity. I love being able to get 2nd angles, backups, and even more behind the scenes moments for you. My team will stick together throughout the day in order to achieve an even more dynamic film for you. When things are fast pace and only happening once, it is helpful to have 2 people covering the same events (allowing us to get different angle/viewpoints which give us more editing options that elevate your film). Twice the creativity!
Video setup takes time and is much different than what your photographer will require due to the additional equipment required for video. Please consider this when you are deciding on your timeline (if it's done prior to creating the schedule with me). I am happy to assist you with a schedule that will give us the best chances for a relaxed day for you, and proper setup for video. Please refer back to the "Schedule Tips" in the TFM Magazine for more information on video-compatible schedule information.
Schedule.
THIS IS WHY YOU AND I CREATE A CUSTOM
I CAN'T CAPTURE THEM IF THEY AREN'T THERE.
Important People
Your most important people (VIP's), immediate family and friends, cannot be featured in your film if they are not present during important filming moments. Please plan your timeline accordingly and notify your closest people about the events you would like them to be present for, ahead of time. I very rarely have extra time to track people down with so many moving parts on a wedding day, but a wedding planner is a fantastic asset to have for this and so many other reasons! Also, if anyone is camera shy, they will not be followed and harassed to be captured on video (some people run from the camera). I do not want to make people feel uncomfortable, so I only video the willing. Similarly, those who are there during the more public parts of the day, like dancing on the dance floor, are much more likely to be depicted in your film.
LET'S ALL GET ALONG.
Photography.
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I always aim to have a fantastic collaborative relationship with your photographer. It is very important to me that you get the opportunity to capture both incredible photos and video from your once in a lifetime day (because after all, your happiness is my priority). I will do everything in my power to work in tandem with your photographer throughout the day to maximize your schedule (this is why it’s so beneficial to communicate to the photographer the importance you hold in your wedding film and that I have been hired by you to collaborate and not compete). It is no coincidence that my best films were done alongside welcoming photographers. That said, there may be a moment here and there that I ask you to quickly do something for the purposes of the video (example: If you are holding a kiss for a photo, I may ask that you kiss in “real time” for the purposes of capturing a non stiff kiss for video). I want everyone to capture stellar wedding shots for you!
LASTLY,
Breathe.
I saved the most important thing for last. Remember to take time now and on your wedding day to breathe. The moments will go by quickly so soak them in as much as you can. Have fun! This is a celebration!
