Helpful Tips From the Eyes of a Videographer
                               By Mr. Davis

Why do professional videographers attend rehearsals? Here are just a few reasons.

  •        To make sure that the audio is working properly in the location of the event and
    ensure that will be no feedback between location audio and videographer cordless audio
  •        Check the lighting  to make sure that the lighting at the event is appropriate.
  •       To select the location in which to position their equipment.
  •      To be informed of the itinerary(order of program) of the event.
  •      To get to know all wedding participants.
  •        To understand the policy of the church concerning wedding videographers.

  • Special Notes: It is important to cover everything (time, procedures, outline of the
    program, etc.) the night of the rehearsal and not to change it the day of the event. This
    ensure that all flows smoothly and without flaws.

                                                      The Morning of (Day of the Event):
    The videographer will arrive at the location of the event 2 hours before the start time.
    During this time frame, taping of the bridal party, family members, friends, and well
    wishers comments will take place. The videographer feels it is important that all
    participants on this special day be present to be highlighted during this time.

     Video of the Groom and bride preparation process will be taped. This is essential in
    helping to capture every detail of this memorable occasion.
                                            
                                           Other Tips
  •        Pre-lit Candles: Try to light as many as possible to cut down on long wait times of
    those who are there to share your special day. I have witness 15-20 minutes to light
    candles.  Be aware,  Make sure your wick in the unity candle is long, to often, I have
    witness unity candle with a  wick as long as a match head and  cannot be lit by the bride
    and groom.

  •        Proper Cues of Music: Make sure that cues are rehearsed to stop and start music.
    This help eliminate dead sound during taping of your special event. If using CD music,
    record one song on each CD, this will prevent the person in charge of music from
    playing the wrong song during the ceremony. Example 4 songs = 4 Cd's. Make sure you
    give the videographer a copy of all songs played at the wedding and first dance and
    double check to make sure the DJ have your first dance music. Sometime,  DJ  are in the
    dark and cannot find the  cd  for the first dance .  

  •           Bridal Party Entrance: Make sure all members have a continuous pace of the
    wedding processional to ensure proper flow of coverage of those participating in the
    processional.(no chewing gum)  During the wedding processional, their should be no
    movement in the rear of the church, because movement behind the wedding
    processional will be captured by the videographer located in the from of the church.
    Family members  and friends should not stand in the isle to take pictures of the wedding
    processional as they walk down the isle.
  •        
  •        Entrance of Bride: Announce to those attending the events (Optional) to stay seated
    during the entrance of the bride. This help to keep blockage of the videograher from
    taping this segment of the program. It will also give friends that are near the wall a
    chance to see the bride walk down the isle.

  •        Arches: When using arches, make sure to choose one that accommodate the whole
    body frame of both the groom and bride. Both should be able to stand inside the arch
    without cut-offs of either party. Often time I have seen officiating minister stand
    underneath the arch blocking the front camcorder from getting good video of the
    ceremony.

  •        Speaking: VERY IMPORTANT The groom, bride and officiating minister should
    speak clearly and loudly for audio purposes and for their friends and family to hear.

  • Standing at the Altar- The groom and bride should face each other when exchanging
    vows and rings. I have witnessed many bride and groom face the pastor as they
    exchange their vows and on some occassion they turn around just enough to exchange
    rings. When facing each other, the videographers from the rear and front will be able to
    video from both angles during the ceremony.

  • Unity Candle: The Unity candle should not be placed in front of a window. This create
    video white out shot.
  • Ceremony Coverage features:

Multiple Cameras   I Know  many brides prefer to have one camcorders but  when using
multiple camcorders no detail will be missed. With the use two or more camcorders, it is not
necessary to move around to capture another angle. Coverage is tasteful, discreet, and has
received very positive feedback from clergy.  Be aware there are churches that prohibit
videographers from moving around during wedding ceremonies.

Reception Coverage   It is very important that the person who introduces the
wedding party, know them by face instead of trying to pronounce their name according to
the program, if not, the reception coordinator should make it his or her business to know
them by face. To often I find reception announcer have a hard time trying to figure who is
escorting who. Thus taking up valuable time.

In the best interest of the videographer and photographer, we find it is better for the
couple to complete the first dance and cutting of the cake before eating. This give the
vidographer and photographer time to focus on other important items of interest during
the reception. To often, I have witnessed couple walk in, eat and start fellowshipping, at
the last minute they cut the cake, first dance, garter and bouquet toss, when the majority
of the wedding guests have departed.

One camcorder versus two camcorder
an article of interest

When looking for a videography package to capture all the sights, sounds and memories
of your Wedding Day, you will often find that video packages can vary greatly from
company to company. One thing to look for is how many cameras are offered in the
package. Two cameras will give you a \"movie\" or cinematic feel to your final edited
product. One camera gives you a very basic home movie type angle of your day. Due to
the use of non-linear editing (computer editing), the two camera angles are easily lined up
for the editing process. Once you find a package with two cameras, you still need to ask
two very important questions:

1. Are two cameras used in both the ceremony and the reception?

2. Are both cameras manned or is one stationary?

The first question makes sure that you still have the same "movie" feel to your reception
as you do to your ceremony. Some companies will use two cameras in the ceremony, but
scale it back to just one at the reception. At first this might not seem like a big issue,
however, it can be depending on how your events during your reception are carried out.
For example, some DJ's have the members of your Bridal Party who are toasting you
stand away from the head table and you remain seated. The videographer with one
camera has to make a choice--does he stay on the toasters, bride and groom or go back
and forth between both? With two manned cameras, one camera is on the toaster and
one is on the bridal couple. The editing of the two camera shot is more entertaining and
smooth between toaster and the bridal couple. The one camera that stayed on either the
toaster or the bridal couple, has missed the reactions and emotions of the other subjects.
The one camera that went between the two, is very hard to watch due to the back and
forth motion. The second question is just as important. Are both the cameras manned
during the ceremony. Some companies offer two cameras with only one videographer.
This means that one camera is set up in a stationary position--usually the balcony or on
the groom side of the church pulpit or choir stand . This offers just one angle of the whole
ceremony. This is a better option than just having one camera, however, the best
situation is to have two videographers--one for each camera. The balcony camera with a
videographer allows a variety of angles--not just the altar view. The second videographer
is able to pan and zoom to capture your soloist, speakers, and other subjects that are
usually standing to either side of the altar. When you find the answers to these two
questions, you should be able to narrow down your search for the right video company to
capture your memories for a lifetime.


:         Keep watching for more tips or call for any questions that  
you are concerned about. We will be glad to assist you.

John
Helpful Tips
Davis Video Creations