1 Camera Wedding shoot

[DVX100Shooter]

I am going to be shooting a wedding for my cousin at the end of the month. I am not going to be going all out on it either. With that said, is it best to be in the front of the church filming everything or in the back of the church? I would think the front to get all the action coming towards the front. I can always get my cutaway shots before the wedding starts....any other suggestions for a 1 camera wedding shoot? What about lights? Should I have to set up stand lights? I already know to mic the pastor. I tend to not shoot weddings but since its family I just went ahead and said Id do it.

 

[thartley]

I've only been involved with one wedding shoot and I was second camera, going into the bride's dressing room, getting candid shots of the wedding party as they got ready, etc and some footage of the photoshoot. BUT, I know at the church where we were shooting, they didnt allow cameras to be put up on the altar area where the pastor delivered sermons from. I dont know if that is the case at other churches, but its something to consider and clear up before you get too far in your shooting plan.

Sorry I'm not much help on this one....

Terri

 

[mmm]

Firstly, get permission and make sure you are allowed to film (for free). Then I would recce the church with your camera and check light levels and good angles. Try and find an angle where you can cover as much as possible and also move and shoot without distracting everyone from the bride in her lovely dress.

I would suggest being in front of the bride and groom so you can see everyone's faces. Maybe borrow a second camera to cover the reverse. That way you have a good cutaway and can see the pastor's face.

Radio mic on pastor sounds good, and probably record ambient through the other channel/camera to cut to when he sneezes or swears under his breath etc. :laugh:

Get some exterior shots of the church/stained glass etc to also cutaway to when needed. :thumbsup:

 

[yellowdog]

One way to get cutaways is during the priest's homily.You can get a lot of tight face shots and use that for cutaways, I only move to the back right after communion, so you can get the new couple walking down the aisle.Try and get the parents or see if someone looks emotional, tight shot of candles, flowers,bridal party work too.

 

[Alexa]

as only one camera, I recommend you get up in the first row, on the opposite side of the bride and shoot straight down the aisle for the processsion, main ceremony, and vows. it is pretty much a straight on shot of both of them, with slightly more of the bride. this position, however, requires you can shoot on your knees (low profile) or sitting in the very first seat, first row and shoot ( if you have a monopod- in both cases.) if there is a music piece or communion, etc. then move from your position near the end of the ceremony and go to the back of the church to get them coming out.

my best advice is just to go to the rehearsal and think through where you want to be and when. avoid moving, but as one camera, it will make it easier to edit if you do actually move for your cutaaways. if you have to move, then pick only one or two moves at the most, out of respect... if you can't go to the rehearsal then at least go to the church.

I tend to not shoot weddings but since its family I just went ahead and said Id do it.

why do you take it as such a chore? I'm sure they will be thankful to see your footage for a very, very, long time.