My First Wedding Video - HVX200

[Kyle Fordrung]

So, here is my very first solo wedding shoot!

Shot on my HVX200, edited / corrected in Premiere Pro CS5, video noise cleaned up in After Effects.

Other than some woefully underexposed shots, I was wondering if you guys could give me some constructive criticism, and pointers for next time? Ways I could improve my shot composition, edit pacing, color grading, shot choices, etc?

Thanks!

http://youtu.be/qFNkJqnSB-0?hd=1

 

[KINOKS]

Picture wise:

Yes, it's way underexposed Use gain next time. You'll get some more noise but it's better to have some more noise than an totally underexposed picture. And you can
remove some (actually you can remove a lot) of the noise with neat video. If you haven't heard of it yet, try it! It'll save your a** lots of times!

The second thing that bothered me the most was your "floating" style of shooting. You need to stabilize your shoots more. Get a rig or something. It doesn't have
to be a big rig, just something that will get you some more stabilization. Maybe something like this would be enough:http://www.creativevideo.co.uk/index.php?t=product/cvp_shoulder_mount

Editing, filming, directing, etc.:

This is your stile of doing wedding videos. I wont impose what I would like as something you must do. But alas here are my thoughts:
in just keeping it simple, not changing much I would record some audio on the shoot and let that in to the edit. Looking at just music and shoots
for 3 to 5 minutes is boring. Get some "reality" moments in there. Just doing this will up the narrative value a lot. Secondly you can shoot
some talking heads. Even if it's only shoot with the mic on the camera. It's something! And your clients will like the video a lot more!

There is a lot more to be said though. But this are my own 2 cents

 

[Kyle Fordrung]

Thanks Kinoks, any advice is appreciated!

The source video is a hell of alot darker. I used quite a bit of gain, actually, about 6dB in-camera, and then a bit in post. Used After Effects remove grain effect to clean it up (I've heard Neat Video is way easier, so I've got that on my to-buy list).

I was using a Manfrotto 561 monopod to stabilize, but I think your right - a shoulder mount would be immensely helpful.

As far as the style goes, this was actually just the quick "highlights" reel that I cut for them to put on Facebook. There is a longer highlights cut with talking head interviews with both the Bride & Groom, as well as a full-length (about 50 minutes) video covering the entire wedding and reception.

I figured the shortest version would be the best option for getting feedback, since I doubt anyone wants to watch an hour-long wedding video solely for the purposes of critique.

Again, thanks for your input!

 

[KINOKS]

The source video is a hell of alot darker. I used quite a bit of gain, actually, about 6dB in-camera, and then a bit in post. Used After Effects remove grain effect to clean it up (I've heard Neat Video is way easier, so I've got that on my to-buy list).

You used gain, really? Wow than it really must have been dark. After Effects remove grain really only blurs the picture. What you can do with Neat video is magic compared to AE remove grain. Seriously if you're filming with HVX200 which is a grainy camera than you really need a good noise removal software.

 

[Kyle Fordrung]

You used gain, really? Wow than it really must have been dark.

it was ridiculously dark. The wedding was in the gymnasium of an LDS church, with no windows, and barely any artificial lights other than the christmas lights on the archway.

My next investments are an on-camera light, and Neat Video.

But I will know better for next time to scout the location ahead of time and get an idea of what kind of lighting I will be working with.