Right attire?

jinks

jinks

Well-known member
Excuse me if I've posted in the wrong place, but I'm going to be doing my first wedding shoot for a family friend. My question is what's the right attire for a cameraman to wear? It sounds like a no brainer, but I've read conflicting discussions on what's the best way to present yourself. Is it practical to run around hauling camera gear, cranes, dollies etc in a tux? Can I just wear my jeans? I don't wanna be rude but at the same time I want to be comfortable.
 
I don't shoot weddings. But, here's my thought about it. Jeans are not appropriate. Black pants are a better choice. A tux seems like overkill. I think you need to look professional and still be comfortable to get your job done.
 
get yourself a company shirt, recommend polos not tshirts if you are doing weddings of course. If it is just yourself go to a tailor and find out if they can do it or if you want to order a couple I use www.customink.com You will look much more professional and also if you have contact info on it you will be a walking billboard for future clients. Regardless of what you do though dont wear jeans or shorts.
 
I've done a few weddings before and my usual dress is just a button up shirt and some dockers. I blend in, which I think is the important thing. The company polo sounds like a really good idea though if you do a lot of weddings. Makes you look really professional and I'm sure puts the bride and groom at ease a bit.
 
jinks said:
...I'm going to be doing my first wedding shoot for a family friend. My question is what's the right attire for a cameraman to wear? ... Is it practical to run around hauling camera gear, cranes, dollies etc in a tux?
Click to expand...

Weddings are not my thing but this is a very legitimate question and a smart one to ask. The first person you should ask is the bride to find out what the dress code is. She's your client right? It could be very formal or very casual or anything in-between.

As a camera operator you/we should always try to fit in with the crowd and be invisible; neither over or under dressed. At least wear black jeans and a collared shirt. She'll have bridesmaids, friends and family there who are potential customers for you in the future so you'll be judged as to how professional and unobtrusive you are; both in how you work and how you are dressed. Some videographers with Steadicams even have special tuxedos made to hide the vest and allow the arm to come out the side. Don't do anything to draw attention to yourself.

For your first wedding, cranes and dollies are pretty elaborate? If you're shooting at that level you should have helpers to move that gear around while you shoot other parts of the event. When I'm in the public eye or field of view for other cameras on a live show I bring a change of clothes to put on after set up. When I'm on-stage with a performer I'll wear a black short sleeve shirt but with black bicycle arm warmers that I can pull up or down to cool off when I'm not on and my rig is docked.

Good luck!

Robert Starling, SOC
Steadicam Owner Operator
Las Vegas, Nevada
 
Minimum of Dockers and button up shirt, I'd even suggest a tie. Even though it's family appearance is everything when it comes to other potential customers. Introduce yourself to all of the bridal party so they know who's sticking a camera in their face, if you dress in jeans they might not take you seriously. Good Luck….Post some footage for us.
 
Thanks alot for your input, that's some good advice. Let me ask something different but on the same subject... at the reception how you go about shooting without being so intusive in people's faces with a shiny light? I'm using the HVX which is pretty bad in low light, so what are my options in terms of lighting? I currently have an old 40 watt bescor on-camera light which is not that bright but I can upgrade if I have to.

Lastly, audio, audio, audio! What's a descent and affordable wireless mic you recomend?
Any other tips that you can give me are highly appreciated becoz I have never done this kind of work before and I don't wanna disaapoint.
Thanks a bunch!
 
try searching. on camera lights like the vidled have been talked about in a million different threads. I'd get the vidled personally. Your 40 watt may work though since you already have it.

Read the audio forums for more info on wireless mics. G2 and a Countryman EMW is a great low budget way to get good audio.

rcbrown also has a fantastic wedding thread somewhere. definitely a must read.
 
shine no lights, man. Just iris up. You can use a wireless and the camera mic for the ceremony and can most likely get away with the camera mic for bytes during the reception. If not, a good shotgun is best. I've done handheld mics but between kids, grandma and dunken uncle Bob, it's a time bomb.
 
Always ask the bride when booking, every wedding is different and requires different attire. I did a wedding wearing a nice polo and black dress pants (the normal attire at the wedding) only to have the grooms father complain that we didn't dress the part. The worse part was we gave the bride a significant discount because we were friends with her.

Of course you will always run into those sorts of people no matter what you do.
 
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