Wedding Cinematography - First time pretty much running solo

R

rcheung

New member
Hi Guys,

Let me know your thoughts on my first wedding film running solo WITH a huge case of veritgo (not nice). I've done some weddings in the past as a 2nd camera and first but with an assistant. I did have some help manning the camera at ceremony and once at the reception. Thoughts and feedback, greatly appreciated.


Not sure how to embed video on the forum but here is a link.

http://vimeo.com/47982590
 
Hey Cheung,

1st of, nice dolly moves. The pan down at :07 could have been a bit smoother. I like the rack focus transitions that you did. DSLR I'm assuming? What were you doing your stabilizer shots on? I'm guessing a Merlin from the outdoors tilting factor.
 
Thanks. LOL. Tell me about those non smooth shots. I shot this wedding with a seriously bad case of vertigo. Veritgo + Merlin = Blair witch project. :( not cool.
Pure dSLR all 5d mark IIs. You know, I had the merlin perfectly balanced with the 16-35mm many times always practicing with it but it was just not working for me on this wedding, I think your right the merlin plus outdoors is just chancing for a smooth shoot. There was also a bit of wind.
 
Looks really good, few hick ups but nothing big. Been thinking of trying to start doing wedding videography instead of my fast food job to help pay for college. II would be doing it solo so do you have any tips?
 
Tips. Don't do it solo. :) Seriously, its very hard, to be able to be at the right place at the right time with all the goodies with tracking shots, flying shots. it's not impossible but it will take ALOT I mean ALOT of planning and the plan has to be executed to the T.
 
rcheung said:
Tips. Don't do it solo. :) Seriously, its very hard, to be able to be at the right place at the right time with all the goodies with tracking shots, flying shots. it's not impossible but it will take ALOT I mean ALOT of planning and the plan has to be executed to the T.
Click to expand...

Agreed! Even doing it with two people can be a challenge. We have been using an assistant this year for most weddings and it is noticeable when she is not there.
 
I would shoot solo again with an assistant (make sure all the gear and cams are in place, also to help move everything from one location to another) but everything has to been 100% to the T. Follow up with bride and be on top of the schedule.
 
I've never shot weddings and have zero desire to... but for almost any gig, an assistant is priceless. An assistant who can shoot some b-roll even better.

In major markets you can find assistant lists at rental houses, etc. The last couple years my son has been the guy (he's in film school at UT Austin so I use him when he's around).

If there's a college or community college with photo courses (professional photo or film vs. "cameras 101") you might make some inquiries for cheaper help. In my case, a student who is really into learning is great. You can spend a couple hours in the days before a shoot going over gear and what you'll need. Just someone with a 4x4 net blocking wind from your Merlin might be night & day. My son's become a great boom op, too - even got him a carbon pole for xmas. And he's psyched to get a hundred bucks a day.

He's said several times, "I learn more from a day on set than in a year of school"...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top