What kind of tricks have you used to handle photographers caught in event footage?

S

Soundfx4

Active member
I shot a wedding for my cousin and I didn't place very much importance on my work because I am the amateur that would be more likely to screw up a shot. So I tried to stay out of the photographers way instead and didn't try to plan with him (first major lesson learned) and the end result was I have several shots with him in it. Just some of the worst scenarios below.

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In my case, I only had two cameras (I'm not sure how many are generally recommended for weddings and their set ups, but I had a stationary wide shot setup and then I was running around with a second camera) and my arms were so tired and giving out that the second free cam (second camera is called B cam, I think?) footage was shaky and unusable a lot (another lesson learned, I need a monopod or a handicam rig or something).

I learned a lot of lessons; Plan the shoots better, talk with the photographer, have something to help stabilize/give me a break on the free roaming camera and a few more in there somewhere I'm sure; but I also learned from reading that it can be a pain to work with the photographer and even guests as well, so I am curious, when all else fails and your best shot just isn't perfect and your second camera's footage is worse or equal, what tricks have you used to handle the situation? Has anyone ever resorted to rotoscoping? I tried that, but I'm still terrible at it, and I had this gut feeling the entire time that I shouldn't be messing that much with something special like this, that maybe it's better to have the photographer in there, than him not be in there because of an animated mask with a clear shot of the background behind?

At this point, I'm trying to do two things; 1: figure out creative ways to remove the photographer and 2: figure out if I even should bother doing that in the first place. It sure would save me a lot of time if I were to just leave him in there haha :p but I just don't know...so much to learn still, it's as exciting as it is headache inducing ;P

Thanks very much for sharing experience and suggestions!
 
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For the sake of simplicity, can we ignore the time frame? It's honestly irrelevant to what kind of advice and suggestions I'm seeking. I'm going to remove it from the op as well. Thank you kindly :)
 
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Okay, so luniest. Got it. Any suggestions on where to get it and got much to give him? Hahahahaha I kid, please don't answer that xD

I've actually heard some horror stories but this guy seamed nice...I should have attempted to collaborate better with him :/ I actually would have thought photographers and videographers would get along before I read anything due to their shared interest of cameras (since still cameras and motion cameras share a lot of the same concepts and what not.
 
I always make a point before the show to meet the other media artists on site...talk shop, network, exchange cards...if they are cool, offer to exchange usable media...help each other.

Its the best way to meet people, grow, and generally make your life easier that the events. 90% of the time the others are absolutely cool. The other 10% just might not be clued in enough to the importance of meeting and working with others.
 
Haha! I just saw you live in the Noke! Thats awesome. I'm in RVA but have a bunch of buddies from there. My whole team (Sam Hill Ent) was just there all weekend.

Cool place.
 
Oh nice! lol. A lot of people don't like it and say it's lame but I don't know, I think it's a pretty interesting place. I just wish it was on the map for Google Fiber ;P
 
Letterbox that shot? Cut it all off from the bottom where the photog is and then center whats left. You can say you were going for that epic super cinemascope format.
 
I'm not really familiar with Martins, but my GF is. Never been much for going out often. A few times with some friends, but that's it haha. It's always cool to meet someone on the interwebz from around your area (or close), seems like everyone is in CA :p
 
I like the letter box idea, but some of the shots are so tight that letterboxing them will look really off (well, the shots look off as they are. I just think letterboxing wouldn't help...or it might *shrugs*) and I'd probably want everything to be consistent so I'd have to letterbox uurrrverehthang. I'm really thinking the best solution is to just leave it and try to do better next time. I still would very much welcome suggestions and ideas for future reference. I realize most of you would never be caught in as severe a case as I was in this scenario, but if you were, what would your options be?
 
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I am with David.

What difference to the recording does one photographer make being in shots or not being in shots, all things being considered regarding this particular video?
 
The lady who does the Mocha Pro demos took a guy walking into a bar totally out of a scene. It was amazing. So I'd root him out.
 
These days half the people in the audience will be 'photographers'. They will be shooting pics and video with their phones, small cameras, even their iPads and other tablets. They are not shy, as evidenced by a Catholic wedding I just attended. They'll even use flash in a Catholic church!
 
I'm not a wedding guy, but agreed to help out a friend a couple weeks back. Talk about strict! This church had me in the balcony next to the pipe organ, and only allowed me to bring in a single camera, a single lens, and a tripod.
 
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