Wedding Video - DIY?

Weddings can be an expensive business. As such many people will try and do a lot of things themselves in order to stay within their budget or cut costs. One of those things that many couples consider doing themselves, and something that my wife and I did 'ourselves', is the videography.

Assessing Suitability
The first thing you need to consider if you're looking at doing your own videography is whether or not you will be happy with what comes from the DIY approach.

If you want something that captures the general look, probably from a single angle, and the audio and not much more then this approach is for you.

If you want something more impressive involving smooth camera motion, multiple angles, and cystal clear images throughout you're probably better off spending the money and getting a pro in for the day.

Assessing Your Options
Now that that's out of the way it's time to think about how you can go about getting the video shot. In order to do this you will need to have at least one camera and have it record the action somehow.

In terms of camera operation you could:
1) Set it up on a tripod, have someone press record, and just let the camera run.
2) Have a friend or family member in charge of the camera

Option 1 is likely to give you a steadier shot while option 2 might be able to respond to things as they happen. If you have a steady handed friend or family member with some experience with a video camera option 2 would be my choice. In both cases make sure the person in charge of turning the camera on knows how to do so.

In terms of camera positioning you could:
1) Have multiple Cameras - One giving a wide shot, one giving a shot of the groom, one giving a shot of the bride
2) Have a single Camera - Roaming or stationary

If you're considering having a multi-cam set-up, unless you have experience with video editing software, you may like to reconsider getting in a pro. In either of the above cases you should consider what the camera sees when choosing your location and what in can hear.

The Importance of Vision
While this may seem an obvious point to make there are a few things that should be considered when you think about the position of your camera
1) What can/can't it see?
This will influence your end product. If you choose to have one camera set up on one side of the church chances are the Bride or the groom will not be visible (one will probably have their back to the camera a lot of the time.)
2) Will it be in anyone's way?
The aisle is typically a poor location choice. However so too is a spot right in front of grandma.
3) What happens when people stand up?
Often a spot that works well when people are sitting down works less well when they stand up. Often the aisle will be blocked if you're shooting from the side.


The Importance of Sound
What are the real differences between videography and photography? Essentially there are 2. Motion and sound. Unless you're planning on having a lot of motion during your ceremony (such as a choreographed dance) the key difference there is sound.

More than likely it is the vows, the readings, and the cheer of the crowd at the end of the service that you want to capture.

If so, think about how your camera will hear all of those things.

If you're using a P.A. system to help project your vows then ideally your camera will be able to record from this. If this is not the case position your camera somewhere that it will be able to hear what's happening.

If you;re not using a P.A. system this should be close the front (close wo where you're saying your vows).

If you are using a P.A. system this could be near the front or near a speaker. In this case do a test run to make sure you don't blow out the microphone (make sure that the speakers aren't too loud. If they are too loud you can turn them down or move the camera further away).