Even if you’re not a wedding photographer or videographer, you may have had proposals to shoot a wedding. If you know how to use a camera, someone’s going to ask you to shoot their wedding sooner or later. And if you decide to accept, Rob Nelson gives you some useful advice how to make a really great wedding video.
Rob Nelson from Rob & Jonas filmmaking tips was recently asked to film a friends’ wedding. Now, he’s not a wedding videographer, but he is an awarded filmmaker, so he does know the tricks of the trade. In this video, he gives you some short, but effective tips to make a wedding video that will have quality and leave a truly nice memory for the happy couple.
Make it beautiful
Wedding videos are all about emotions and beauty of the moment, and you’ll need plenty of B-roll shots for this. According to Rob, it’s the easiest to shadow the photographer and shot over their shoulder for most of it. They direct the scenes, and you capture them, as well as “behind the scenes” moments. Another tip is to shoot in slow motion if it’s possible. It looks nice and mellow and adds more beauty to the moments you capture in the video. Also, add some movement to the shots. Use the slider and/or stabilization to make the best of it. Finally, shoot into the sun as much as possible. We are learned to shoot with the sun behind our backs, and according to Rob, many new filmmakers do it. However, sun creates wonderful lens flare, golden backlight at the right time of day, and adds that “dreamy” look to the video.
Concentrate on getting the ceremony
When it comes to the ceremony itself, this is when you need to shift focus. Concentrate on simply getting it without thinking too much of the beauty. Also, include the audio recording with the video. Everyone wants to hear the vows, so getting them recorded them will create a beautiful memory. Remember, you’ll need microphones for this, to get a clear audio. Rob also set up three GoPro cameras around the couple, so he can get extra coverage during the ceremony. And include this footage in the final video, along with the audio recording. It’s convenient because he didn’t need extra people for this, but he did shoot the rest of the wedding with his wife Haley. It’s always easier if you have another shooter, so one can go with the groom and one with the bride.
Think ahead about the story
Just like for any other shooting task, think ahead. Think of the story you want to create and prepare ahead. Rob wanted funny sound-bites from the wedding, build-up before it and some interesting B-roll for the end. And with that in mind, he prepared for the shooting and focused on the elements he wanted for the final movie.
It’s about the couple
Last, but not least, remember that this is not about you. It’s about the couple. As a filmmaker and director, you have the idea so you call the shots. As a wedding videographer, it’s the couple’s story, not your own. If you direct them too much, they will be tense, and the weddings are stressful enough even without it. So, try to be a “fly on the wall”. Shoot as much as possible without directing the couple. Sure, get them to kiss or get the bride to twirl her dress, but keep in mind – you are making their movie. If your friends asked you to film their wedding, I’m sure these tips will help you if you still don’t have enough experience in this field. This is how they worked out for Rob:
[How to Shoot a Great Wedding Video (w/ Olympian Casey Eichfeld) via ISO 1200]
