Making the most of the Cameras
Step 1 - Assigning Roles
Getting 2 or 3 trusted guests involved in the planning process is a great way of ensuring things go smoothly. You'll tend to find that your chosen guests will be honoured to have an active roll in your wedding. Entrust these guests to ensuring the key moments are captured. The ceremony, the speeches, the first dance etc...
Step 2 - Camera Setup Planning
With roles assigned, decide the camera angles that will work best. With a two camera setup, you'll receive a tripod to setup one of the cameras to capture a wide shot. For the ceremony and speeches this might be towards the back of the venue, be sure that the view will be uninterrupted however, there would be nothing worse that having the back of Great Uncle Colin's head blocking all the important action.
This is where your entrusted guests will come in to make sure the view is just right and that the camera is recording. One word of warning, with tripod mounted cameras, don't just leave these to record until they run out of batteries, this can cause issues with the files the cameras create.
The other camera in a two camera setup can then be handheld and used to film close up and cut away shots. Shots that our editors can cut together with the fixed wide angle shot to tell the story of the day. Think about the sorts of shot you might like. Consider shots like a close up of the rings being exchanged, closeups of you exchanging your vowels, any readings you might have and anything that you've planned to make your wedding special.
We would definitely recommend capturing close ups of your guests as their reactions will be invaluable. Look out for the guests most likely to shed a tear and the ones that you know can be made to laugh easily. They are our favourites to include in the edits.
With a one camera package, you can choose which option might work best for you, or you could use a combination of the two.
Step 3 - Camera Familiarisation
The cameras really are dead easy to use, simply open the screen to turn them on and press record to starting filming. We ensure that all the settings are just right, so all you need to worry about is capturing the action. This being said, if possible it's great to be familiar with the cameras before the big day. You'll receive the cameras a few days before your wedding, so there will be time to try them out. It really doesn't take long however to work out how to turn them on, zoom in and out and press record!
Step 4 - The Big Day
With everything already planned, everything is set to run smoothly. We'd very much recommend using the cameras as you get ready. If you have two cameras then capturing both partners as they prepare makes for some lovely footage to combine. Factor this into your planning however, as it might be that your entrusted guests won't be present for this part.
By now, you should have no or very little involvement in the operation of the cameras, so you can focus on enjoying your day. Your entrusted guests will be executing your plan. They will find that other guests will become interested in what they are doing. These guests can then become involved, not in the important bits that you have planned for, but in capturing all the fun and antics of the day. Having the cameras passed round during the drinks reception for example or during the wedding breakfast often results in fun memorable footage.
Your entrusted guest will know the running order of things so as long as they have the cameras back for the important bits, the video created by your other guests will be a welcome bonus.
Step 5 - Returning The Cameras
At the end of the day, have your entrusted guests make sure all the equipment is returned to its cases in readiness for its return to us together with all the wonderful footage that will have been captured.
Further Hints & Tips
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