Style Of Filming
“I approach every detail with the care an artist would give to his or her masterpiece.”
Although I try to be unobtrusive whilst filming, I also try not to interfere with the viewers enjoyment of the video by using unnecessary camera movement. I find this distracts the viewer from what they are trying to watch. There should be little evidence that there is a person operating the camera. Zooms and pans are an exception when filming longer scenes, such as marriage services and speeches, but as long as they are performed smoothly then it shouldn’t distract the viewer.
I use a tripod for most of my work as it allows me to work from a distance and become less obtrusive. If you’re filming a close-up shot from a long way away, there will be shakes without the use of a tripod.
Modern techniques and equipment have meant that camera movement is incorporated into most videos, but thankfully with the improvement of image stabilization there are less wobbles and shakes. Such tools as sliders, gimbals. glidecams, grips, and dollys do add another dimension to the videos, which I accept and embrace, so long as they are not over used and are smooth and steady.
If you are going to film something that doesn’t move, such as a room or bunch of flowers, then adding that bit of fluid movement to the video does make a flat image come alive.
“Emotion is gained with correct camera positioning. Only experience can make a live event look like a feature film.”
lighting
Being a fly-on-the-wall doesn’t allow you the luxury to position the subjects where you would like them, so you need to use all your experience to find the best position to to get the best shots. Knowing where to place yourself to avoid bad lighting is important: facing the sun for a beautiful backlit shot or with your back against the window for that small indoor room. This knowledge of using available light ensures you are giving the customer the most complimentary images possible.
positioning
As with lighting, knowing where to position yourself to extract the maximum impact is also important. Shooting upwards when the confetti is falling; being on a close-up when the couple are about to kiss; getting down low when they walk up the Isle or enter the wedding breakfast; being on a wide angle and preferably from up high when people are about to cheer during the group shot; or seeing the guests‘ reaction during the first dance. Choosing the best angle can make or break a good scene and generate the most emotion.
Experience teaches you how to tackle live events like weddings. Knowing where to stand when you anticipate that spontaneous moment is about to happen. It all adds to the reason you chose to have a professional standard video.
I also try to be creative and incorporate the surroundings as much as possible to frame the scene.
…And try not to miss the funny little details or those easily missed important shots!
