It’s one thing to book a wedding videographer to capture the events of your wedding day, but it’s another to be aware of certain things which will make your wedding video look even better. A few small considerations made during the planning stages will make all the difference.

The first thing to think about is the layout and of your wedding ceremony. Where will you and your fiance stand? Which way will you be facing? Where will your guests be seated? When it comes to video, where do you think the best location would be for the videographer to setup his camera and tripod?

Often I use two cameras during a ceremony. I like to keep one camera on a tripod, focused on the bride and groom. The second camera is usually positioned on the opposite side to provide an alternative perspective. This camera also captures friends and family as they watch the ceremony. Take a moment to consider where the cameras might be best placed when you are attending your ceremony rehearsal.

It’s also a very good idea to notify your Priest or Celebrant that you plan on having your wedding ceremony filmed and ask if they would be agreeable to wearing a lapel mic for the video camera. This will ensure the spoken words are recorded clearly. If a lapel mic is not suitable, the next best thing is to take note of where the PA speaker will be located and we can then attach a mic to the speaker.

If you are planning on getting married outdoors, visit the location during the exact time that you plan on having your wedding ceremony and note where the sun is. Will you have direct sunlight on your face? Will you be in shade? Sunlight can greatly affect the video, especially when you have a very bright background.

Melissa and Craig celebrate their wedding

Beach weddings are particularly challenging because not only might you have the sunlight in your eyes, but you will also have the glare from the ocean in the background.

The next and final thing to consider is the lighting at your reception. Basically the more light, the better. Low light can result in video images becoming grainy or noisy. This doesn’t mean you have to have all the house lights turned on, but if you are able to plan with the venue to have some lighting in the area in which you plan to have the speeches for example, it would make a big difference. This light can be dimmed again after the speeches of course.

As with the ceremony, take a moment to think about where a tripod mounted camera would best be positioned for the speeches too. Usually I set my camera alongside the tables and providing the speaker is facing towards me, this is fine. But in larger receptions with more tables and more guests, it might be a good idea to reserve a small area for the videographer which is centrally located with a great view to the lectern.

So there you have it. Just a couple small things you may like to think about if you decide to have a wedding video. Of course I have filmed in many different environments and with that experience you can be assured that no matter what, I will capture the best shots possible. But a little planning can make a world of difference and ensure that watching your video in the years to come will always be a most enjoyable experience!

Happy Weddings!

Planning for your wedding video is a post from: Video My Wedding. Subscribe to our newsletter

Windaroo Cottage Bridal Expo February 2012

Just a quick update to let you all know that I will be exhibiting at the wedding expo this weekend (Sunday Feb 5th from 10am) at Windaroo Cottage.

I will have a selection of videos playing on screens plus some great deals and other goodies available only at the Expo.

I’ve filmed a couple of weddings at Windaroo Cottage and its beautiful.

So if you’re getting married, or know someone who is, check out what’s on offer.

• Free entry
• Free Brisbane Wedding Guide
• Lucky Door Prizes

Click on the picture to see more information.

Hope to see you there!

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But what is it that makes a wedding photographer ‘fantastic’.

Well in my opinion it comes down to two main things.

• Technical skills – this one is obvious. The ability to use one’s camera effectively is paramount.
• People skills – maybe not so obvious? Super important though. Read on below.

So you might have the worlds best technical photographer at your wedding but unless they are excellent communicators and can bring out the best in you and your wedding guests, well the photos may look a little dull.

It’s very important that you feel comfortable during your photo shoots. You need to be yourself, as does all those around you.

It takes a special kind of photographer to not only capture technically brilliant photographs but to also bring out everyone’s natural personalities.

I admire photographers when they take amazing photographs, but I am simply in awe of them when they work with their clients to produce truly beautiful imagery by showcasing real emotion and personality.

I am lucky enough to have worked with a few such photographers in my time and I’m most happy to announce that I have joined forces with Yohti Images to bring you a combined services wedding video and photo package deal.

Combined Wedding Video and Photos Package is a post from: Video My Wedding. Subscribe to our newsletter

Of all the official events that occur during a wedding reception, I’d have to say my favourite is the bridal waltz and the dancing in general because occasionally, the choreography (or lack thereof) can easily make it the highlight of the evening.

So let’s go right back to my very first wedding video, ever. Shot with my Sony handycam (please don’t hold that against me), it was back in 2004 and it was my Sister’s wedding.

OK so technically this isn’t the bridal waltz, but my sister married a lad who just happened to be a part of the male dance group, Manpower.

Here’s what he organised with his boys.

Cool huh? What’s even more cool is I’ve since learnt how to operate my camera a whole lot better!

Now I didn’t shoot the following videos, rather these are some classics from good old YouTube.

Some couples like to fool their audience into thinking that their bridal waltz is going to be a nice soft and easy shuffle of feet. The music starts and everyone settles in to watch as the lights do down and the happy couple embrace, aww. But it’s not always like that … Baby got back?

Or if you’re a moonwalker (like me), you might choose to choreograph a routine with your new spouse to the tunes of Michael Jackson!

But you can’t go past the old ‘hang on, what happened to the music?’ trick. This couple know how to prank their guests. Plus, you can never go wrong with a little rap dancing.

So remember, it’s your night and your chance to showcase what you and your beloved spouse are capable of, so why not go all out and really enjoy yourselves?

A little creativity and choreography could make your wedding reception really stand out and be remembered by all for many years to come.

In fact, if you have a wedding videographer there, your video may even go viral on YouTube!

Happy weddings people!

Bridal Waltzes with a twist? is a post from: Video My Wedding. Subscribe to our newsletter

It was a very special day for both families and the ceremony was also beamed live to family in the states via Skype. We had a great day with everyone and it’s been a lot of fun producing their wedding video.

Maiya & Shaun’s Wedding Video is a post from: Video My Wedding. Subscribe to our newsletter

Here’s a list of the equipment that I use.

Cameras

• Sony Z1. I’ve been using the Z1 for about 5 years now. It’s my ‘old faithful’. This is my main camera during a wedding ceremony. I usually mount it on tripod with a clear view of the bride and groom and record 2 channel audio.
• Canon 60D. I love this DSLR camera. The depth of field is awesome and I love how the video ‘looks’ straight off the camera.
• GoPro2. A recent addition is this tiny HD camera which provides super widescreen shots and allows me even more creative options.

Extras

• Sturdycam. This is a camera stabilization device which allows me to walk around and keep my shots steady.
• Konova Slider. Sliders allow you to ‘slide’ your camera along a straight surface. Great for reveal shots.
• Typical assortment of tripods, lapel and shotgun mics.

Video Editing Software

I use Adobe Premiere Pro CS5 with two plug-ins – Mercalli and Quick Looks. I use Adobe After Effects and Adobe Encore to add special effects and burn DVDs. You can’t go past Adobe Media Encoder to export your footage to a myriad of formats including Apple TV, Bluray and of course YouTube etc.

So I think that sums up the ‘tools’ that I use. Now, how do I use them?

Bridal Preparations

I strap the DSLR over my shoulder and work mainly with my Z1. I get a mixture of tripod shots and hand held. I use the 60D randomly whenever I see something that catches my interest and pull focus with a 50mm.

Ceremony

Always like to get to the location at least 30 minutes early. First thing is to figure out the best place to setup the Z1 on a tripod. Next is to setup the mics. I usually tape a lapel mic to a PA speaker and record into one channel while the shotgun mic records to channel two. During the ceremony I like to film as much alternate footage as possible with the 60D.

Photoshoot

Much like the bridal preparations. I shoot as much as I can with both cameras.

Wedding Videos – Behind the Scenes is a post from: Video My Wedding. Subscribe to our newsletter

Aside from that fact that I really like ‘even’ numbers, 2012 will be the (lucky) 7th year of service for my wedding videos business.

Real Life Love Stories

It all started back in 2004 when I bought my first video camera and filmed my sister’s wedding.

It was my wedding gift to her and not only did I enjoy the filming and editing process, I had immense satisfaction knowing that I had contributed to her wedding day by providing her with the timeless memories that only video can deliver.

Fast forward several years and I’m happy to say that I’ve been able to continue providing this service for many happy couples ever since.

I take a lot of pride in producing unique wedding videos for each of my clients.

Every wedding is different and so it should be that each of my productions reflect the personalities and emotions accordingly.

I shoot each wedding video with as much enthusiasm and passion as the last. I thrive on the challenge of creating a new masterpiece each and every time.

Videography is a passion I’ve had for many years. Not only do I produce wedding videos but I have also been heavily involved in corporate video productions during the last 7 years and produced numerous videos for both government and small business.

I also film and produce live music videos.

I have maintained and upgraded my video equipment over the years and today I have a number of high quality HD video cameras and assorted accessories at my disposal.

From production to post production, I have continued to hone my skills and today I can offer a highly professional and unique style of wedding video.

So if you’re getting married in 2012 and would like to capture your special day forever on DVD and/or Bluray, why not contact me for more information

I look forward to filming and producing your real life love story!

Are you getting married in 2012? is a post from: Video My Wedding. Subscribe to our newsletter

She also spoke of how her husband was initially not keen on the idea of having a wedding video and he didn’t want to spend the money on having one produced. Yet now that he has seen the finished product, she said he was really happy and glad they decided to get a wedding video done in the end.

Photographs are great, but a wedding video will provide you with a much more in-depth way to remember your special day. I remember I had a friend video our wedding and when I edited the footage a few months later, I was astounded at how many things I either didn’t see or had already forgotten about.

So, if you’re considering a wedding video and can’t seem to make up your mind, be sure to check out some of the videos in my gallery and feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like to see more.

A Wedding Video – To be or not to be? is a post from: Video My Wedding. Subscribe to our newsletter

For example, around 5 years ago I purchased a second hand Sony HVR-Z1 video camera for $4.5k. The Z1 shoots in 1080i format. This year, I purchased a Canon 60D which shoots full 1080p format for just over $1.5k. The Canon 60D shoots beautiful video for a fraction of the cost.

It’s the same when it comes to camera accessories too. A few years ago I bought a steady cam stabilization harness for my Sony Z1 and that set me back a good $3k. For the Canon 60D, I recently purchased a Sturdycam for $250.

So the point I’m making here is you can buy exceptional gear nowadays and if you know your stuff, you can get some truly stunning results.

So that means that happy couples need to choose wisely when deciding on a wedding videographer for there seems to be more out there now than every before. I have seen a considerable increase in the number of wedding video businesses in the several years that I have been doing this.

This is great of course for the customer because you have more selections and no doubt there are enough choices now to suit most everyone’s budget. But that said, I recommend you don’t sacrifice your wedding video just to save a few dollars.

When done right, your wedding video will be something that you will enjoy watching for many years. You will be proud to show to friends and share with your families. When done wrong, you will probably not watch it that much and it will be delegated to the bottom drawer somewhere in the spare bedroom.

Here are some things to consider.

Be sure your videographer:

1. has 3-5 years experience
2. uses HD video cameras and has backups if one should fail
3. employs the use of tripods, sliders and steady cams (where applicable)
4. has an assortment of microphones including lapels, booms and hand-helds
5. is easy going with social skills so as to get along with all your guests (and more importantly your photographer)
6. has the ability to listen to your ideas and collaborate with you to produce the video that you want
7. understands music copyright

In most cases, your videographer will be working alongside your photographer. Unless they are from the same company, this can sometimes cause problems as both providers need to work in harmony with each other whilst they get their shots. They need to ‘share’ the bridal party throughout the day.

My style is less intrusive when I shoot wedding videos. I prefer to lay low and be a little sneaky with my shots. I love capturing the emotions and natural actions of folk without having my camera in their face. I do however also stage a few shots throughout the day which normally don’t take very long and by the time I organize these shoots, I have met all of the people involved and they’re typically more relaxed around the camera by then.

DSLR on Slider with Mic and LCD Viewfinder

Some new additions to my kit bag of video gear include a Konova Slider, an LCD Viewfinder and a Rode shotgun mic.

All of these goodies will be used with my Canon 60D. I can now pull focus much easier, record clear audio and the slider allows me to take my videos to a whole new level of creativity and style.

In closing, weddings are all about passion. You should therefore make sure your wedding videographer has passion for his art.

Each wedding provides me with an opportunity to learn and improve my skills whilst at the same time contribute to a memory which I know will be special for all involved for years to come, perhaps even generations.

Happy weddings!

Great wedding videos need great equipment is a post from: Video My Wedding. Subscribe to our newsletter

I started the shoot with Celina in the hotel just across from the park where she would shortly marry Cesar. It was a fun prep session which included some great shots with Celina and her girls as well as Mum and Dad.

Then it was time to head down to the park to meet Cesar and his boys as they prepared the location and greeted all the guests. It wasn’t long before everyone (including the pet dog who was ring bearer) was ready for the ceremony to begin.

(I will make a special mention and a very big thank you to my wife at this point whom saved the day for me by running to the nearest shop in her high heels to buy a pack of batteries! I had accidentally flattened the batteries in my lapel mic by leaving it on all through the night before. A great lesson learned and now I carry a carton of spare batteries!)

Editing Celina & Cesar's Wedding Video

Celina & Cesar’s wedding ceremony was short and very sweet and was followed by a photo shoot at the Roma St Parklands before heading to the Powerhouse at New Farm.

I mentioned recently on my Facebook page that fantastic smiles like Celina and Cesar’s make producing wedding videos such a joy.

Smiles and real passion are always great qualities to capture and they make editing these real life love stories so rewarding.

A big thanks to Celina and Cesar for choosing me to film and produce their wedding video.

Celina & Cesar’s Wedding Video in Brisbane is a post from: Video My Wedding. Subscribe to our newsletter

I love this time of year. Summer in Queensland means BBQ’s with friends and family, relaxing by the pool or at the beach or perhaps staying inside with the A/C on high because it is so HOT outside!

Could it be too hot to even get married? Who wants to wear a suit in this heat?

So, to celebrate our Queensland Summer, Video My Wedding is offering a HOT deal!

Special Summer prices for Winter weddings!

Receive 15% discount on your wedding video if you book during December and January!

That is a saving of up to $285!

This special is for Winter weddings (June to August 2012) and you must confirm your booking with deposit during December 2011 / January 2012.

So, if you’re planning a cool wedding and want an awesome wedding video to remember it by, take advantage of this special offer and book now!

Please note the following:

• You must confirm your booking via deposit during December 2011 / January 2012.
• Your wedding day must fall between the months of June – August 2012.
• This special is for DVD Package #2 (weekends) ONLY.

Hot Prices for Cool Wedding Videos is a post from: Video My Wedding. Subscribe to our newsletter

Accreditation Certificate

Video My Wedding is very happy to announce it has been formally admitted into the Australian Bridal Industry Academy (ABIA) as an appointed Bridal Industry Associate.

You can view my very humble and brand new ABIA profile at http://www.abia.com.au/profile/142518.

VMW becomes Appointed Bridal Industry Associate is a post from: Video My Wedding. Subscribe to our newsletter