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Home: Video University Forums: Wedding & Event Videography:
Filming from what side of the aisle?

 
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Kenneth
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Feb 24, 2008, 5:11 PM

Post #1 of 31 (840 views)
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Filming from what side of the aisle? Can't Post
What side ofthe aisle do you film from, the groom or the bride, and is there a reason for do so?
......................................................................
Philadelphia Wedding Video
The Kenneth Stillman Blog
Philadelphia Trash the Dress


glimmer
Veteran

Feb 24, 2008, 5:16 PM

Post #2 of 31 (835 views)
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Re: [Kenneth] Filming from what side of the aisle? [In reply to] Can't Post
I film on the right side (when facing towards the back); typically the side of the bridesmaids, and I do this because as the FOB and bride are walking up, the reaction angle of the groom is a bit better than the other side...but then again, I've always filmed on that side...a few times I've done the other and I hate it. Just one of those things.


FTP
Enthusiast


Feb 24, 2008, 6:32 PM

Post #3 of 31 (814 views)
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Re: [Kenneth] Filming from what side of the aisle? [In reply to] Can't Post
When we shoot the wedding our second camera is stationary on the side that the groom is on, so we can see the brides face when they say their vows. So during the processional we're also on that side because we aren't allowed to move 99% of the time during the ceremony, so if we were on the other side for the processional, we wouldn't be able to get her face later. The only problem with that is we have to worry about blocking the grooms view of his bride, I guess it's a good thing we're short!










" There’s nothing like biting off more than you can chew, and then chewing anyway."
Mark Burnett


Steve_Bailey
Enthusiast


Feb 24, 2008, 6:42 PM

Post #4 of 31 (812 views)
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Re: [Kenneth] Filming from what side of the aisle? [In reply to] Can't Post
We typically shoot groomside so we can shoot directly into the bride's face. When we have a 3rd cameraman, we will shoot brideside for a groom reaction but that's not typical.

Steve Bailey
Memories Forever Video Productions
4EVER GROUP AFFILIATE

"I'm NOT bitter."


Jack T
User


Feb 24, 2008, 7:52 PM

Post #5 of 31 (787 views)
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Re: [Kenneth] Filming from what side of the aisle? [In reply to] Can't Post
Typically we shoot from the Groom side in order to capture the Brides face while they are at the alter.
I would say that 7 out of 10 times, the MOB is sitting in line with the shot and we get some great
reactions in the background. It's not a planned shot, but it's there.

2nd cam, Center in the rear balcony when there is one.

Jack T


2ndMile
Enthusiast


Feb 24, 2008, 10:51 PM

Post #6 of 31 (763 views)
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Re: [Kenneth] Filming from what side of the aisle? [In reply to] Can't Post
Both sides.. no cam in the balcony.



Brian Morris
2ndMile Blog


RT Steele
Veteran


Feb 24, 2008, 11:35 PM

Post #7 of 31 (749 views)
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Re: [Kenneth] Filming from what side of the aisle? [In reply to] Can't Post
Bride's side, kneeling. I do this mainly so I can stay out of cam#2 which is tracking the processional from the side of the church. (groom's side).

When she's handed off, I'll hunker down and scurry off to stand past the last bridesmaid and film for about 30 seconds.

Then, I circle to the rear, grab my tripod and record the rest of the ceremony from about mid center aisle.

I'm never in my own footage. And with my growing ass, that's quite a feat to pull off these days.

- RT


Adam Mancini
User

Feb 24, 2008, 11:47 PM

Post #8 of 31 (744 views)
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Re: [Kenneth] Filming from what side of the aisle? [In reply to] Can't Post
Always shoot from the grooms side so I have a view of the bride. The groom is irrelevant at the wedding, the bride is all that matters.

-Adam


GmElliott
Veteran


Feb 25, 2008, 10:46 AM

Post #9 of 31 (688 views)
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Re: [Steve_Bailey] Filming from what side of the aisle? [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
....so we can shoot directly into the bride's face.
Ummm....oh, nevermind. Wink








Glen Elliott
http://www.GmElliottVideo.com


(This post was edited by GmElliott on Feb 25, 2008, 10:47 AM)


Steve_Bailey
Enthusiast


Feb 25, 2008, 12:23 PM

Post #10 of 31 (672 views)
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Re: [GmElliott] Filming from what side of the aisle? [In reply to] Can't Post
And what exactly would you have liked me to say?

Steve Bailey
Memories Forever Video Productions
4EVER GROUP AFFILIATE

"I'm NOT bitter."


MLiebergot
Veteran


Feb 25, 2008, 12:24 PM

Post #11 of 31 (672 views)
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Re: [Kenneth] Filming from what side of the aisle? [In reply to] Can't Post
We shoot camera 2 center back of the isle or in a balcony.

I shoot up the isle (kneeling down with DVMulti Rig) on the grooms side (down low) until bride is handed off. I shoot from the grooms side, because I want the brides reaction (camera 2 has both in the shot), also while on the grooms side I don't have to walk across to setup for the brides shot. I just step to the side and I'm golden.

Then I go to a preset tripod on the grooms side for the remainder of the ceremony. If it's an outside wedding, I have much more freedom to move around so i can shoot from both sides up front. I either move behind arch and foliage, or walk around towards camera two and setup on the other side.

Michael

Cameras: I do use them.
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Support: I need all that i can get.
Computer: MAC BABY!

(This post was edited by MLiebergot on Feb 25, 2008, 12:26 PM)


Alan R
Enthusiast


Feb 25, 2008, 2:18 PM

Post #12 of 31 (650 views)
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Re: [Kenneth] Filming from what side of the aisle? [In reply to] Can't Post
I typically use three cameras, One on the groom's side, one on the bride's side and one in back. I will man the back camera for the processional. I put it on a Glidecam and follow the bride part way up the aisle. At the same time my 2nd shooter is in front (usually on the bride's side). When the bride has reached the front I will put the back camera on a tripod facing the alter and move around to the camera on the groom's side. I stay there until after the vows and then return to the back camera for the recessional. This way we get nice closeups of both bride and groom.

If we are not allowed to move during the ceremony, I will sometimes man the camera on the groom's side, and my second shooter mans that camera on the bride's side. The back camera just has a wide shot. In other cases, the back camera and groom's side camera will be manned. It depends on the situation.

Since I just got an A1, and hope to pick up another by summer, I will probably be doing more two camera shoots (I may also get an HV20 as a third camera, but it won't be suitable for dark locations). In this case it will probably be one camera on the groom's side and one in back. We seem to be doing a lot of "country club" weddings this year, where I will be able to move around during the ceremony, so this should work well.


Alan Robinson
Bonnie Blink Productions


Kenneth
Veteran


Feb 25, 2008, 3:15 PM

Post #13 of 31 (643 views)
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Re: [Alan R] Filming from what side of the aisle? [In reply to] Can't Post
Interesting Alan. We do the same thing except for following the bride with a Glidecam. How do you do that without getting yourself on film?

Has a photographer ever given you an grief about that? I've alwasy been curious about the following shots. Especially when it's a glidecam following the couple into the reception hall. i wouldn't want to shoot from the front and have a glidecam guy in the back.

Give me some insight on how this works.
......................................................................
Philadelphia Wedding Video
The Kenneth Stillman Blog
Philadelphia Trash the Dress


Alan R
Enthusiast


Feb 25, 2008, 4:04 PM

Post #14 of 31 (632 views)
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Re: [Kenneth] Filming from what side of the aisle? [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
Interesting Alan. We do the same thing except for following the bride with a Glidecam. How do you do that without getting yourself on film?

Has a photographer ever given you an grief about that? I've alwasy been curious about the following shots. Especially when it's a glidecam following the couple into the reception hall. i wouldn't want to shoot from the front and have a glidecam guy in the back.

Give me some insight on how this works.
I don't follow the bride as far up the aisle than I used to for those very reasons. When I first started doing it, I got carried away and followed her most of the way to the front. After seeing myself in the front camera too many times, I realized that I was getting in my own shot, and almost certainly in the photographer's. No photographer has ever complained, but I am sure that I made it difficult for them.

I usually start my Glidecam shot from the church vestibule as the bride starts into the church sanctuary. I will follow her down the aisle for 20 to 30 feet and then stop. I will then shoot the remainder of the processional with the Glidecam acting as a monopod.

I also use the Glidecam during the reception in the same way, only I will follow the couple all the way in, and then use it through at least part of their first dance. There is never a problem if I maintain "situational awareness" of where the photographer is.


Alan Robinson
Bonnie Blink Productions


Kenneth
Veteran


Feb 25, 2008, 4:33 PM

Post #15 of 31 (624 views)
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Re: [Alan R] Filming from what side of the aisle? [In reply to] Can't Post
I see. So you like the door opening shot from the back. I like the door opening from the front. I guess we all have different tastes.

I like your term "situational awareness". I like to use "plausible deniability" when I get in a photographer's shot. "I swear, I had no idea you would photographing them as they got introduced for the first time as man and wife." Cool
......................................................................
Philadelphia Wedding Video
The Kenneth Stillman Blog
Philadelphia Trash the Dress


JC/DV
Veteran


Feb 25, 2008, 5:51 PM

Post #16 of 31 (601 views)
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Re: [Kenneth] Filming from what side of the aisle? [In reply to] Can't Post
We normally end up shooting 3 cameras for most weddings. I call it a 3 point setup. Side cameras are about a 45 degree angle from their "vow position" to get a good angle on their faces during vows. (If a 2 camera shoot, I don't put a cam facing the groom on bride's side because the bride is normally center of attention.......) and always a camera on the floor center in the back... sometimes we do a shot of the bride from outside coming in from behind--or that cam is in the balcony.

FOR THE PROCESSIONAL the cam on the grooms side which will end up shooting the bride during vows, kneels down on the groom side of the aisle. Reason being, center cam does not NORMALLY see that operator since the pews are hiding him. Every now and then he makes an appearance. We DO NOT stand up down there! It buggs me seeing this on some videos. When the bride is about 75% down the aisle, that cam sneeks over to his position on the side.

Jerome
JC/DV Productions - Website - Blog

Technology. It does wonders if you know how to use it.


Kenneth
Veteran


Feb 25, 2008, 5:56 PM

Post #17 of 31 (597 views)
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Re: [JC/DV] Filming from what side of the aisle? [In reply to] Can't Post
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We DO NOT stand up down there! It buggs me seeing this on some videos.
You'd probably have a stroke if you saw how we shoot. I'm on bride' side with camera, tripod , and dolly. LOL
......................................................................
Philadelphia Wedding Video
The Kenneth Stillman Blog
Philadelphia Trash the Dress


JC/DV
Veteran


Feb 25, 2008, 6:03 PM

Post #18 of 31 (595 views)
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Re: [Kenneth] Filming from what side of the aisle? [In reply to] Can't Post
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In Reply To
We DO NOT stand up down there! It buggs me seeing this on some videos.
You'd probably have a stroke if you saw how we shoot. I'm on bride' side with camera, tripod , and dolly. LOL
Down at the end of the aisle in front of the bridesmaids?

Jerome
JC/DV Productions - Website - Blog

Technology. It does wonders if you know how to use it.


Kenneth
Veteran


Feb 25, 2008, 6:20 PM

Post #19 of 31 (588 views)
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Re: [JC/DV] Filming from what side of the aisle? [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
In Reply To
In Reply To
We DO NOT stand up down there! It buggs me seeing this on some videos.
You'd probably have a stroke if you saw how we shoot. I'm on bride' side with camera, tripod , and dolly. LOL
Down at the end of the aisle in front of the bridesmaids?
That would be me!!! I think it's the best way to get the groom, as well as the bride, since you're not practically right in front of the groom if you're on the other side.

i also think it's better for the father lifting the veil. I prefer to see him instead of her. And it's definitly the best position for the handshake with the groom.
......................................................................
Philadelphia Wedding Video
The Kenneth Stillman Blog
Philadelphia Trash the Dress


JC/DV
Veteran


Feb 25, 2008, 6:29 PM

Post #20 of 31 (586 views)
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Re: [Kenneth] Filming from what side of the aisle? [In reply to] Can't Post
In Reply To
We DO NOT stand up down there! It buggs me seeing this on some videos.
You'd probably have a stroke if you saw how we shoot. I'm on bride' side with camera, tripod , and dolly. LOL
Down at the end of the aisle in front of the bridesmaids?
That would be me!!! I think it's the best way to get the groom, as well as the bride, since you're not practically right in front of the groom if you're on the other side.

i also think it's better for the father lifting the veil. I prefer to see him instead of her. And it's definitly the best position for the handshake with the groom.
WHY THE F&$# WOULD YOU DO THAT? Seriously? Yes, there are many great shots we could all get. Why don't you just get up there and stand next to the minister? I'm sorry, but this IS EXACTLY ONE OF THE REASONS that videographers has such a bad rep! Who the hell wants to see some ugly mug (whether you look good or not) standing up there blocking members of the wedding party? You can get many great shots of the father lifting the veil and such...

Here's some other ideas for you since you like to get in to the action...

1- Walk in between the bride and her father to get that "bride POV walking down the aisle"
2- Pretend you are the best man giving the groom the ring (if no ring bearer)
3- Sit on the mother of the bride's lap to get that "family view"
4- Lay down on the organ/piano to get a nice reveal shot from the flowers placed on it during the kiss.

Good God son..... I'm glad you aren't in my area to tarnish videographer's reputations.

Jerome
JC/DV Productions - Website - Blog

Technology. It does wonders if you know how to use it.


Kenneth
Veteran


Feb 25, 2008, 6:52 PM

Post #21 of 31 (580 views)
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Re: [JC/DV] Filming from what side of the aisle? [In reply to] Can't Post
To me, being unobtrusive does not mean getting crappy shots from a frog's ass point of view...or the Goodyear Blimp perspective from the balcony. We get right in there and get the good shot. After the bride comes down we go off to the sides. the couples are told all his in advance and they have no problem with it. And NOBODY has ever complained.

Getting the good shot is more important than blocking a bridesmaid view. Maybe it's BECAUSE I am willing to be bold and get those good shots that my company is doing much better than many videographers in the area. I'm only 15 bookings away from making the same dollar amount I did last year. We are WAY ahead of schedule of doing the same volume as last year, which will mean we make $35K more than last year.

So if nobody's complaining and more people are booking us, how do you figure we are giving the video industry a bad rep?


http://www.kennethstillmanvideo.com/demos.html
......................................................................
Philadelphia Wedding Video
The Kenneth Stillman Blog
Philadelphia Trash the Dress


JC/DV
Veteran


Feb 25, 2008, 6:58 PM

Post #22 of 31 (577 views)
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Re: [Kenneth] Filming from what side of the aisle? [In reply to] Can't Post
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how do you figure we are giving the video industry a bad rep?
 Defend it how you want, but how many times do we all hear... "Video &/or Photo must not move during ceremony" OR "You people must stay in the balcony or in the back"?????????????? ITs because of sh1t like this.

Jerome
JC/DV Productions - Website - Blog

Technology. It does wonders if you know how to use it.


Kenneth
Veteran


Feb 25, 2008, 7:49 PM

Post #23 of 31 (568 views)
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Re: [JC/DV] Filming from what side of the aisle? [In reply to] Can't Post
Well, first of all,I NEVER ask the clergy for the rules before a ceremony. I set my camera off to the side of the pew so he thinks that's where I'm going to be and then I get to the center just as the parents start walking down. This is called "plausible deniability". If I don't know the rules I can't break them. So the priest might not be 100% happy with this, but once the bride comes down we are off to the side and out of the way for the rest.

I will usually go over to the priest while he is cleaning up and and ask him if he was okay with how we operated and I have never had a priest tell me I was in the way.

I think church rules come from videographers who don't respect the sacristy, like going on the altar and running around the church. We never do either of these things.
......................................................................
Philadelphia Wedding Video
The Kenneth Stillman Blog
Philadelphia Trash the Dress


Kenneth
Veteran


Feb 25, 2008, 8:40 PM

Post #24 of 31 (549 views)
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Re: [JC/DV] Filming from what side of the aisle? [In reply to] Can't Post
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In Reply To
how do you figure we are giving the video industry a bad rep?
 Defend it how you want, but how many times do we all hear... "Video &/or Photo must not move during ceremony" OR "You people must stay in the balcony or in the back"?????????????? ITs because of sh1t like this.
Maybe down in the bible belt things are a little different but in Philadelphia I only have a problem in about 1 in 40 weddings where the priest gives us any kind of hard time.

Our worst incident ever was a priest that refused to let my team or the photographer even in the church because the bride and groom had a child out of wedlock. My sister was able to sweet talk him and get in the church but we got nothing coming up the aisle.
......................................................................
Philadelphia Wedding Video
The Kenneth Stillman Blog
Philadelphia Trash the Dress


JC/DV
Veteran


Feb 25, 2008, 8:47 PM

Post #25 of 31 (546 views)
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Re: [Kenneth] Filming from what side of the aisle? [In reply to] Can't Post
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Maybe down in the bible belt things are a little different but in Philadelphia I only have a problem in about 1 in 40 weddings where the priest gives us any kind of hard time.

Our worst incident ever was a priest that refused to let my team or the photographer even in the church because the bride and groom had a child out of wedlock. My sister was able to sweet talk him and get in the church but we got nothing coming up the aisle.
Its not just here "in the bible belt".... do a search on the forums here and see how many people have brought this up in the past. They are from all over the place.

What would a B&G having a child out of wedlock have anything to do with the videographers and photographers? Crazy

Jerome
JC/DV Productions - Website - Blog

Technology. It does wonders if you know how to use it.

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