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Home: Video University Forums: Wedding & Event Videography:
First wedding shoot

 

 


X-jack_p
Imported Account

May 1, 2003, 11:10 PM

Post #1 of 5 (416 views)
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First wedding shoot Can't Post

Hello all,
Well after seven months of preparation I will be shooting my first wedding this Saturday in front of a 300+ guest list...I don't think I would have been ready without all of your help on this site, you have been of great help.
One last question before my big day (or is it the bride and grooms big day?) Anyway, do any of you have anything that you could share with me to help calm my nerves...Or would you like to share any of your mistakes or mishaps that I could learn from.....
Thank you in advance,
Jack
P.S. I will let you know how I did when it is over then I can post my mistakes and mishaps...........


X-al
Imported Account

May 1, 2003, 11:21 PM

Post #2 of 5 (415 views)
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Re: First wedding shoot Can't Post

Congrats! I had my first one last Saturday...I posted prior to the big day as well and received greatinfo from all the vets on this board (thanks again!)
Here's the post...
http://www.videouniversity.com/wwwboard/wedding/messages/30193.html
Good luck and have fun!
Al
: Hello all,
: Well after seven months of preparation I will be shooting my first wedding this Saturday in front of a 300+ guest list...I don't think I would have been ready without all of your help on this site, you have been of great help.
: One last question before my big day (or is it the bride and grooms big day?) Anyway, do any of you have anything that you could share with me to help calm my nerves...Or would you like to share any of your mistakes or mishaps that I could learn from.....
: Thank you in advance,
: Jack
: P.S. I will let you know how I did when it is over then I can post my mistakes and mishaps...........


X-judy_w
Imported Account

May 2, 2003, 8:10 AM

Post #3 of 5 (416 views)
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Re: First wedding shoot [In reply to] Can't Post

by all means go to the rehearsal. portray confidence and dress nice. some rehearsals are blue jeans and some are suits. but look your best.introduce yourself to the priest,minister whoever will be officiating. also introduce yourself to the families on both side. we always bring a vx2000 with us to work on placement and also video the signing of the license this night. we have our pre-ceremony shots for the b&g on card stock that will fit in our pockets so we are organized. when we meet up the next day for the ceremony we have props we carry (teak ring boxes, black and white material, etc.) We set up a collage of bride items on the material for an opener of a segement (garter,shoes,bouquet,
etc) this is placed on the material we bring. we like some footage of the bride coming into the church, usually in her jeans but veil and hair is done. they usually say something cute at this time so we use the audio on the pre part of the video. i always present a business card to the photog. before the wedding and just some small talk goes on then onto business. i carry bottle water for ourselves and one for the photographer. it's really a long day. most important is make sure you are on record when the ceremony starts.
be organized and good luck.
judy w.

: Hello all,
: Well after seven months of preparation I will be shooting my first wedding this Saturday in front of a 300+ guest list...I don't think I would have been ready without all of your help on this site, you have been of great help.
: One last question before my big day (or is it the bride and grooms big day?) Anyway, do any of you have anything that you could share with me to help calm my nerves...Or would you like to share any of your mistakes or mishaps that I could learn from.....
: Thank you in advance,
: Jack
: P.S. I will let you know how I did when it is over then I can post my mistakes and mishaps...........


X-Jenn_M
Imported Account

May 2, 2003, 12:27 PM

Post #4 of 5 (416 views)
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Re: sometimes it's the little things [In reply to] Can't Post

Sometimes it's the little things that can mean a lot, things like a mini-screwdriver set. Brian keeps one with the gear and we've had to use it on several occasions. Also, black electrical tape, just in case something , like a light bracket, breaks. Anything can happen... Extra everything - tapes, batteries, replacement bulbs. It's kind of like a first-aid kit for gear.
Someone else mentioned, I believe, to make a list of all your equip so you don't forget anything on the way to or from. Brian actually labels it's place inside the case so he can tell at a glance if something is missing. Also, label everything w/ your business name and phone. Hopefully, if you do leave it behind, someone will be kind enough to call.
and whatever you do, keep close track of tapes. it's never happened where we lost one, but sometimes in a rush, you can stick it in a coat pocket after changing tapes and forget where you put it. Oh what a horrible feeling when you think you lost it! We rubber band them together and ALWAYS label the tape and case by # and replace the appropriate tape to the corresponding case. A systematic approach reduces our chance for error.
Lastly, several mentioned introducing yourself to the photog, which is definitely wise. Also, I would suggest an intro w/ the DJ/band prior to the recep. b/c sometimes there are last minute changes and they are usually the ones who would know. It's a good idea to ask about toasts and prayer - what table will they be taking place at, etc. b/c understandably guests won't think to wait for you - and though it works in a photograph, you can't come into a toast half way thru and get away with it. I even ask the DJ/band to hold the mic until we're ready, which is usually a matter of seconds, but sometimes seconds count.
Good luck!
And have fun...
-Jenn M


X-Marshall
Imported Account

May 2, 2003, 6:24 PM

Post #5 of 5 (415 views)
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Re: First wedding shoot [In reply to] Can't Post

Be a professional! Be extra, EXTRA courteous to everyone...B&G, parents, relatives, other guests, other vendors. People will remember you if you exude confidence and professionalism. If someone needs help with something and you can...help them.
Be mindful of ALL the information your viewfinder is telling you...RECORD light on, battery level, audio level, other manual settings. WHITE BALANCE OFTEN! Good advice above about keeping track of your tapes...number them ahead of time.
Bring a handkerchief with you. Even though you will be outwardly confident, the adrenalin rush of capturing a once-in-a-lifetime event might make you sweat a little. Don't be embarrassed if you need to wipe your brow (I do it often).
Lastly, HAVE FUN! and good shooting!
Marshall