Contemporary Chicago Wedding Videography

Kissing coupleA couple should never worry about whether or not they are posing the right way or if they are in the right light. A good videographer stays out of the way and allows them to enjoy their special day. He/she stays close to the photographer but often refrains from making them pose for wacky video shots.

Technology

Some of the best videographers use 3-chip digital video cameras that are small and lightweight. Many of them also use wireless microphones and carry at least one tripod to get the steady shots during the ceremony. A number of these higher-end cameras can pick up images in low light settings, so videographers utilize on-camera lights only when necessary. Some reception sites can get very dark, so they use small camera lights to get the footage without pulling focus from the bride and groom.

Body of Work

When finalizing a selection for a videographer, make sure you see at least two completed wedding videos.  Look for differences between the two videos and look for typical mistakes, like odd exposure settings, shaky camera work, soft focus. Take note of any strange shooting locations and odd poses by the couple. In a good wedding video demo, you’ll find nice shot selections and private moments captured by the videographer.

It’s comforting to know the shooting style of your videographer ahead of time. Ask about the videographer who shot each wedding video and confirm the name of the person contracted to shoot your wedding that day. If possible, arrange a meeting with your videographer to get a sense of their personality. You don’t want to find out about a clash on the day of your wedding.

Video wedding services that use the term videojournalism on the websites may not necessarily shoot weddings in a journalistic way. Videographers that take shots in front of backdrops or bark posing instructions to you and your new husband, are not incorporating a journalistic style. Conducting a number of live camera interviews with family members and friends during the wedding is also an old way of shooting wedding videos from the past. Interviews tend to break the flow of the event.

Journalistic shooting is exciting and involves capturing the moment as it happens. A good videographer never knows what’s going to happen, but he/she is always ready when it does.


Marco Rodriguez is an independent filmmaker and cinematographer based in the Chicagoland area. Over the last few years he has shot of number of commercials, music videos, documentaries and award-winning films around the country. When he is not working on a film project or a new screenplay, he writes a regular column for Wedding Chicago.