Contemporary Chicago Wedding Videography
by Marco Rodriguez
Videojournalism is the art of using a video camera to take spontaneous shots throughout an event. Many brides are accustomed to wedding videos of the past that include tacky graphics and cheesy music to tell the story. Thankfully, the evolution of wedding videos has changed over the last twenty years along with the technology. Today’s brides are viewing wedding demos that look more like documentaries rather than low-budget movies shot by their friends.
Here are some things to think about as you shop for a videographer.
Angles and Composition
The technique of shooting a live event is the most important factor to consider when selecting a wedding videographer. Weddings are stressful, and videographers have to be on their toes to catch the special moments with a creative eye. When you watch their demo, check to see if the videographer picks the right time to get close-up shots and the wide-angle shots throughout the day. A close-up is very intimate, so you shouldn’t see a wide-shot throughout your entire first dance.
Camera Steadiness
Watch for a lot of shaky hand-held shots and soft focus shots that may not have been in the final video. The reason that many wedding video services use a lot of special effects is to hide typical mistakes a videographer can make while shooting.
Style
See if the videographer takes shots that seem unique and personal. A good videographer is always attentive to what a couple is doing throughout the event. He/she will notice if a couple is having their own special moment in the midst of the chaos around them. Small instances like these can make the final video that much more personal, and not the typical cookie cutter video.
Talented videographers maintain an unobtrusive presence in order to shoot the most natural interactions between a bride and groom. Usually, it only takes a few minutes for the couple to forget that the videographer is near, thereby allowing him/her to pick up tender exchanges between the two.
A 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.
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