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One of the biggest events for your client is the ceremony itself, and because of that, you're gonna want to make sure you do everything right the first time. The ceremony is a one-time shot and there are no retakes, so it's best to be prepared and gets lots of coverage to ensure you get shots from every angle, from the vows to the rings being exchanged. A must and the new standard in the wedding videography industry is using multiple cameras to cover all the activity.

If you're a one-man band, you can fix cameras at various positions and use your main camera as a rover. If you weren't at the rehearsal, grab a copy of the program so you can figure out what's gonna happen during the ceremony.

Many churches have different policies on where the videographer can stand, whether they can move around and the use of in-house lights. Make sure you're well aware of these rules and regulations before the wedding day.

During the wedding, the photographer is your best friend. Work alongside them and try to stay out of their pictures. Still photographers usually have shot photos with the couples previous to the event, so why not use that to your advantage and allow them to direct the bride and groom.

Use a tripod, it's a crucial part of your production kit. Before the ceremony is over, your camera is gonna feel like it weighs two tons, use a tripod to maintain steady shots.

You normally want to begin behind the altar with your camera on a tripod. Shoot the wedding party walking down the aisles. Do not follow each person, hold a fixed position, either wide or a medium shot, and allow everyone to walk in and out of the shot. You should already be focused on the bride's entrance while all of this is happening. Follow her as she walks down the aisle. You should go to the side where you can get the best shot of the bride. It is much more important to videotape the bride than the groom.

You should stay in one place unless, of course, someone moves in front of your shot. Keep the camera rolling and hold each shot for several minutes, getting a wide shot at first, then a medium and then a close-up. Make your zooms very slow and your camera movements very slight. You want people to concentrate on the bride and the groom and not the camera movements. Make sure to get a medium, close-up and wide shot of the couple.

You'll want to go over an equipment checklist. This will ensure you have all the equipment ready before the big day. Don't forget about tapes, label them ahead of time so it's easier to keep them in order. You'll also need an extra battery; one probably won't last you through the whole day. If you don't have enough batteries, be sure to bring your charger so that you can recharge the batteries during downtime.

Capturing great audio is important, what is even more crucial is mic placement. You won't be able to mic the bride but you'll be able to mic the groom. By placing a lapel microphone on the groom, you'll capture great audio.

In sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, according to the gospel of a Ordinance, I pledge my love.

The ceremony is a big day for the bride, the groom and yourself, however, using these tips and tricks will ensure you produce excellent wedding video from start to finish.

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