I’m so excited we will be working together!
Thanks for taking the time to view my shooter guide. The purpose of this is to give you some visual representation of the type of footage I am expecting from my second and associate shooters. The goal is for your shots to emulate and match my style to ensure a cohesive look to my films. This is how I shoot a typical wedding day, so feel free to reference this page when we are working together.
This is by no means the “right way” to film a wedding. It’s just the style I’ve honed over the past 6 years of shooting. Always feel free to reach out to me with any questions!
Below are some general helpful tips to keep in mind when second and associate shooting for my brand:
Please always get a wide, medium, and close up shot of each moment, scene, detail. Think like an editor when you are shooting. What would you want to cut to?
Please use some sort of stabilizer (monopod, tripod, gimbal) when shooting. I personally don’t love the shaky look of handheld and it doesn’t align with the look of my films so use sparingly.
When it comes to shooting details and broll please film each clip for 10 seconds before you move into the next framing.
When shooting people I would rather you capture the genuine moment than to have precise framing and exposure. Changing settings in the middle of a moment makes the footage unusable. Let moments play out organically first, then ask them to recreate the moment if you need to get a closer shot or different angle.
Don’t be afraid to direct a moment if you missed the shot. I often have them zip the dress 2 times. Ask mom to hug the bride once she’s in her dress. Ask the bride to smile if her face is too serious. Approach this in a fun and personable way. i.e. “Mom, feel free to give her a hug!” “Bride, you look amazing! Can you believe it’s your wedding day?” This will usually elicit the response you’re looking for.
Always get a wide shot for safety, but typically most of my films live in the medium and close up shots.
BROLL
Broll can be anything in nature so flowers, plants, trees, ect. Bonus points for wildlife! (i.e. birds, bees, deer, bunny).
Broll can also be interesting details about the venue (ie. Lights, artwork, doors, fountains, windmills, ect.)
Remember to get a wide, medium, and close up shot of each item.
ESTABLISHING SHOTS
Shots of the venue: These are usually wide shots, but feel free to get mediums and close ups on anything interesting (i.e. house number, door handle). Bonus points if you can get guests entering the venue.
GROOM/GROOMSMAN
Typically, this is the part of the day that you will be filming solo. Remember to keep your shot variety in mind and be thinking like an editor. Get shots that will tell the story of the morning (see first video).
Be sure to get a “hero” shot of the groom: A medium and/or close-up shot of the groom laughing, smiling, or doing something that is uniquely his personality.
Be sure to focus on the key players, like the Best Man and Father(s) of the Groom and Bride.
GROOM GETTING READY
Put the groom next to a window or a nice light source (below is the shot list).
Groom putting on jacket. (Wide and Medium/CU) Ask the groom to repeat his same actions on the second shot.
CU-straightening tie.
CU-buttoning jacket.
CU-any additional details (watch, boutineer, ect.)
Hero Shot
CEREMONY
Typically you will be focused on the groom during the ceremony. Depending on the venue, I may have you get a tracking shot behind the bride as she’s walking down.
FAMILY PORTRAITS
I know a lot of videographers don’t capture family portraits, but this is actually one of the most important parts of the day to me and my couples. I always try to be there if the timeline allows, but this could be another part of the day that you may be capturing solo. Set up a wide shot on a tripod, and a medium/close up (depending on how large the group) on a monopod or gimbal. Some things to keep in mind:
Leave some headspace in the top of the frame. Be sure no one’s head is getting cut off.
No panning shots. I’m just not a fan and will rarely use this type of shot here. If it is a large group just focus on single shots of individuals for your tighter shot.
Direct family members to look at each other once the photographer has their shot.
Don’t be afraid to stand right next to the photographer.