A wedding video shoot is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime event that you must ensure goes perfectly. It captures the most critical event of a couple’s life, enabling them to share the memories with family and friends. It also offers a lifelong reminder of the special day. However, not adequately preparing for the shoot causes you to lose focus on what is crucial. 

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As a professional, ensure that everyone involved is relaxed and comfortable. You also must have everything needed to capture, produce, and share the video production. For instance, do you have the right tools to edit video, the right camera, and a backup plan if something gets damaged? Here are tips to make the event successful.

Prep the Couple Before the Wedding Video Shoot

Before the shoot, take the time to get to know the couple. You’ll understand their preferences, priorities, and stories. Knowing who they are as individuals, their interests and unique traits will give you an idea of the shooting style and dynamic. Ask plenty of questions about what kind of shots they would like, what is significant to them, and if you should include any special memories. 

You can also talk to important people in their lives, such as family and close friends, to uncover unique stories to incorporate into the video. Do this a few weeks before the shoot to give yourself enough time to review the answers and plan accordingly. It also lets the couple figure out their vision unhurriedly.

Research Locations in Advance

Researching everything about the locations you plan for the wedding video shoot is critical. If possible, visit the site before the wedding day and note any special features or aspects that would make a great shot. Know the layout, spot potential obstacles, and choose the best angles for each scene. You can even use a drone to get an aerial view of the venue.

Suggest specific locations, such as a local park or beach, when the couple has no particular place in mind. List potential spots to use, take photos, and discuss each venue. The effort helps them realize which location suits their vision best.

When shooting from different locations, come prepared with various equipment for lighting and weather conditions. Have extra batteries and memory cards and determine the quickest and most efficient way to move from one location to the next.

Have a Backup Plan

Things may go differently than planned. Lousy weather, equipment breakdowns, or other technical issues can arise. Come up with a backup plan. Have multiple options for the shoot in case something unexpected happens. For example, if the ceremony or reception is outdoors and it rains, have an indoor location available for the shoot.

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Having a professional contact list will help if any issues arise. It should include details of people assisting you with last-minute tasks, such as a makeup artist, hairdresser, or florist. Remember to have a backup camera, batteries, memory cards, and other necessary equipment.

It also pays to have at least one extra person on the video shoot. They can help with various tasks, such as carrying equipment and keeping everyone in the shot at all times. You’ll also have a second set of eyes to spot something special happening in the scene.

Create a Schedule

Creating a schedule means you won’t miss any crucial moments. It also keeps the shoot on track and allows everyone to be where they need to be at a specific time. Have a plan for the entire day, capturing all special moments, such as when the couple is getting ready or exchanging vows. 

Talk to the couple to understand what kind of shots they would like, then create a detailed timeline for the day and stick to it. For instance, do they want a slow-motion shot when walking down the aisle or something more intimate, like a hug after they say their vows?

It’s also important to be realistic when creating the schedule. Allow extra time for unexpected events and delays. If you must skip any shots, discuss it with the couple first and explain why it’s necessary. Because you cannot be everywhere simultaneously, have an assistant or second shooter capture different angles. 

Capture Enough Footage

Allow extra time to get creative and take more shots from different angles and perspectives. Quality is always better than quantity, but having enough footage to choose from will give you more editing room. Capture candid moments, such as when family and friends greet the newlyweds or discuss something with a wedding planner. 

Protect and Test Your Equipment

It’s frustrating when equipment fails during the wedding video shoot. As such, double-check that all your gear is functioning properly. Check whether it’s clean, the lenses are free from dust and fingerprints, and every device is fully charged. If you have backup equipment, test it beforehand. 

The day before, check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly. Moreover, protect your equipment from the elements. For example, if you’re shooting in a humid outdoor environment, protect your gear in an airtight container. When using a microphone, test whether it picks up sound correctly.

Edit the Video

Editing the video is a time-consuming process; allot enough time for it. It requires patience, an eye for detail, and the right tools. Invest in reliable software and plugins to get the best results. You’ll also need a powerful computer with enough storage space to handle large video files. 

To get the most out of your videos, look for editing techniques that make your finished product stand out. Different transitions, visual effects, and captions combine the footage and enhance the story. Discuss additional formats, such as a DVD or Blu-ray copy, when delivering the video to the couple. You can also offer an online download link they can easily access.

Have Fun

Above all, have fun and enjoy the experience. Because the anxiety to look perfect can overwhelm couples, talk to them and ease their worries. Where possible, offer a reassuring presence. After delivering the final product, follow up and thank them for hiring you. It will go a long way in building your relationship, leading to referral business.