As a solo shooter I use 4 cameras. So the bride cam is set up already before the processional. I use the gimbal camera the same way, and it also leaves me with a camera to get reactions of the front row during vows etc.
I've gone back and forth so many times if a 4th camera is worth it. It would be super helpful to have, however I never wanted to spend the extra money on a camera I would use for just a few shots on the ceremony. Love those reaction shots during the ceremony, though.
this is VERY similar to what we do. Only difference is that we use 4 cameras minimum. Also LOVE that you mentioned that the 180 rule changes once the ceremony actually starts after the processional! Great video!
Thanks so much for this, Nick! I was able to do this at my last wedding and it worked out really well. A lot less stressful than how we were doing it before! I do have a question that I hope you can answer - (4:01-4:05) You mention taking your camera off of autofocus, going to manual, and leaving the camera. What happens if your groom moves and no one is there to adjust focus until after the processional? That reaction shot is always a high request for me.
I try to position the camera in a place where people won't get in front of it. I take it off autofocus so that the camera doesn't end up on the officiant or someone else. I leave the camera at f4.0 or greater to get more in focus. I'll hang out on the groom as long as I can to make sure he stays in focus when the bride comes down the aisle. An overwhelming majority of the time, this works.
If you'd like to add a 3rd as a solo shooter you're going to have to find out which angles you want to be unmanned. I would probably have an unmanned camera as a reaction at the front. After the groom gets to the front get that camera locked off. I'd then move and get the up the aisle shot of people walking down. If you want to add in a gimbal as your 3rd I would hold off on adding this until the main part of the ceremony starts. Hope that helps!
I’ve been using three so far and have everything locked off. But I love the idea of a gimbal for you to add that small movement!!I have been wanting to add a process to get more reaction shots from family and guests.
Interesting that you shoot the ceremony with only 3 cameras. I'm doing 5 right now; two identical bride and groom cameras on opposite sides, a 70-200 straight down the aisle, a wide angle at the back off to the side, and then I fly around with my 24-70. And I've even considered picking up another camera solely just for reactions in the front row. I just want to make sure my couples are getting every angle they could want but sometimes I wonder if I've gone overboard lol. I'm solo too so its a lot to set up by myself (I mic everybody up and get the DJ feed too).
Seems like a lot, but if it works for you - do it! I decided that I wanted to be as minimal during a ceremony where it was possible to get everything that I needed, therefore 3 cameras.
This is the most comprehensive "circumstance-based" technique showcase I've seen on youtube!!
So glad it’s helpful!
As a solo shooter I use 4 cameras. So the bride cam is set up already before the processional. I use the gimbal camera the same way, and it also leaves me with a camera to get reactions of the front row during vows etc.
I've gone back and forth so many times if a 4th camera is worth it. It would be super helpful to have, however I never wanted to spend the extra money on a camera I would use for just a few shots on the ceremony. Love those reaction shots during the ceremony, though.
this is VERY similar to what we do. Only difference is that we use 4 cameras minimum. Also LOVE that you mentioned that the 180 rule changes once the ceremony actually starts after the processional! Great video!
Thanks! I'm glad to know I'm doing something right 😂 I always wanted to do 4 ceremony angles, but never pulled the trigger on that extra body.
4? That sounds excessive 🤣
I wish I would have known this info 15 years ago... Great video my dude
Same! Thanks, buddy.
This is excellent. Thank you for sharing! Now, I'd love to see how you capture a Jewish Ceremony.
That's a great idea, and thank you!
Thanks so much for this, Nick! I was able to do this at my last wedding and it worked out really well. A lot less stressful than how we were doing it before! I do have a question that I hope you can answer - (4:01-4:05) You mention taking your camera off of autofocus, going to manual, and leaving the camera. What happens if your groom moves and no one is there to adjust focus until after the processional? That reaction shot is always a high request for me.
I try to position the camera in a place where people won't get in front of it. I take it off autofocus so that the camera doesn't end up on the officiant or someone else. I leave the camera at f4.0 or greater to get more in focus.
I'll hang out on the groom as long as I can to make sure he stays in focus when the bride comes down the aisle.
An overwhelming majority of the time, this works.
3 cameras is my limit as a solo shooter. I tried 4 as a solo and that’s way too much. This was a great video showing the movement of the 180 line.
I've tried 4 a couple of times - not for me!
This video is perfect! I love all the video examples you give and the 180 rule is so helpful
So glad it was helpful!
This is so informative! Do you have tips for those who are mostly shooting solo, but would like to incorporate that 3rd camera?
If you'd like to add a 3rd as a solo shooter you're going to have to find out which angles you want to be unmanned. I would probably have an unmanned camera as a reaction at the front. After the groom gets to the front get that camera locked off. I'd then move and get the up the aisle shot of people walking down. If you want to add in a gimbal as your 3rd I would hold off on adding this until the main part of the ceremony starts. Hope that helps!
this video is hopeful thank you
Glad it helped!
great video and super helpful!
I’ve been using three so far and have everything locked off. But I love the idea of a gimbal for you to add that small movement!!I have been wanting to add a process to get more reaction shots from family and guests.
If you can find something that works for you, this would add a lot!
Interesting that you shoot the ceremony with only 3 cameras. I'm doing 5 right now; two identical bride and groom cameras on opposite sides, a 70-200 straight down the aisle, a wide angle at the back off to the side, and then I fly around with my 24-70. And I've even considered picking up another camera solely just for reactions in the front row. I just want to make sure my couples are getting every angle they could want but sometimes I wonder if I've gone overboard lol. I'm solo too so its a lot to set up by myself (I mic everybody up and get the DJ feed too).
Seems like a lot, but if it works for you - do it! I decided that I wanted to be as minimal during a ceremony where it was possible to get everything that I needed, therefore 3 cameras.
Exactly how did it, until I sold my gimbal. But I might be picking one up again...
Where in the world would you get an idea you don't need a gimbal?? 🤣
Sorry if I contributed to that decision and you regret it.