Hi All,

After months of reading and learning from all of you, I've decided to post a Save the Date clip to share. I know I still have a lot to improve on.

http://www.vimeo.com/829274

Any comments and feedback would be great.

Thanks.

Hi Ryan,
I wasn't feeling it. I didn't feel that there was a story being told here. I just felt like I was watching two people hang out at the pier, there really wasn't a purpose. I did like the use of photos, I thought they were done well. Some good shots but more practice with handheld and they'll become much more fluid. I feel that the save the date videos should show a little about the couple yet always hinting at the upcoming date. You could use numbers, letters, quick flashes of either and all the while telling a story so we are being guided. Overall not bad for your first attempt.

Thanks for sharing Ryan.


As mentioned, the shots could be better composed. The editing needs to be tightened as some shots lingered far too long than they need to be.

I would suggest too that save the dates should be more "teaser-ish". A minute and half max.

Cheers!

Thanks Jason and Jason for your feedback.

I've done some editing before but this was actually the first time shooting the video. I probably could have used some interviews to help tell the story. The couple is actually having a destination wedding and the date at the end was more for an after-party for those who couldn't make it.

I definitely agree that I have to work on my handheld shots. Do you have any tips to make them more fluid like, or to better compose the shot?

I love the work that you do and any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

I watched the video before reading any of the responses, and my first thought was that too many of the shots were onscreen for too long. I also agree that you could probably reduce the overall video length by half. This would keep it more concise and also allow you to shorten the length of the shots you're using.

As for shooting, try to avoid walking with the couple because your shots will end up "bouncy" unless you use a stabilizer. Instead, have the couple walk towards you or away from you while you stay put. To help with steadiness, keep the camera up against your body as much as possible. I like placing the back of the camera against my hip or shoulder when I'm not using it with a support system.

Overall, though, the video was good enough that I'm sure the couple will like it.

Thanks Travis. I'll keep those tips in mind. I have my first wedding in two weeks so I'm excited and nervous at the same time.

The couple did enjoy the video.

I would have picked up the pace a bit with the editing and had the couple do more cutesy fun things - feed the sea gulls, interact with street performers, play arcade games, etc. They spend a lot of time just standing there looking off in the distance.