I don't know how I wind up in these situations, but I do.

My stepfather volunteered me for a wedding. I've never shot a wedding and honestly, I'm not interested in doing it for a living, but if I don't do this, then I'll be a poop.

I've tried to explain that I don't have a wireless mic to him. He ain't having it.

So, I was hoping that someone might help me figure out how to get the best sound with the equipment that I have. I have an XL-1 camera with the usual on board mic that comes with the package. This is it.

The set up is a large auditorium (church).

Tonight is the rehearsal dinner. I'm actually pretty nervous considering this is something I know little about.

*whimpers in corner*

Kel

RENT A WIRELESS MIC
RENT A WIRELESS MIC
RENT A WIRELESS MIC
RENT A WIRELESS MIC
RENT A WIRELESS MIC
RENT A WIRELESS MIC
RENT A WIRELESS MIC
RENT A WIRELESS MIC
RENT A WIRELESS MIC
RENT A WIRELESS MIC
RENT A WIRELESS MIC
RENT A WIRELESS MIC
RENT A WIRELESS MIC

I'm not kidding. Do it. Otherwise you will have to stick your camera 3 feet from the B&G to get the audio from the vows, and that's probably not going to happen.

LOL Dylan

I will try to find one today in time for the ceremony. Thanks for the advice. :)

Kel

Kelly,

If it's in a large venue that has a PA system they will be using, you may be able to get decent audio from the control board. Hate to suggest cassette but it would at least be a cheap (and readily available) alternate source for audio. You would sure be better off recording with something better than cassette (another DV cam? MiniDisc? VCR or VHS VCR) but.... In a bind both time and money wise, your options are not great.

Kelly,

Also a good chance they HAVE a wireless if it's a big place with a PA. Might be able to sweet talk them into using it. Check at the rehersal.

If you don't have a wireless and can't rent one, the one option is to hide a shotgun or a unidirectional mic somewhere in the altar where it will be fairly close to the wedding couple during the vows. Use a long cable (balanced XLR if possible) to the camera.

Perhaps the church can loan a wired mic?

If all else fails, then the only hope is that your stepfather's expectations aren't too high and that having only ambient audio is OK. Just make sure your name's not anywhere on the tape... :-)

By the way, don't feel too bad. This past weekend my brother handed me his Hi8 camera to shoot his stepdaughter's wedding as what little was left of the evening's twilight faded. And the ceremony had just started. Too late to figure out where the white balance control was, too.

Dean Sensui
Base Two Productions

Thanks guys for all your replies. I think I have it figured out. Keyword being "think".

Anyway, I always appreciate all the help I get here. *blows kisses* :-)

Kel

Kelly, this thread might be of use to you. I got volunteered fora wedding once too...

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6826&highlight=volunteered+wedding