I am pretty new to wedding videography and still learning a lot. I shoot all my video myself and edit with FCP.

I do have 20 years military video experience, but weddings are a lot different...lol

Please be nice, but do give me your input as I want to learn and only get better!!

Thank you for your time!!

Wedding Prep on Vimeo (http://www.vimeo.com/1908983)

John & Jennifer Wedding on Vimeo (http://www.vimeo.com/1262367)

Yes, I do know that the music is the same for both video. But the couples do not know that and well, if it works for the price. I use music from stock20.com I try to use the downloads as much as I can as to save money on each project.


Steven

Wow, 121 views and not a comment...hhmm....ok

OK, just to start the comments!
Interesting style, more like a documentary than what I'd think of as a wedding video. Sound quality good, also quite like the soft focus style.
One thing that sturck me is the need to be pretty careful with moving the camera about, some of it could do with being a bit more steady I though, slower moves maybe - I know it's maybe not practical, but this is why people use steadycams, 'cos it keeps the image nice n steady!
Hope this starts the ball rolling, best wishes.
Steve

what camera did you use for the wedding video?

Thanks Steve and Micheal!!

I am trying to get used to filming weddings. I have been in the Air Force for the past 20 years and been a "Documentation Specialist"...thus probably the reason for the documentary look.

The moments. I have seen so many good videos using movement and tried it myself..I cannot afford a Steadicam at this time, but will look into one.

Micheal, I shot the wedding with a XH-A1.

Thank you again for the comments!!!

Nifty beans. I really liked the shots with the faded colors. Did you use any kind of 35mm adapter or was everything shot straight from factory lens?

i like the sound and i agree a stedicam would help a lot in your videos.

im curious on why theres stepping in the first video.

Hi there, I think if you post this at the Wedding thread, you'll get more comments.

Enjoyed both videos Steven. I also thought that the documentary style was a refreshing break away from the typical event feel, although I do understand the significance of that style too. Perhaps the documentary feel could be added as a supplementary to the more traditional event capture style, just a thought.

Although everyone seems to think that a steadicam might be useful for you I would think otherwise. Even though I've no real experience in this style I can't think of anything more intrusive and distracting than a videographer chugging around with a steadicam rig at a wedding reception. Wedding receptions are filled with nervous, excited people who are not actors and probably haven't seen a steadicam and would simply be distracted by it. I've always believed that documentary filmmakers (and wedding videographers) should blend in rather than stand out.

Perhaps you could work on steadying your hand more. I know that sharp shooters have exercises for that kind of thing. Personally, I practice fluid camera movements whenever I get the chance.

Cheers!

Nifty beans. I really liked the shots with the faded colors. Did you use any kind of 35mm adapter or was everything shot straight from factory lens?

I used TMTS Video filter stylize custom diffusion. They can be found at this website

Too Much Too Soon Free Plugins for Final Cut Pro and Final Cut Express (http://www.mattias.nu/plugins/)

It was a free download that I added as a plugin for FCP. As far as faded colors I have been using desaturate filter in FCP and adjusting it to something that I like.

Thanks all for your comments and suggestions! I truly do want to learn more and get better at telling a couples story of their special day.

What I have been doing is having a "prep" video that opens the DVD, then have the "Ceremony", then the "reception". The "prep" video is just something that I have been using to sorta tell the story of the couple.

So, on the final DVD it has 3 sections. You can play each one separately or hit the 4th button which plays all.

Again, thanks for the helpful comments...Thanks Ali

Steven