My first 5 minute trailer in a while at DVinfo.net

My first 5 minute trailer in a while · November 4th, 2014, 04:06 PM

I usually stick to full length and 15 minute films, but this one lent itself to a very nice 5 minute trailer for the couple - I only promised them the full length.

As always, I'm annoyed at some of my mistakes, though this was shot solo, 3 camera, and they only asked for simple coverage. I took the opportunity to see if I could shoot a 3 camera wedding solo.

I got the speeches and dance footage since I was their MC/DJ

Noa Put · November 4th, 2014, 05:13 PM

I think it looked great, I only found that the ceremony footage had some quite noticeable colour differences between the different camera's.

Robert Benda · November 4th, 2014, 06:00 PM

Thanks, Noa.

That is the result of a lens choice. A classic lens from the 60s or 70s that I used because I liked the color, while stupidly ignoring what problems that would cause.

Adrian Tan · November 4th, 2014, 06:34 PM

Hey Robert,

A couple of things I found inspirational, because of how different they are to what I normally do:

-- shot from the back of the aisle during processional was epic. Love that shallow depth of field and the way you've composed it with audience in foreground.
-- shot from high up later on in the video
-- shot variety during the ceremony generally (I think I need to move my cameras around more)
-- wide angle but shallow depth of field, during bridal waltz particularly. I guess I found it striking because it isn't a look I normally use at all (my videos tend to be close and shallow, or wide and deep).
-- I've always liked the way you use sound.

Main noticeable issues are colour matching between cameras and some camera shake.

Thanks for posting!

Robert Benda · November 4th, 2014, 07:05 PM

Thank you, Adrian. Wow, really glad to hear you two reacting this way. Maybe I'm finally on to something. To be fair, this edit is based on a Joe Simon video.. naturally, can't hold a candle to his work, but I saw his short edit and immediately thought it was amazing how he fit so much into 4 or 5 minutes.

*ugh* yes, the camera shake. We have two Canon 70Ds, and the live autofocus is awesome IF you have the correct lenses. Shortly after this I figured out that 2 of our 4 STM lenses were not, in fact STM. They were USM versions of the exact same lenses and the only way to tell, other than that awful shudder/shake is to take the front cap off and there, and only there, will the lens description have STM. (we use the Canon 55-250mm f/5.6 for our up front cameras).

For shot variety, we use 5 camera positions, when possible. I like balcony shots for entrance/exit mostly, but here, a long Catholic wedding, during Communion works, too.

Camera #1 from the rear aisle stays put.
Camera #2 up front on the bride's side stays put. Great for the groom's face, B&G in their chairs, family faces, etc. I was usually at this camera
Camera #3 starts at the head of the aisle. I crouch as best I can, get the entire processional, then retreat once the bride enters. This camera ends up on the opposite side, up front, with a view of the bride's face during vows, and the readers and singers. I moved this one upstairs.

I really feel like I'm starting to figure out what I'm about, and my last two weddings I've really been happier. Still a fair number of easily correctable mistakes, but getting there.

Audio: finally switched back to a wireless mic on the priest/pastor. And since I was the MC/DJ, no worries about good sound off the mixer or some punter who screams on the mic :)

November 4th, 2014, 06:34 PM	#4
Adrian Tan Trustee Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 1,149	Re: My first 5 minute trailer in a while Hey Robert, A couple of things I found inspirational, because of how different they are to what I normally do: -- shot from the back of the aisle during processional was epic. Love that shallow depth of field and the way you've composed it with audience in foreground. -- shot from high up later on in the video -- shot variety during the ceremony generally (I think I need to move my cameras around more) -- wide angle but shallow depth of field, during bridal waltz particularly. I guess I found it striking because it isn't a look I normally use at all (my videos tend to be close and shallow, or wide and deep). -- I've always liked the way you use sound. Main noticeable issues are colour matching between cameras and some camera shake. Thanks for posting!

November 4th, 2014, 07:05 PM	#5
Robert Benda Trustee Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Crookston, MN Posts: 1,353	Re: My first 5 minute trailer in a while Thank you, Adrian. Wow, really glad to hear you two reacting this way. Maybe I'm finally on to something. To be fair, this edit is based on a Joe Simon video.. naturally, can't hold a candle to his work, but I saw his short edit and immediately thought it was amazing how he fit so much into 4 or 5 minutes. ugh yes, the camera shake. We have two Canon 70Ds, and the live autofocus is awesome IF you have the correct lenses. Shortly after this I figured out that 2 of our 4 STM lenses were not, in fact STM. They were USM versions of the exact same lenses and the only way to tell, other than that awful shudder/shake is to take the front cap off and there, and only there, will the lens description have STM. (we use the Canon 55-250mm f/5.6 for our up front cameras). For shot variety, we use 5 camera positions, when possible. I like balcony shots for entrance/exit mostly, but here, a long Catholic wedding, during Communion works, too. Camera #1 from the rear aisle stays put. Camera #2 up front on the bride's side stays put. Great for the groom's face, B&G in their chairs, family faces, etc. I was usually at this camera Camera #3 starts at the head of the aisle. I crouch as best I can, get the entire processional, then retreat once the bride enters. This camera ends up on the opposite side, up front, with a view of the bride's face during vows, and the readers and singers. I moved this one upstairs. I really feel like I'm starting to figure out what I'm about, and my last two weddings I've really been happier. Still a fair number of easily correctable mistakes, but getting there. Audio: finally switched back to a wireless mic on the priest/pastor. And since I was the MC/DJ, no worries about good sound off the mixer or some punter who screams on the mic :)

November 4th, 2014, 05:13 PM	#2
Noa Put Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Belgium Posts: 9,510	Re: My first 5 minute trailer in a while I think it looked great, I only found that the ceremony footage had some quite noticeable colour differences between the different camera's.

November 4th, 2014, 06:00 PM	#3
Robert Benda Trustee Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Crookston, MN Posts: 1,353	Re: My first 5 minute trailer in a while Thanks, Noa. That is the result of a lens choice. A classic lens from the 60s or 70s that I used because I liked the color, while stupidly ignoring what problems that would cause.