Absolute minimum gear needed to professionally shoot a wedding?

Warren Kawamoto · February 2nd, 2010, 12:55 PM

This is not gear, but the one thing you absolutely need is proof of liability insurance. If a guest trips over your slider and dislocates their hip from the fall, or if they accidentally knock over your light stand and it crashes down on someone's head.... you get the picture.

Will Tucker · February 3rd, 2010, 12:37 PM

In my opinion, I believe that 3 cameras is now the minimum for filming a ceremony. There are just too many wonderful, small, cheap options now a days. We all know things can happen during the ceremony. An aggressive photog that camps out in front of the stage for the entire ceremony for example. Depending on the placement of the 2nd camera, that behavior could turn your 2 camera shoot into a 1 camera shoot. I do realize that most of the time that won't happen, but I still think the cost/benefit ratio of having a small 3rd camera makes it worth it. Also, a lot of brides have asked me to get a close up of the groom's face when they walk down the isle. But they also want good footage of them coming down the isle. 3rd camera all the way on that one too.

I filmed a wedding once out on this ranch in Texas. It was outside next to a small lake, in a field of wild flowers--very beautiful. 2 cameras would have covered it just fine I'm sure, but the 3rd tied it together quite nicely in my opinon.

Just some thoughts.

Jason Robinson · February 3rd, 2010, 01:06 PM

Will I completely agree. Though the standard to which the "minimum" is applied determines what the minimum really is. For starters? For sustainable growth? For High End Clients?

Buba Kastorski · February 3rd, 2010, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Drummond

what items would you absolutely need in order to shoot a wedding?

hey Bob,
as for "minimum" part, i'd say you already have more than minimum, maybe add a nice shotgun and couple lowel lights for reception,(if it fits the budget)
but "professionally" is much more complicated, it takes more than just pro gear, I've seen crap shot on RED and amazing clips shot with HV20/30;
not even experience will guarantee professionalism;
just keep shooting with what you have, when you can keep investing into equipment,
of course it makes a difference, but it's not what makes the magic ;

Best.

Cody Dulock · February 3rd, 2010, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buba Kastorski

hey Bob,
as for "minimum" part, i'd say you already have more than minimum, maybe add a nice shotgun and couple lowel lights for reception,(if it fits the budget)
but "professionally" is much more complicated, it takes more than just pro gear, I've seen crap shot on RED and amazing clips shot with HV20/30;
not even experience will guarantee professionalism;
just keep shooting with what you have, when you can keep investing into equipment,
of course it makes a difference, but it's not what makes the magic ;

Best.

Buba, I love how you put it. If you are shooting on a 5D or a RED or whatever, and your lighting is awesome, audio is perfect, but your composition sucks and your camera moves are amazing, it's going to end up being a beautiful piece of crap. You can definitely use the equipment you have and upgrade when needed. Only buy stuff that will make you money.

Brian David Melnyk · February 4th, 2010, 12:03 AM

i don't shoot weddings, but i will weigh in...
i have an HV-30 on a Merlin for a second camera and can't imagine ever shooting a project again without it!
it is so flexible and mobile, and it allows me to get really creative, shooting from my knees to standing on a chair to riding on the grill of a truck- without amateurish camera shake (or much of it...). i would imagine at a wedding or reception it would be invaluable...

February 3rd, 2010, 12:37 PM	#17
Will Tucker Regular Crew Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Fort Worth, Texas Posts: 51	In my opinion, I believe that 3 cameras is now the minimum for filming a ceremony. There are just too many wonderful, small, cheap options now a days. We all know things can happen during the ceremony. An aggressive photog that camps out in front of the stage for the entire ceremony for example. Depending on the placement of the 2nd camera, that behavior could turn your 2 camera shoot into a 1 camera shoot. I do realize that most of the time that won't happen, but I still think the cost/benefit ratio of having a small 3rd camera makes it worth it. Also, a lot of brides have asked me to get a close up of the groom's face when they walk down the isle. But they also want good footage of them coming down the isle. 3rd camera all the way on that one too. I filmed a wedding once out on this ranch in Texas. It was outside next to a small lake, in a field of wild flowers--very beautiful. 2 cameras would have covered it just fine I'm sure, but the 3rd tied it together quite nicely in my opinon. Just some thoughts. __________________ Sony HVR-Z5, Sony PD-150, Canon HV30, Adobe Creative Suite 4

February 3rd, 2010, 01:06 PM	#18
Jason Robinson Trustee Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 1,997	3 as min Will I completely agree. Though the standard to which the "minimum" is applied determines what the minimum really is. For starters? For sustainable growth? For High End Clients?

February 2nd, 2010, 12:55 PM	#16
Warren Kawamoto Trustee Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 1,435	This is not gear, but the one thing you absolutely need is proof of liability insurance. If a guest trips over your slider and dislocates their hip from the fall, or if they accidentally knock over your light stand and it crashes down on someone's head.... you get the picture.

February 4th, 2010, 12:03 AM	#21
Brian David Melnyk Major Player Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Winnipeg Canada Posts: 532	i don't shoot weddings, but i will weigh in... i have an HV-30 on a Merlin for a second camera and can't imagine ever shooting a project again without it! it is so flexible and mobile, and it allows me to get really creative, shooting from my knees to standing on a chair to riding on the grill of a truck- without amateurish camera shake (or much of it...). i would imagine at a wedding or reception it would be invaluable...