Why this forum is so GREAT!!!?? at DVinfo.net

Michael McGruder · January 22nd, 2007, 03:16 PM

Even though I've been a member to DvInfo.net for awhile now - I finally got the opportunity to shoot my very first wedding a couple of weeks ago.. Oh my God what a wonderful experience!! What made it so wonderful?? Because of the experience, knowledge, and tips shared in this very forum.. It made the day go as smooth as humanly possible and in the end, I know it made me a better videographer on this special day of watching two close friends get married..

So many details, so many tips, I don't know where to start.. And while everyone has their own top 5 list, here's mine:

1.) Batteries - I have three large cells for my DVX100b - only used one and a half that covered the entire 5 hours. The DVX100b handled itself SO incredibly well - I was very very proud of it.

2.) Know your capabilities and options *AHEAD* of time. Knowing that my DVX100b in dark light situations allowed me to use it very well during an evening/low ambient lighting situation. Playing with the camera for the last year helped me know how to do adjustments on the fly instead of fumbling around with the controls and end up losing valuable shots. We employed a 3 camera shot (two manned, one unmanned) that really worked well in our situation.

3.) Comfortable shoes - or get involved in some sort of exercise program. I'm coming off an injury to my knee that kept me out of action for a long time. But I was not as prepared for standing 5 hours as I wanted to be - but considering my knee injury - there was only so much I could do.

4.) Develop a wonderful rapport with the bride and groom - and their families going into the wedding day.. We were lucky that these were friends of ours, but considering other circumstances - we weren't able to get all of the shots and poses like we had wanted because we were contact virtually "last minute" and had no chance to sit down with them to schedule out some dedicated shot time. I realize everyone's technique and style is different, but developing a good communication bond with the bride and groom is key..

5.) Good audio = good capture.. I have a wonderful Sennheiser kit - where we employed not just a wireless lavalier mic, but at the reception, we had a wireless condenser that was able to be directed on stage when things were happening.

Above all else - I want to thank everyone on here for taking the extra ten to twenty minutes to type out the thoughtful responses on these topics and by providing access to their tips-n-tricks they've learned over the years.. Everyone on here is simply awesome!!

Thank you!!
-Michael

Allen Williams · January 22nd, 2007, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael McGruder

And while everyone has their own top 5 list, here's mine:-Michael

Michael, I have been shooting for over twenty five years and I totally agree.
Allen W

Jonathan Nelson · January 22nd, 2007, 06:52 PM

Yeah, I don't know where I would be if it was not for forums such as this one. I can't even fathom the amount of knowledge and wisdom I have gained.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allen Williams

Michael, I have been shooting for over twenty five years

I'm sorry. lol jk

Jonathan

Jason Robinson · January 23rd, 2007, 04:37 PM

These boards have been a great resource for me as well. My main holdups are all the finances to implement the solutions I've been given. :-)

jason

Peter Jefferson · January 24th, 2007, 10:27 PM

yes indeed, thos forum is a pool of info.. i just wish more people would post and not just lurk around waiting for the next golden apple to arrive...

Im sure there are plenty of potential posters and of the 1 post we see, theres probably 10 observers

January 22nd, 2007, 03:16 PM	#1
Michael McGruder Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Grand Junction, CO Posts: 61	Why this forum is so GREAT!!!?? Even though I've been a member to DvInfo.net for awhile now - I finally got the opportunity to shoot my very first wedding a couple of weeks ago.. Oh my God what a wonderful experience!! What made it so wonderful?? Because of the experience, knowledge, and tips shared in this very forum.. It made the day go as smooth as humanly possible and in the end, I know it made me a better videographer on this special day of watching two close friends get married.. So many details, so many tips, I don't know where to start.. And while everyone has their own top 5 list, here's mine: 1.) Batteries - I have three large cells for my DVX100b - only used one and a half that covered the entire 5 hours. The DVX100b handled itself SO incredibly well - I was very very proud of it. 2.) Know your capabilities and options AHEAD of time. Knowing that my DVX100b in dark light situations allowed me to use it very well during an evening/low ambient lighting situation. Playing with the camera for the last year helped me know how to do adjustments on the fly instead of fumbling around with the controls and end up losing valuable shots. We employed a 3 camera shot (two manned, one unmanned) that really worked well in our situation. 3.) Comfortable shoes - or get involved in some sort of exercise program. I'm coming off an injury to my knee that kept me out of action for a long time. But I was not as prepared for standing 5 hours as I wanted to be - but considering my knee injury - there was only so much I could do. 4.) Develop a wonderful rapport with the bride and groom - and their families going into the wedding day.. We were lucky that these were friends of ours, but considering other circumstances - we weren't able to get all of the shots and poses like we had wanted because we were contact virtually "last minute" and had no chance to sit down with them to schedule out some dedicated shot time. I realize everyone's technique and style is different, but developing a good communication bond with the bride and groom is key.. 5.) Good audio = good capture.. I have a wonderful Sennheiser kit - where we employed not just a wireless lavalier mic, but at the reception, we had a wireless condenser that was able to be directed on stage when things were happening. Above all else - I want to thank everyone on here for taking the extra ten to twenty minutes to type out the thoughtful responses on these topics and by providing access to their tips-n-tricks they've learned over the years.. Everyone on here is simply awesome!! Thank you!! -Michael

January 23rd, 2007, 04:37 PM	#4
Jason Robinson Trustee Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Boise, Idaho Posts: 1,997	Forums = Knowledge = Less Stress These boards have been a great resource for me as well. My main holdups are all the finances to implement the solutions I've been given. :-) jason

January 24th, 2007, 10:27 PM	#5
Peter Jefferson Inner Circle Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Aus Posts: 3,884	yes indeed, thos forum is a pool of info.. i just wish more people would post and not just lurk around waiting for the next golden apple to arrive... Im sure there are plenty of potential posters and of the 1 post we see, theres probably 10 observers