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Ceremony Process

It is important to remember that we have to tell the story of the day and this includes the arrival of the guests at the ceremony. Even if the procession is late, you can take the opportunity to capture in photo and video the decoration of the church, the guests, the moments when the groom speaks with the pastor or is greeted. Capture incoming guests. Slider/Filming/Photographing: Front of the church/monuments/decorations/details. Be in communication to be ready when the procession enters so as not to be surprised. Important: Install the wireless microphone on the groom AND CONNECT THE PORTABLE RECORDER TO THE CONSOLE.

If the lighting is not good, install a light from the video kit.

PLAN WHEN ENTERING THE PROCESSION

As the procession enters, all video cameras record from the beginning until the priest/pastor announces the end of the procession entry. Ex, song, that the assembly can sit or when you judge that the entrance of the procession is completed. Reminder to remember to make sure the recorder is recording.  To avoid taking any chances, you can start recording as soon as you are installed. For video cameras, make sure to have the same email temperature. 

Ceremony plan entrance of the procession.jpg

1. Principal Photographer and Field Manager

  • Takes care of covering the front of the ceremony

  • Covers the Central outward journey

  • Take a picture of the face of the groom, procession and guests

  • Be on the lookout for emotional moments, ex-groom crying and guests

  • Take care of the VID 3 camera and make sure it records and takes action if it is out of focus or needs to be moved.

  • Has an overview of the situation.

2. Mobile monopod videographer

  •  Camera on monopod or tripod with 70-200 or 100mm lens.

  • Takes care of taking close-ups of the members of the procession in the aisle

  • Takes care of taking the emotions of the guests

  • Must be able to move quickly and subtly

  • Take the closer shot when the father gives the bride's hand to the groom in the middle of the aisle.

3. Stationary camera on tripod

  • Camera on a tripod filming the central aisle of the procession

  • Camera monitored by the photographer in the front

  • Will become the main camera for the rest of the ceremony

  • Put the tripod at the lowest level so that the camera does not obstruct the groom and the view.

  • Put the tripod on wheels so that you can easily move the camera as needed.

  • Remains mainly in the aisle and will be handled by the videographer when the gimbal is put down.

4. Videographer with Gimbal

  • Control a Gimbal

  • Takes care of capturing the front, the side and the back of the procession

  • Must be in constant communication with the rest of the team to avoid crossing paths too often

  • Make rotating movements around the people who enter.

  • Take footage of the bride from behind as she walks down the aisle

  • If possible take the bride when she goes up the steps of the church or from behind when the doors open (if there is no number 6).

5. Secondary photographer

  • Takes care of covering the rear and the entrance of the procession

  • Responsible for taking photos of the bride

  • When she gets out of the limo (if possible)

  • From behind so that we can see the whole dress

  • Remain seated or squat between two rows until the entrance of the bride

  • When the bride approaches the groom with her father (or other), crouch down behind the bride to be able to pick up the exchange of buts.

6. Extra Photographer/Assistant

  • Take photos of the bride getting out of the car

  • Inform the team inside of the situation outside

  • If possible take photos from the 2nd floor

During the ceremony

During the ceremony, the tripod camera takes care of filming the ceremony from start to finish. Take into consideration that this is the main camera so always make sure someone is behind this camera. It is possible to alternate roles during the celebrant's message.We work as a team! Do not sit on a chair behind the tripod and maintain a professional demeanor. Do not have a conversation near a recording camera.

Plan during the ceremony

Ceremony plan - during the procession.jpg

1. Senior Photographer

  • Take photos of the bride and groom, of what is happening in general;

  • Take photos during the exchange of vows and if possible video sequences of the person who listens to the vows (the bride or the bride

2. Videographer on Monopod

  • Take close-up video footage from the front of the ceremony on the stage, in front of the stage if it is not permitted to step onto the stage. 

  • During the wishes, filmed the person who speaks as well as the reactions of the public, tears, laughter

  • During the celebrant's message, take video scenes of the reaction of the bride and groom

3. Tripod Videographer

  • Record the entire ceremony

  • Make sure to film the main action, the scene, the person who sings etc.

  • This is the main RAW camera 

4. Secondary photographer

  • Take photos of the bride and groom, of what is happening in general;

  • Take photos during the exchange of vows and if possible video sequences of the person who listens to the vows (the bride or the bride

Elements Principals at the Ceremony

Each ceremony has similar elements and it is important to be ready to capture them. Be proactive and not reactive. Photo as video

  • Facade of the church, interior decoration. If it's a Catholic church, emphasize the architecture.

    • For the video it's a good way to introduce the part of the ceremony

    • If possible take shots with drone 

  • The arrival of the guests - It is a way of introducing

  • Entrance of the procession

  • Exchange of vows

    • Video​

      • Camera central films the couple. Make sure the focus is on the couple and not the ready.​

      • Camera on monopod. Close-up of the person speaking. Record the entire vow period even when moving to film the other person speaking. So never weigh stop. Pay attention to audience reaction. Film the guests listening to the wishes. Emphasize the parents, the procession, the emotions, the tears. So alternate between the person speaking and the assembled. Example: 25 seconds the person speaking, 5 seconds the assembly.

    • Picture ​

      • Photos of the person speaking​

      • Photos of the reaction, of the person listening.

      • If possible take video footage of the person listening

  • Statement (Yes I do)

    • Same strategy as exchanging wishes​

  • Exchange of rings.​​

    • Camera on monopod, close-up of hands and wedding rings

    • Camera central films the couple​

    • Photo: Photos of the couple, photos of the hands and alliances

  • Signatures

    • Camera on tripod, global plan of the signature period, service​

    • Camera on monopod, close-up signatures

    • Photo: Signature 

  • Traditions (candles, sand, etc.)

  • The kiss of the bride and groom

  • The cheering crowd

  • Leaving the Church

  • Group photo in front of the church with all those present

  • The bride and groom greeting their loved one

Always looking for emotions

  • Buts, looks, laughter, tears, families and guests

 

PLAN DURING THE EXIT

Plan_out_of_ceremony.jpg

1. Photographer:

Back out with the newlyweds

Outside of church, be sure to take a big group photo. Place the newlyweds in the center then the procession and invite the guests to fill the steps.

2, Videographer with gimbal:

Go back to the exit with the bride and groom. Stay side by side with the photographer.

Film leaving the church and photos outside

3. If there is an assistant, take pictures from the 2nd floor when exiting

MAKE SURE NOT TO FORGET ANYTHING AT THE CEREMONY

  • TRIPOD

  • WHEEL

  • RECORDER

  • BAG

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