In either case you can save substantial time and money by first organizing the footage yourself with the help of a secret tool called "logging." Logging is a process whereby you review/playback the footage and write down or ?log? the starting and stopping times, per the time code, of your preferred shots.
You can make your own log sheets simply by taking blank pieces of paper (8 1/2 x 11) and drawing grids containing rows and columns. At the top of the page you can have rows and columns in which you insert basic information about the program you are editing.
For example, you will want rows for the name of the wedding, the date, the name of the cameraperson, and the videotape cassette number. This is important if the footage comes from more than one camera that used more than one tape. This way you will know who shot the footage and which videotape cassette your are logging. Don't forget to have a place where you can number your log sheets (e.g. Page ___ of ___). This helps to keep you from getting lost when you have multiple log sheets/pages.
Now add about twenty-five rows, divided into four columns. Head the columns as follows: "Action" "Start" "Stop" "Comments".
As you play back the tapes, write down the specific action you are viewing (e.g., "entrance of first bridesmaid," or "mother of bride being escorted to seat," etc.) Write down the time code when the action starts and then write down the time code when the action stops.
Most newer digital cameras place an automatic time code on your footage. (The time code isn't really ?on? your footage, but is a part of the playback display.)
However, if you're using VHS or another analog format, before viewing the footage, be sure to reset the video player's counter to 00:00:00 for each tape before you begin logging.
You will also rate or "comment" on each one of your log entries according to its suitability (e.g., ?don't use,? ?must use,? ?so-so,? ?really bad?), or any other notes that you wish to remember about a particular shot.
Once the logging is complete, and you have selected all the shots you want to use, you will have a blueprint for editing the video. This ?blueprint? will have the added benefit of substantially reducing the time you or an editor spends in the editing suite. Since most professional editors charge by the hour, this can result in significant cost savings.
Video editing is the process of building a video program, shot by shot, by electronically cutting and splicing the raw footage, in order to tell a story in the most seamless, compelling and entertaining way. Editing allows you to keep the good and dump the bad, thereby creating a finished product that is more than the sum of its parts.
Picture the footage as a very long chain. The footage, like a chain, is made up of individual shots or ?links?. You select and assemble the shots or "links" together to tell your story.
Video editing is a very creative and exhilarating process. However, you might want to resist the temptation to channel Steven Spielberg, by getting carried away with effects like too much slow motion, or using every wipe and dissolve in you editing program's arsenal. Remember... this is about the bride and groom and not about you and your burgeoning editing talents.
Whether you decide to edit the footage yourself or hire a professional editor, using the secret tool, "logging" will put you well on your way toward having a beautifully edited wedding video that you will treasure forever.
Certainly, video cameras today are designed to capture footage in the easiest way possible...you turn the camera on,? point and shoot". So couples wanting to save money, or well-intentioned friends or relatives with a new video camera decide that shooting a wedding video is a breeze, and quickly find themselves in way over their heads. We've been asked to fix many of these "do-it-yourself" wedding video disasters.
This may come as a surprise, but you can have the easiest to use video camera inthe world but it won't guarantee that you will end up with a decent-looking wedding video. As my friend, Tony, likes to point out, ?just because you can light the stove doesn't mean you can cook.?
Shooting an important event, such as a wedding, where you only get one chance to get it right, is a little more complicated than "point and shoot." But the good news is that its not that much more complicated. With just a little planning and utilizing the following very important, but easy to gather equipment and supplies, you can do it yourself and have a wedding video that you will be proud to present to the bride and groom.
1.Tripod(s)
It doesn't matter if use VHS camcorders, DV Cams or film cameras, but a tripod is one of the most important pieces of equipment you will be using during the shooting of the wedding. A tripod ensures that your shots will be stable while giving you controlled flexibility to perform smooth and simple zooms and pans. If you can't afford to purchase a tripod, rentals are easy to find at reasonable prices.
2. Camera and Microphone batteries.
Each camera and microphone should have two, fully-charged batteries. If you don't have power, your camera and microphones are useless. Two batteries insure that if one battery dies you'll have a backup.
3. Microphone (Hand-held or lavaliere)
Another piece of optional audio equipment you may want to rent or buy is an external microphone. A microphone plugs into the camera through the external mic input jack and allows you to capture better audio and gives you better range with your camera.
4. Audio/Microphone Cables
Audio/microphone cables will give you the flexibility of increasing the range of your camera and/or accessing the sound system of the church/wedding venue. If there is an available sound system ask the audio control operator to give you an audio feed to your camera. Plug one end of your audio cable into the Mic Level output and the other end into your camera. These cables are also available inexpensively for purchase or rent.
5. Headphones
It's important to check the quality of the audio that you are receiving by having someone speak into the microphone while you listen through headphones. There will be a headphone jack on your camera that you can easily plug into. Adjust audio levels as necessary. You can purchase headphones as cheaply as $9 at your local Radio Shack.
6. AC Power Adapters
If convenient, you can power the camera by electricity, however, its critical that you make sure the power cord is not a tripping hazard. Where necessary, attach the cord securely to the floor by completely covering its length with duct tape. This is called ?dressing? the cord.
7. Duct Tape, Markers, Pens and notepad
These small supplies will prove invaluable for helping you get and stay organized. Duct tape comes in handy when dressing power cords or attaching wireless microphone receivers to the leg of your tripod. You can also duct tape your audio cable connections so they can't be accidentally pulled apart.
Markers and pens are important for marking/numbering your videotape cassettes and taking notes.
8. Videotape Stock
Ask the couple how long they expect the wedding to be, then purchase enough videotape to cover twice that length of time. For example, if the bride tells you she expects the wedding to last one hour (60 minutes) then purchase enough tape to cover two hours (120 minutes) for each camera you will be using. This ensures that you will have enough tape for the wedding and the reception. Its better to have too many tapes than not enough.
9. And...something to carry all this equipment (camera bag, duffel bag, backpack, etc.)
Having all your supplies in an easy-to-carry bag will ensure that everything you need will be within easy reach while reducing the chances of misplacing something.
Just remember, anyone can use a video camera. It takes something special to create a professional-looking wedding video. Something special means taking the time to do a little planning and havingall the right tools to make this a positive experience for you with a special outcome for the bridal couple.
Olivia Romero has sinced written about articles on various topics from Reverse Osmosis, Wedding Bells and Health. Olivia is an independent video producer with over 15 years experience writing, producing, directing and editing. Olivia and her partner, Tony Jones, teach couples how to save substantial money by producing their own professional-looking wedding video. It. Olivia Romero's top article generates over 12100 views. to your Favourites.