Q&A about NH Wedding Videos

One of the big comments I get when people are inquiring about my services is, “We were at a friends wedding, and the videographer was always so close”... I like to assure people that it must not have been me!  My approach to the day in a nutshell: If you hire me to film bridal prep, the proximity of the camera to you while getting ready is really dictated by the size of the room.  During that time I’m often found in a corner or behind a chair or close to the photographer so I’m not in their shots – whatever I can do to generally be out of the way (but still capture what I need). Of course I will go in for the occasional close up shots of the dress when it’s hanging, flowers, etc, but usually people aren’t associated with those shots. The goal is to always be as unobtrusive as possible, and to pick up on any vibes from people that they recognize the camera on them, or are getting nervous.

Moving on to the ceremony – the only time I’m in front is during the processional, and usually I’m down on one knee (so photographers can shoot without me getting in the shot). Once the bride walks down, I quickly scoot back up the isle and tripod up. From that point we only work the perimeter of the ceremony area, never getting in front of the guests. One camera is back and center and the 2nd off to the right side typically pointed at the bride. For outside ceremonies this works great because nobody can see us and the photographers can still move in front or behind us as they get their shots too. In a church it’s similar except if there is a balcony, the 2nd camera is usually up there the entire time, while I’m on the main level to either side, trying to say behind the last row of guests.

Cocktail hour and reception – below are two shots from the wedding of Ray + Shannon Shupak at Church Landing last week. Their guest David Baily just happened to get a few shots of photographer Jennifer Stone and I during the photo shoot. You can see a comfortable distance is kept. I split time between cocktail hour, getting any candid soundbites people want to share (that is optional per bride and groom request), and getting some of the ballroom shots, and photo shoot shots. Anything outside is always easy to keep a distance, when the party moves inside, of course I’m limited to the size room and the way the crowd is gathered.

During the first dance we are positioned on the sides of the dance floor. We have small on camera lights, that I’ve found most photographers say “this is great, it helps with a nice back light”. During the dance party you won’t find me in the center of the dance floor – I’m always off to the side or working the camera from above (shooting down on the crowd). I know by this point people have usually had a few cocktails and like being in front of the camera, but I still try to work just the parimiter of the dance floor, or if there is a stage (like at The Mount Washington Resort) I can shoot from up there as well (hiding out by the speaker).

In conclusion, if you have doubts or worries that you or your fiance will be nervous with the camera, I’ve worked with a lot of couples who tell me up front they aren’t huge fans, “but friends told us we had to do it or we would regret it”.  My goal is to make the best possible video for you, to fit your needs. If that’s taking an even more birds-eye approach, we do it.  Some people are all about the party and love the camera – it’s all up to you the Bride and Groom to tell me your concerns and goals, and hopefully by the end of the night when I say goodbye, you’ll reply with “I forgot you were here!”