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Things
to Consider:
The
information listed below serves two purposes. The more you (the
customer) knows about the filming process the better I can serve
you...AND the following serves as my fine print or disclaimer.
Unpredictability
of bystanders- In all event videos, there is always a chance
of unforeseen problems that interrupt or interfere with the camera
angle or position. The most common cause of this is bystanders
or audience members walking in front of the camera or the camera
operator. This is less common at weddings, more common at public
events. The best way to ensure that this doesn't happen, is to
provide the camera operator one or more secure locations that
provide for an open field of view of the event.
When
using two cameras, if you don't have a secure location for the
primary camera, the second camera can be used either from a different
location (a different angle) on tripod, or in the hands of a mobile
camera operator. This will ensure that even if one camera is for
some reason obscured, the second has a chance to capture the blocked
portion of the event. The two can then be edited together in post.
Camera
Positions - As was hinted at above, camera position makes
or breaks the capture of an event. For weddings and receptions
or when the customer usually has control of the venue, it is best
for the customer to take into account where a camera operator
may be able to film from un-obscured Whether it is from an elevated
location in the back center or corner, or a location closer to
the action. (In front of the alter, from the sides or wings of
a stage etc.) The freedom given to the camera operators is directly
proportional to the quality of your video.
At
events where the customer may not have full control of the venue
such as theater events, dance recitals or performances, you may
still be able to help the camera operator get good locations.
For example, if you can allow the operator access to a balcony,
or arrange ahead of time with the event host for the camera operator
to have access to the sides or front of the stage. Anything you
can do to help the camera operator(s) get a clear view of the
action will improve the end product.
LIGHTING
- The type and level of lighting in your event venue will
be a big factor in how well your event can be captured. Theaters
usually have idea lighting for video capture... the stage is lighted
well and the viewing area is dark. The camera can be positioned
in a dark area and as long as the subjects remain well lit, the
video will be great.
If
your event takes place in a simple well lit room where everything
in the room is lit, your usually good to go for video capture.
Events
that take place in dark areas such as Wedding receptions, where
the dance floor is dark with a mirror ball and club lighting DO
NOT capture well. The flashing of lights interferes with the auto-focus
and I hate to say it but... no one makes an affordable camera
that can see well in the dark. If you want footage captured in
the dark, you'll have to hire one of my very expensive competitors
who have very expensive cameras, and they still may have problems.
SO.. If you want to use mood lighting, don't expect perfect video.
Sunlight
Rocks, but outdoor events unfortunately only capture well in the
daytime. Good lighting begins in late morning on a sunny day,
and ends halfway through dusk on a sunny day. Overcast days can
capture just fine, but the sun is the BEST lighting source of
all. Going from sunlight to darker shaded areas may sometimes
cause a split second of adjustment, but usually there is no problem
with transfer from light to shade.
Battery
Time and AC power - Depending on the length of your event,
you may need to make sure the camera operator(s) have access to
AC power to recharge batteries between performances, or access
to AC power to keep a stationary camera under power. While I know
that most performances don't last longer than a couple of hours,
some events take place over a span of time, with different scenes
needing to be filmed throughout the day. Tapes can be changed,
but batteries can only last so long. My best camera of course
does not require tapes, and can capture up to 7 hours of video
without stopping, but it can only run on battery for 2.2 hours
at a time with it's best battery.
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