If you are about to get married, then it’s likely you have hit issues planning with your budget. If you are looking to cut costs, then the price of a videographer for the wedding video has likely raised eyebrows.
While saving on the photographer may be budget-friendly, it’s not recommended as the cost is often outweighed by the results. It is the video and pictures that will be looked upon fondly for years to come. But if you insist on doing the video yourself or just want to edit the footage people have given you, here are some tips to make the editing look professional.
Top 12 tips for making videos more professional!
Practice in advance and get feedback on your content
The most satisfying feeling with your content is when you see people enjoying it! This not only encourages you with motivation but also helps you try ideas for the big day.
You could do a simple story of how you met, or of your engagement. This gives you ample opportunity to hone your skills, and helps you to understand if your equipment gives the quality you need.
Feedback is a gift, so if your final videos inspire comments you should listen. Try to take it on board and do a second version to see the results for yourself. You might surprise yourself!
Keep the content simple and understandable
It is very important to make people understand what you are conveying through your video story. The sole purpose of creating a video is that the viewer understands and enjoys it.
Do not make unnecessary movements with the camera
Cameras are surprisingly heavy and can be pretty unwieldly. It’s not uncommon for an unpractised videographer to have difficulty keeping the shot steady. Shaky camera work not only impacts the concentration level of the viewer, but can get so distracting it ruins the watching experience.
This is why it’s better to use a tripod while shooting any wedding video. If you are still unhappy with the steadiness of your shots, you may want to apply strong editing to the raw footage.
Enhance your production skills
The more skills you add to your final piece, the more creative it will look to the audience. An online video editing course can still work out cheaper than a professional videographer, and it will more than pay for itself.
In the editing room try to be influenced by world renowned cinemaphotographers and not slideshow presentations. Think fading in and out of focus and sharp editing, not transitional stars.
Capture it right and keep the focus central
The camera person must be highly professional and skilled because it is the main thing that makes or breaks your wedding content. If the scenes taken on the camera are properly shot, it increases the storytelling technique of the video.
Modern cameras have inbuilt technology to help you keep the scene central which can be helpful. However, you should go to your venue beforehand and plan out the shots you will need. Figure out an inconspicuous place for the videographer to stand where the shot can be captured without ruining the view for everyone else.
Do not show long scenes
Having long scenes can end up looking clunky, and may make your videos feel boring with one background in the entire video. If you watch professional wedding videos they are often edited much like a music video. Try to mix things up a bit with some crowd shots between speeches, and artistic shots of the venue. After all, the bride and groom are the main event but it’s great to set the scene, and see the friends and family who were there too.
Prepare the best storytelling script to ensure you capture all the key moments
Preparing for your videos in advance is essential. This is because a well-planned wedding video captures everything from getting dressed and make-up to the Bride and Groom departing.
Your video does not have to be linear! Think about combining thematic moments, such as clips from the Father of the Bride’s speech and the father daughter dance.
Record the audio externally
When you are recording the audio and video altogether, there are chances that the audio might pick up external voices. So for the speeches in particular make sure you are recording separately so the videographer can move around freely.
Choose the right editing platform
Today, there are many options for an online video editor, like InVideo, for you to edit your videos more professionally. Making use of these platforms not only increases the creative side of your videos but also enables you to improve the film quality.
Invest in camera accessories
Camera accessories are a good investment. Used correctly, they will vastly improve the quality of your end product. Make sure you only purchase accessories with a shot or two in mind; don’t just buy things at random. This could be a zoom lens for close-up shots of rings and flowers, a drone for exterior shots of the venue, or anything else to give the end product that wow factor.
Focus on the lighting
Good lighting is the first step taught in the video shooting basics. Always make use of the lights so that the bride and groom are visible, and try and use natural lighting as much as possible. You could even steal away for a quick shoot at golden hour if you want to ensure some gorgeously lit moments.
Make sure to calibrate the camera’s white balance so that you can easily balance the temperature of the light source.
Plan the video content for the day
Planning must be done as this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get right. It’s not the movies, you can’t shout cut or reshoot it without impacting the day and ruining the moment.
We hope these tips help you to have a fantastic wedding video to look on for years to come.
