WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO.

Hayes Peterson 10/3/17 Hayes Peterson 10/3/17

Filming Large Events for New Videographers

From the Perspective of a Still-Learning Film Assistant

I've been working with the studio for a few years now, and if I've taken away anything from all my experiences with Hayes, it's that there is always something new to learn. From assisting with lighting and equipment setup to taking your first solo position behind the video camera, you never want to lose track of what's most important for filling any role when shooting film or photos. Undeniably, the first and biggest rule of filming any event, and especially the larger they get, is that communication is key.

With so many details that go into the planning, setup, and running a ceremony that plays such a big part for so many people, it never hurts to double check start and end times on your schedule, keep updating with any planners or hosts, and express any concerns or questions you may have as soon as possible.

Especially regarding planning, it's imperative for photographers and videographers to acknowledge that everything might not happen according to schedule, and to stay on your toes for when they don't. You never want to miss a sentimental moment, so always stay prepared to shoot ahead of time.

When solo filming bigger events (like I happened to be for this one), bringing a little backup can go a long way. In the form of a wide angle lens such as a 24-70mm, a shoe mount LED on-camera light to help with low-light situations, and a sound recorder to help sync the audio for speeches, I encourage anyone shooting alone to pack those as well.

Last but not least, when there's lots of people enjoying the event, keep it rolling! It's always better to cut down footage you won't use than to miss something key to the event. Make sure to take advantage of your space, wide angle, and vantage points to get a solid variety of perspectives. And I can't say it enough, keep mobile!

Below is a video I put together from footage I filmed on my own at the same event shown in the pictures above. My goal is to demonstrate contrasting scenes based on lighting, space, focus and framing to convey all the opportunities available for videographers while shooting solo. Thanks for watching and I hope you enjoy!

Hayes Peterson 8/21/13 Hayes Peterson 8/21/13

Ian + Traci's Wedding - HP Studios

Ian and Traci's wedding - HP Studios

It's so much fun sharing in what is arguably the most important day of one's adult life. I got to share in Ian and Traci's wedding this past weekend and it was just that. Ian and Traci met through mutual friend Tommy Spencer. Tommy worked with Traci and Ian used that to his advantage in getting to know Traci better, and yadda yadda yadda they got married August 18th 2013. Tommy got ordained and was their minister for the service. It's always rad to get a really personal ceremony, and Tommy was perfect for for the job.

A really big CONGRATS to the newlyweds! You guys are awesome!

Flowers by Tannis at Adolph Jacksons Flowers

Venue at Mcmenamins Grand Lodge

Hayes Peterson 5/29/13 Hayes Peterson 5/29/13

Win Your Choice from Snapknot

There's still time to enter this great give away presented from Snapknot.com If you're a photographer and don't already have one of these cameras, then you for sure know about them and may be on your buy list. SnapKnot is giving you a easy way to put one in your camera bag.

I'm Saving up for the Canon but this would be an awesome win for anybody. Enter, and good luck.

Big thanks to the SnapKnot wedding photography directory for offering this great camera giveaway!

HP Studios