Do It Yourself Wedding Videography – A Complete Guide

Wedding Videography

Do It Yourself Wedding Videography | Austin Videography

Table of Contents

1. Key Points

2. Introduction: Why Consider Do It Yourself Wedding Videography?

3. Do It Yourself Wedding Videography: What You Need to Know

4. Planning Your Do It Yourself Videography Wedding

5. Best Equipment for DIY Wedding Videography

6. Shooting Tips for Do It Yourself Wedding Videography

7. Editing Your Own Wedding Video

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

9. Conclusion: Is Do It Yourself Wedding Videography Right for You?

Key Points:

- **Cost savings**: DIY wedding videography can significantly reduce your wedding budget.

- **Personalization**: You have full creative control over how your wedding video turns out.

- **Preparation**: The more you plan and practice, the better the results will be.

- **Time commitment**: DIY videography requires both time for filming and editing, so it's important to be prepared.

- **Tech skills**: Some basic knowledge of filming and editing will be beneficial, but it’s not essential if you're willing to learn.

Introduction: Why Consider Do It Yourself Wedding Videography?

Your wedding day is one of the most memorable moments of your life. While hiring a professional videographer is often the go-to choice, DIY wedding videography is an increasingly popular trend. It allows couples to take full control of the narrative of their big day and can save a significant amount of money. However, there are many factors to consider before picking up the camera yourself. In this blog, we will explore everything you need to know about creating your own wedding video—from planning and equipment to shooting and editing.

Do It Yourself Wedding Videography: What You Need to Know

Before jumping into a DIY wedding video project, it’s important to understand that creating a beautiful, cinematic wedding video takes effort, time, and patience. While the idea of capturing every important moment might sound tempting, keep in mind that you are not just taking a few quick snapshots; you’re documenting a whole event. The video should tell a story, capture emotions, and highlight all the special moments.

While it's entirely possible to create a stunning video without a professional team, be sure to approach it with careful planning and preparation. Here's an overview of what you should consider before starting:

- **Timeline**: Create a shooting schedule to ensure that key moments are captured without missing anything.

- **Crew**: While you may not have a professional team, having friends or family assist you can be invaluable.

- **Style**: Decide on the style and tone of the video. Will it be cinematic, documentary-style, or casual?

Planning Your Do It Yourself Videography Wedding

Planning a DIY wedding videography project starts long before the big day. The first step is deciding on the style and approach you want to take with your wedding video. Do you want it to be a short, highlights reel, or a longer documentary-style video? Once you have that sorted, here are a few tips:

1. **Create a Shot List**

A shot list is your blueprint for the wedding day. It helps ensure you don’t miss any critical moments and gives you a sense of structure. Be sure to include all the traditional moments like:

- The bride walking down the aisle

- The first kiss

- The speeches

- The first dance

2. **Choose Your Locations**

Some wedding venues might offer limited lighting or space, which can impact your shooting. Be sure to visit the venue beforehand and identify where the best shots will come from. Consider these factors:

- Lighting: Natural light is your best friend. Avoid spots with harsh, artificial light.

- Framing: Think about how you want people positioned in the shot. The background can make or break a moment.

Best Equipment for DIY Wedding Videography

You don’t need to break the bank to get high-quality results. The right equipment, paired with creativity, can help you achieve a professional-looking video. Here’s a list of the basics:

1. **Cameras**

While professional videographers use high-end cameras, today’s smartphones can do an excellent job. However, if you prefer to use a DSLR or mirrorless camera, consider something that supports 1080p or 4K resolution.

**Recommended cameras:**

- Sony A7 series

- Canon EOS M50

- iPhone 13 or 14 Pro (smartphone)

2. **Stabilizer/Gimbal**

A steady camera is key to smooth, cinematic footage. Gimbals help you capture stable shots as you move around.

**Recommended gimbals:**

- DJI Ronin-S

- Zhiyun Crane 2

3. **Microphone**

Good audio is just as important as good video. A built-in microphone won’t cut it for the entire wedding, so invest in a quality external microphone.

**Recommended microphones:**

- Rode VideoMic Pro+

- Tascam DR-10L (Lavalier mic for the groom and officiant)

4. **Lighting Equipment**

If your wedding is indoors, you might need some extra lighting. Softbox lights or LED panels can provide enough illumination without being too harsh on the subjects.

**Recommended lighting:**

- Neewer 660 LED Video Light

- Godox SL-60W LED Video Light

Shooting Tips for Do It Yourself Wedding Videography

Shooting a wedding video requires an eye for detail, and a bit of practice to make sure everything flows smoothly. Here are a few tips to help you along the way:

1. **Capture the Moments, Not Just the People**

While it’s important to get close-ups of the bride and groom, don’t forget the candid moments! Your video should capture the vibe of the entire day—guests interacting, laughter, and those spontaneous moments that make the day so special.

2. **Use Multiple Angles**

If possible, position cameras in different places to capture moments from varying perspectives. You don’t need multiple high-end cameras—just try using a few smartphones from different spots. Some good angles include:

- A wide-angle shot of the ceremony from the back of the room.

- Close-ups of the vows and the ring exchange.

- Side shots of the guests’ reactions.

3. **Balance the Sound**

Try to balance the audio between the ceremony (which may be quiet) and the reception (which will likely be louder). A lavalier microphone on the officiant and the groom can help ensure the vows are clear.

4. **Be a Stealthy Videographer**

Keep in mind that you’re also a guest at the wedding. Be respectful of the photographer, guests, and the couple while getting your shots. Stay out of the way when possible, but get the moments that matter.

Editing Your Own Wedding Video

Editing your wedding video will likely take the most time and effort. You can use user-friendly video editing software to cut your footage into a beautiful, cohesive film. Here’s what you’ll need to focus on during the editing process:

1. **Choose Your Editing Software**

For beginners, programs like iMovie or Adobe Premiere Rush are simple and efficient. If you’re more advanced, try using Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro for more complex editing.

2. **Create a Story Arc**

Your wedding video should have a natural flow. Organize clips into sections: pre-ceremony, ceremony, reception, and any other parts you want to include. You can even add voiceovers or background music to set the mood.

3. **Color Correction and Audio Adjustments**

If your footage looks flat or too dark, use color grading tools to enhance the visuals. Similarly, adjust audio levels to ensure no part of the video is too loud or too soft.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While DIY wedding videography is fun, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:

1. **Not Having a Backup Plan**: Always have extra batteries, memory cards, and even a backup camera ready.

2. **Not Capturing Enough B-Roll**: B-roll footage (like decorations, guest reactions, or the wedding rings) helps tell the story.

3. **Getting Too Caught Up in the Equipment**: Don’t let your gear distract you from the event itself. Focus on the story you want to tell, not just the technical aspects.

Conclusion: Is Do It Yourself Wedding Videography Right for You?

DIY wedding videography can be a rewarding, budget-friendly option for couples who want full creative control over their wedding video. With a bit of preparation, the right equipment, and a good eye for detail, you can creates wedding videography that is as beautiful and memorable as the day itself.

Whether you choose to go solo or enlist the help of friends and family, the most important thing is to capture the moments that matter to you. If you’re willing to put in the effort and embrace a little trial and error, DIY wedding videography can be an unforgettable experience that lets you relive your big day forever.