Montoto Productions Wedding Video Links

We have been asked many times for advice on how to make the most of your photos and videos. So we decided to post a collection of the easiest ones to follow. This is just a guideline and by no means the last word, but these tips will definitely help you get the most from your day!

Here are a few Tips to make the most of your photos and video

#1. Have a properly set up timeline- Making your timeline with some extra padding is very important! Not only for you not to feel rushed, but for both the photographer and the cinematographer to get great shots. Rushing never looks good when everyone is stressed. Sometimes everything is right on time and sometimes it’s not so perfect.

#2. Do it quickly – Once you have made your selection and know you want to book a vendor, do it quickly. Most quality vendors often book select dates a year or more in advance. There are many brides that might have the same ideas as you!

#3. Turn off the music – During the bridal preparations try and turn off the music. We understand that music adds a certain vibe during the preparations, but when music is loudly playing through the speakers, our sensitive microphones can’t pick up the conversations in the room very well. Anything and everything during the day is a great opportunity to pick up nice audio or sound byte to use in your film.

Please ask your makeup artist to set up where there is a good amount of natural light. Not that artificial light is not good, but you can’t beat natural light for the best photos and video. Natural light brings out the many colors in the room and the tones in the skin so much better.

#4. Tips for the ceremony – Try and clear everyone behind the bride when she enters the church, no coordinators, couturiers, guards, chauffeurs, kids etc. That moment looks so much more emotional in your photos or video with less clutter.

Walk slowly down the aisle. Just take a deep breath and don’t feel rushed.
When saying your vows, remember to square up to each other and look directly into each other’s eyes. Try and resist the urge from turning and looking back at the pastor/priest.
*important* Make sure your photographer uses long lenses during the ceremony. The last thing you want is a overzealous photographer to get within 3-7 feet in your personal space trying to get a shot during the vows. It not only ruins everyone’s view, but its uncomfortable and it ruins an emotional moment for your film as well. Almost all experienced photographers will use a long lens for the ceremony.
Ask the church/venue not to play music during the vows/ring exchange. This will make the moment more special and give us greater flexibility during editing.

#5. The first dance – There is nothing more romantic and emotional than a couples first dance. Your friends and family looking on while you stare into each other’s eyes enjoying the moment. This can be a very powerful in your photos or dvd.

Try to dance in the middle of the floor where the light is normally the best.
Try not to be too conscious of the people around you and try to refrain from conversations. Just look deep into each other’s eyes and feel the moment.
Slowly rotate instead of rocking back and forth. If you need to practice, just do it for fun! If your dance has steps, try and practice a little so it doesn’t look uncomfortable.
Try and dance 2 ½ minutes or longer so it can be filmed properly.
Tell the DJ/Band that you prefer to dance your entire first dance alone. Sometimes they like to have people to join in.

#6. Remember to relax – Remember to just have fun and relax! The more relaxed and natural you feel the more your pictures/video will reflect it!

There are more but these are the easiest to remember and follow. You can also ask your photographer about what they would recommend and maybe they can share some of their insight too.

HELPFUL LINKS

For Documentary Style Wedding Films please visit Carriage Films