Why I don't film Weddings with big camcorders (ugh!)

​I often get asked why I film with a small, Mirrorless camera instead of a traditional camcorder. That would make sense right? - ssing a camcorder to record video and a camera to take photos? Well not necessarily no! Here’s a list of reasons why I don’t like using a traditional camcorder…

They are awkward

Camcorders, are big and bulky and not to mention heavy especially when a Wedding Day can last anywhere between 8-14 hours!. Plus, no-one likes having a camera shoved in their face, and a camcorder only increases the chances of people feeling intimidated or feeling uncomfortable. I want to respect the environment of a Wedding for my couple and their guests, so I have a discreet and unobtrusive filming style with a small ‘Mirrorless’ Camera. This way the focus can remain on the important things... creating a lasting legacy of memories of the couple’s day.

​I use small, and silent camera’s similar to what a photographer uses, no great big over the shoulder camera’s or even tripod’s that some Videographer’s lug around and get right in your face! Having a small camera enables me to blend into the background. I also dress to impress, so that I fit in with your guests.

Portability

By not using a camcorder I am able to be ultra portable, which allows me to move around quickly and freely.  Without having to use a tripod for the entire day, I have more freedom to shoot from different angles. I  use a monopod for stabilisation, which allows me to move around easily while still getting beautiful, steady shots. I am able to get fun, creative shots without being limited by bulky equipment! When I am not using a monopod, I shoot handheld just like your photographer, which allows even more freedom.

Creativity

By stripping back to just the camera, it gives me more time to document the day creatively. I find that equipment such as camcorders, drones, sliders, steady-cams, and even tripods to some extend can slow a Wedding Videographer down and draw attention to themselves.... People don’t like being filmed, so surely by adding more equipment into the mix it is only going to make people feel more uncomfortable.

I want to respect the environment of your wedding. I blend into the background, looking for natural moments, and discreetly record them as they happen. There will be no awkward posing or unnatural shots! Stripping back my equipment not only enables me to have more time to be creative, but also allows me to be discreet, to get a shot, and quickly move on, with the intention of being unnoticed. This way, I can get really natural results.

Technology

Technology has changed quite a bit in the last ten years, and wedding videography has definitely seen major improvements. Videographers do not have to use bulky camcorders to capture your big day. Even though my camera is small, my footage is captured in Ultra High Definition (4K). I am also able to film in low light conditions due to the incredible sensor on a full frame mirrorless camera. Most traditional camcorders don’t perform well in low light. Also by choosing a mirrorless camera over a camcorder, I am able to switch between a variety of different lenses just like your photographer.

The equipment is now so compact that I can move just as freely as your photographer, without interfering with your wedding.  In fact, during all the festivities, most of your guests will not be able to tell your photographer and videographer apart!

With a combination of storytelling, music and audio, I aim to create a beautiful piece of film that really captures those magical moments of your wedding day.