So you are about to shoot your first wedding video, good on you!

Tripods

The tripod is a must have for the ceremony and the speeches and attaching the camera is simple.
You remove the Tripod shoe from the tripod and attach it to the bottom of the camera ensuring that the arrow is pointing forward in the direction the camcorder is pointing, once attached you can leave it there so you can quickly swap from hand held shots to tripods shots in seconds.
Adjusting the tripod is easy simply twist the handle and the tripod head moves freely to lock the tripod of again twist the handle clockwise.

Camera Top Light

Attaching the light takes seconds attach the light by sliding it into the hot-shoe on top of the camera and secure it by turning the locking dial.

Framing The Shot

When shooting your wedding video framing your shot is the most important factor and the following is a list of the points to consider and keep in your mind to get the most from your footage.

Try Not To

Shoot against bright lights
When capturing your DIY wedding video outdoors always try to have the sun against your back as shooting towards the sun will result in dark subjects whilst it not always possible to choose where you will shoot from try your best to always have your back to bright lights or the sun for instance when shooting inside you will find the camera automatically adjust to the lower levels inside but bear in mind that shooting a subject who is standing in front of a window with sun light outside may become darkened as the camera compensates for the bright light so again try and keep your back to windows during daylight hours.

Objects sticking out of peoples heads

A common mistake when shooting videos always look for objects in the background of the subjects you are shooting telegraph poles or trees can look very odd if they appear to be part of your subject so change your position slightly to the left or right so any background objects do not interfere with the subject being shot.

Keep it stable

Use your tripod whenever you can and remember whenever you zoom in your shot any movements you make will be magnified by the amount of times that your zoom factor is so if you need to shoot lots of close up shots then use the tripod.
When shooting with the shoulder mount package you will find keeping everything stable is easy as the camcorder will use your body as the tripod with the smaller handheld package try to use something to rest on or lean on as you are filming if you are not in a suitable location to use the tripod.
Both the camcorders have image stabilization included but the more stable you film the wedding the better the results will be.

Make it Interesting

When filming a wedding get creative try and shoot from different angles simple tricks like getting down low to the ground, shoot from windows and balconies or even stand on a chair, varying the angles all make for a more interesting and comprehensive video.
Try not to shoot everything from the same view point or angle.

Zooming and Panning

Zooming and panning are both techniques used by wedding videographers to add dimension to video footage but be aware whilst zooms and pans look great when they are done smoothly jumpy zoom and pan shots can spoil the overall feel of your shoot it yourself wedding video and if your trying to zoom or pan at a critical point during the day it will be very difficult to salvage any footage captured at this point so keep it simple if your zooming in do it and leave it refrain from zooming in and out or making small adjustments a shot that has a wider angle but is stable and clear is far more effective than a jumpy shot.

Starting and Stopping

Try not to start and stop the video camera all the time and always allow a few seconds after the action you are capturing has finished before stopping the footage this will allow easier and nicer looking edits to be achieved rather than jumping from one scene to another.
Bearing in mind you have 6 hours of capture storage on your camera so shoot in longer bursts rather than short tiny clips you will find you capture moments and events that you would otherwise miss and the flow of your footage will work much better.ttaching the light takes seconds attach the light by sliding it into the hot-shoe on top of the camera and secure it by turning the locking dial.

Lighting

Its always a good idea to have the light attached to the camera so you always have that extra boost if the subjects you are filming seem to dark again the camera will automatically adjust everything for you when you turn the light on.

What To Video On The Wedding The Day Besides The Obvious

Content and variety is king so as well as the tips above about angles make a check list and ensure you capture the following elements and if possible always use a tripod for these shots this will give you great content for your finished DIY shoot it yourself wedding.

Morning of The Wedding

Wedding rings and jewelry, Dresses and shoes, Flowers, Bridal Preparations and its a great time to take those all important establishing shots.

Before The Cermony

Establishing shots of the location, Cars Arriving With Bride and guests

Prior to and During the Wedding Reception

Establishing Shots of Venue, Shots of the Cake, Shots of the Tables