Begin your career in wedding videography!

       There are numerous reasons why someone would want to become a professional
 wedding videographer, if you are looking to turn videography from something that you
 use to be interested into a rewarding career, and learn more about video editing, then the
 options can be overwhelming!

       Here is a small questions to keep your mind occupied, what are the types of
 video camera would you recommend?

       Answer: For starters, the canon single CCD camera would be sufficient until you
 gain more practical experience. The price range for a typical canon camera range from
 $500.00 to $700.00. The canon camera is a low end camera, but it has the best quality
 for the price, canon is a well respected name at all levels of video cameras, the superb
 quality will make you feel you had paid much more for this type of quality camera.

       If you desire a much more professional camera, then you should look into the
 Canon GL2, it is still a low end 3 CCD (1/4" each) camera with a price of about $1500.
 This camera is a perfect for beginning videographer use for special events, and for
 enthusiastic hobbyist.

       When you get more experience with the different type of cameras, and eventually
 be able to use it to make money, or start a career doing wedding videography, then you
 should look into the Sony VX2100, a high-end consumer with 3 CCD (1/3" each) this
 camcorder retails for about $2,100.00 to $3,000.00. A pricey camera, but totally worth it!
 The same camera with high definition capable called the Sony HDR/ FX1 is selling for
 $3,700.00 at all major retailers.

Understanding CCD

       CCDs are chips for imaging, it stands for charge coupled device, and is a light
 sensative circuit that stores, electrical charge which represent each tiny part of an image.

       High end and low end cameras are determined by the number of CCDs (one or three),
 and the actual size of the CCD. The clarity of the picture in video cameras, is based on the
 number of the CCDs present in situations where the lighting is dim, usually indoors. The
 amount of "color bleeding" is based on the size of the CCD.

       When you Compare photography cameras to video cameras,it is important to note,
 the size of the pixels is far more important than the amount of pixels. The larger the pixel,
 not the amount of pixels make a video camera better. As you move from low end to high end,
 you will consistently notice the extras you have been getting will lessen, such as the option to
 take still photos.

The essential camera kit for special event videography

       How prepared, professional, and how popular you are depends on which type of cameras
 you are showing up at a wedding ceremony. If you come with a small, unreliable camera, this
 indicates that you are not a professional, and if you have a backup camera in your back pocket,
 it tells people that you are not prepared, and you will not be getting great comments from the
 bride and groom. Size does matter, so if you are a professional wedding videographer, always
 come with a camera of decent size, and quality.

       Remember you are not just a videographer, you are also advertising your end product to
 consumers, the level of professionalism that you bring to these special events, will dictate
 your future as a videography. When you crack open your kit for the first time, you will want to
 make that first impression as lasting as possible, with sophisticated equipments that your clients
 have no idea on how to use, or seen before. As soon as you enter the room, you will want to
 be that breathe of fresh air everyone is waiting for, and give the crowd a reason why they want
 you to be here.

       When making a decision to purchase a good but basic kit, try different combination of
 equipments that would suit all your videoing situations, the very least you absolutely must
 have is a good camera. You do not want the guests at the weddding ceremony to have a
 much better camera then you, chances are they will know, and will relate that information
 back to your client, if that is the case, make an excuse to leave quickly, and quietly.

       The biggest investment for a single piece of equipment is your camera, and it has to
 be a certain make and model, your decision to make that investment should be carefully
 researched, before committing to buying, as the camera has to meet a certain professional
 standard. There are numerous forums, and specialty websites online that can help you find all the  information you need, remember the rule of thumb, you get what you pay for!

       Getting a good quality external microphone is very important, internal microphones
 tend to pick up noises that relate to the operation of the camera itself. You absolutely do not
 want the noise to be recorded everytime you zoom in or pan.


       Remember to wear head phones, as you will need to hear what you are recording.
 Be aware of ambient noises that are out of your control and may not be apparent to you,
 such as motor vehicles, operating machinery, low flying aircraft, or sounds coming from you
 when you sneeze or much worst when you start sighing and mumbling to yourself.

       A good reliable tripod is a necessity, the fluid head tripod is a recommended option,
 as it will allow you to capture shots more evenly. The fluid head tripod cost a bit more than
 their standard counterparts, but it will make your shots look better and will give you a
 professional edge.

       Spare, everything, make sure you have a backup of all your supplies in case if the first one
 dies, or become unusuable, spare tape, spare batteries, spare globes, camera, tripods and as a
 rule of thumb the amount of film that you will be using for the shooting will always more than the
 amount that will be used for the end product.

         Use a hard case on wheels is recommended, when you make an unscheduled exit,
 or when you do alot of hauling your precious equipment back and forth during transport
 into vehicles, things may get damaged, so always use a hard case with enough foam padding
 in the interior. Most brands come with a lifetime guarantee for almost every type of abuse
 you can imagine.

         Dress professionally and appropriately, additionally you will need other imperative
 accessories, such as white balance cards, pen to write on all your tapes, drop down important
 information, and so on. Let the guest know who you are by proudly showing them your business
 card, and logo in a tasteful way. You will want them to remember you as the professional wedding  videgrapher who showed up on time, dress professionally, and well prepared, not the opposite.

Finally, good luck on your journey to become a succcessful wedding videographer!