What makes a great Wedding Film?
First of all, let’s explain, in the most simple way possible, what a video is! A video is a set of images – 25, 30, 60, etc. images per second. When shown together, these images give off the impression of movement. So essentially, the very simple definition of video is “moving images”.
So what does the idea of moving images have to do with a great wedding video? Here it’s important to understand, that a wedding video is more than just a recording… it’s a recording of thousands and thousands of images or ‘photos’ and as such, the photography or ‘cinematography’ of the images is one of the most important elements of a great wedding video.
The word ‘cinematography’ comes from Greek language, meaning ‘writing with motion’. It is the process of taking ideas, actions, words, emotions and other non-verbal communication, and rendering them in visual terms. Cinematography refers to how shots are framed, the colour, the texture, the camera angle, the lenses and focus, the composition.
One of the best ways that you can appreciate the cinematography of a wedding video, is by watching it while muting the volume. In this way, you can really notice how the video is filmed and made. You will be able to appreciate how the shots are framed, the composition, the light and colour, different camera angles and focus, and if they are charged with emotions, happiness, smiles, nostalgia. In this way, you will realise if you like the work of the wedding videographer.
Another thing that make a great wedding video is of course the footage itself.
Did the videographer capture all those key moments on the day – walking down the aisle, the first kiss, the celebrations of the family and guests before and after the ceremony?
Are the shots high quality?
Does the video showcase the couple, the family, the guests and the venue in the best way possible?
Audio is another really important factor in addition to the visual footage. Good audio is what will really bring out the emotions of the day. Whether it is a voice over of the groom or celebrant, a recording of the songs from the church or band, or backing music, audio used in a way that ignites emotions can really set a good wedding videographer apart from the rest.
Finally, how the wedding video is edited is extremely important. In a cinematic wedding film, the editing will be seamless, often non-chronological especially in the short highlights film – mixing up shots and audio from throughout the day in a way that’s creative and artistic, and in well-edited video you won’t notice abrupt cuts.