The Importance of Lighting
One of the biggest frustrations I have as a videographer is in dealing with lighting during a shoot… but I have an idea.
Here is something that I don’t understand. How much time have you put into the decor and “look” of your reception? You worry about the color and placement of the table linens, the chair covers, the flowers, the gifts, the candles. Every bow is perfect. Every color the same hue. Every menu in its place. And right before the guests arrive, the lights are shut almost completely off. Umm… what? Oh sure you are trying to create ambiance but seriously, nobody can see all the work and planning that went into making sure everything is perfect. (OK… rant over)
The lights going out creates a problem for us as well. Many of our brides express concern about “having a big light” on our camera. I always assure them that we do not use our light (which is only 20 watts and can fit in your jacket pocket) unless we absolutely have to. There have been some receptions where the venue literally shuts the light off. Completely. Obviously in these situations a light is absolutely necessary. While our cameras are good in low light, they are not magic. When the lighting gets too low, colors get muddy, contrast goes way down, and the images becomes grainy.
Compare the two clips below. Both of these clips were shot at Glenmoor Country Club in Canton. While Meghan, the coordinator at Glenmoor, always accommodates our requests to leave the lights up for the main dances, the dark walls and high ceilings make it next to impossible to get “good” light.
The next weekend there was a light that was used to highlight the cake. Fortunately after the cake was cut and taken off the dance floor, the light remained. Take a look at the difference compared to the previous clip.
What a difference! It completely changes the look and feel of the clip. The contrast. The shadows. The nice silhouette shot. Much more drama. No wonder Hollywood movies spend a million dollars to light their productions properly.
So I have an idea and I need your opinion. I would like to start bringing my own spot light to receptions and setting it up for the main dances (the first dance, father-daughter dance, and mother-son dance). This would make for much better footage and opportunities for much more dramatic shots. After the main dances are over the light will be taken down and the party can continue as normal.
A side benefit of the spot light is that is brings the focus where it should be, on the couple.
Every DJ, band, wedding coordinator, reception venue, and photographer I have talked to about the idea thinks it is great. Photographers especially are excited since they can use the light in the same way that we would. They would not have to use their flash during those dances. They could use the shadow and silhouette to create much more drama in the photos. This makes it a “win” for everyone involved especially you since you will get the best footage possible.
So what do you think? Be honest. Would you mind a small spot light on you for your first dance knowing that it is going to make your video and photos so much better without spoiling the ambiance in the rest of the room. Leave a comment and let me know.
March 7th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
I like the look of the spotlight, and I would be happy to have you use it at our July wedding! I don’t think it’s intrusive at all, especially if it’s down by the time the party is really going strong. My vote goes to the spotlight!
March 8th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
I also like the idea of the spotlight! Some of my favorite pictures of first dances are the ones where the photographer uses something called a “back flash” I believe, so you just get the silhouette of the couple along with the light coming through the bride’s veil. This would make that so much easier to do, I think. Love it, we are both game! :)
March 8th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
Hey! I know those brides and grooms! :-)
This is what makes you the standout in your field–you’re always thinking of ways to solve problems for everyone. Lighting is a big issue and one that is often overlooked. It’s a delicate balance between a candle-lit atmosphere and sacrificing photo/video quality. We do try to navigate this to get everyone what they need (the bride’s desired “ambiance,” your video quality, etc.) but I think the spotlight is a good compromise. And if you’re able to offer this service without bringing in a lighting specialist, you can keep it affordable for your brides-to-be.
Anyway… kudos!
March 10th, 2008 at 8:48 pm
I think it makes a world of a difference and why not have the spotlight on the BG!!!