Videographers and lighting (any type of vendor reply!)

i am currently looking into videographers and my biggest concern is the 'light' that is used. i have been at weddings where the blaring bright light takes away from a special moment.

my question is:
do ALL good videographers use a light on top of the camera?
if so, is there a specific wattage that is most desirable?
if not, what are the other options?

i'd love to hear opinions/knowledge from any vendor who is able to either fully or partially answer my question!

thanks,
michele :)

Hi Michele, I understand your concern. There are a lot of videographers that still use bright lights.This is not nessesary any more with digital cameras.I can only speak for us and we don't use any big room lights only the light on the camera. The light which we use is a variable light which can be turned down to about 15 to 20 watts when filming close on the dance floor.This is needed in most reception room situations. During our house coveraqe for example we don't use any lights.I hope this helps, and feel free to call or e-mail for any other questions you may have.


Bill
Wild Rose Video

Hi Michelle,

I can give you some information on our equipment and hopefully that can answer some of your questions, but, if you do meet with a videographer I would ask to see the cameras and lights that will be used to shoot your wedding so you can see it for yourself before its too late.

Our cameras are small, compact all digital cameras. They do not require any room lights and we do not use tripods at the reception. There is a light on the camera, but, we are able to shoot at only 10 Watts and that may only be needed at certain points in the night. If you want more information or would like to see our equipment and our recent work, give me a call at 631-224-3500.

Stacy
Candlelite Video Productions
[email protected]

thanks for the info, stacy and bill!

if any other vendors would like to reply i'd love to hear what you have to say!

thanks,
michele :)

Dear Miro,
There is nothing worse at a wedding than the bright glaring lights that some antiquated videographers still use. The current technology has allowed videographers to use very low level - totally unobtrusive lighting. One of the recent weddings my band played had a videographer with the glaring lights. Not only was it constantly in the eyes of the band causing us problems in seeing the guests -but it totally ruined the ambiance of the reception. Every time the bride got up to dance the glaring lights came on and ruined the beautiful setting of the catering location.This videographer also had an electrical cable trailing behing him-connected to a wall outlet-very dangerous for guests to trip over.I have also seen antiquated videographers with the video set up and tv monitor on wheels on a large cart. This is totally out of place at a wedding-it takes up so much room and again is very dangerous. Most of the reputable videographers use the curent technology and they are a delight to work with. Video should never be obtrusive. My suggestion is that you place a clause in your contract with your videographer about eliminating the glaring lighting completely. This way you will be covered. Any of the reputable videographers should have information about the lighting they use in their brochures. You you do not see the information -ask about it.
As a further note on a similar topic I would like to make a comment about photographers who bring ladders to weddings. This is another problem area.
I have played several weddings where a large ladder is placed in front of the band for the photographer to go high for shots. Besides dangerous this is again totally out of place. It again eliminates my contact and visibility of the guests.You will never find this with any reputable photographer. The best photographers and videographers want to fit in with the wedding - not stick out and cause problems.
STAN WIEST
A.STAN WIEST MUSIC
www.stanwiest.com
(631) 754-0594
Stan Wiest Website Stan Wiest Email

Hi Michele,

You have gotten many replies on this subject.
We are very unobtrusive videographers.
We use a soft light on top of our camera .....that's it.

Digital cameras pick up alot. But with the low light on the digital cameras it only enhances the subject.
Just like photographers need flash, videographers need some light. The best advice I can give is have the videographer show you the equipment.
Ask for past brides that can discuss this subject with you and tell you how this 'light' affected them.

Asking brides that have been there, done that....is your best source.

I do understand your concern and you have every right to question our services.

If you need my help, let me know.

Marie

thank you all! i really appreciate you taking the time to respond. i feel much better about the whole lighting deal now!