Enhance your wedding reception with a live band

After having been a part of so many incredible wedding days, from the beach to the city and everywhere in between, we have found there is a common denominator that really elevates the guests experience. A live band. The energy completely changes, people are on the dance floor all night long, which makes for better photos and videos. With that being said, we are excited to share our latest blog.

5 Tips to Capture Great Videos of the Wedding Band

A wedding is arguably the biggest day in a couple’s life - it’s a momentous occasion that is worth looking back on fondly for those special memories. With how much effort goes into weddings, capturing every moment and having a well-created film along with videos is a necessity.

Looking back on such positive memories is not only a fun memory but actually improves a person’s well-being, as it evokes feelings of joy and nostalgia kicked up together. Videographers aim to satiate that desire to perfectly capture these unforgettable moments and even catch some of the hidden gems of the event. This is why photographers, videographers and live bands rank in the top five first booked vendors in terms of average wedding expenses in 2022. 

Major parts of these celebrations are the wedding bands, as wedding videographers we are at our best when the vibe of the bridal party and guests is ready to party and engages with the camera. By having high energy footage we are able to piece together the narrative from the entirety of your day to bounce back and forth between ceremony and reception.

Plan Ahead

The most important step to getting incredible wedding videos is planning ahead. This is especially important if you want to effectively incorporate the wedding band into your edit. Make sure you speak to the band before they set up so you know where they’ll be, what their set list will have, and what the sound is going to be like. This will help you map out what shots you can expect to take ahead of time. 

Planning ahead also ensures that you can coordinate with the band to discuss any restrictions or potential issues in terms of filming. This also helps you integrate big moments like the couple’s song, a father-daughter dance, and fun moments with the wedding party. 

Lighting and Environment

As photographers and videographers, lighting is everything. It’s especially important to keep this in mind when you are filming something as dynamic as the band. Not only is the singer and different instruments going to be moving around as they perform, but you can also expect a lot of movement from guests. This means you will have to pay attention to how the lighting will be set up in terms of stage and ambiance so you don’t miss out on great moments. 

Even in the age of social media, a lot of people are still camera-shy. It is our job to make people feel as comfortable and bring out a sense of confidence, music tends to help in these situations. Much can be said about the type of venue the band is performing to and if the event is hosted indoor or outdoor which then you have to factor in weather and other outside factors.

Consider Angles That Are Flexible Yet Appealing

Wedding bands are meant to keep the party going, so you should be prepared to capture unexpected moments while still having those sublimely framed shots that you may have already planned for. This is why you need to position yourself in a place where you can capture these handy and reliable “sure” shots without restricting yourself from getting a good angle on some unplanned situations worth memorializing. 

Whether it’s a sudden dance battle or an unexpectedly fascinating flourish from a guest, having the flexibility to create that perspective is essential in telling a story worth looking back on. It’s what separates a generic wedding video from one that strikes the heart years later. 

Getting a recap of the best moments from the wedding and reception means leaning into the variety of it all. Ten shots of people standing around doing the same thing don’t really result in the emotional impact you want from a wedding video. It’s also important to position yourself to capture the intimacy of the event without being intrusive. 

Feel free to experiment with different shots to make a dynamic video that feels engaging throughout. Get some wide shots of the stage as people dance to the band and spruce it up by stitching in close-ups of band members and guests enjoying the performance. Then, wrap it up by getting those crucial moments that really show genuine interactions and the narrative you’re trying to tell. It’s all about getting up close without uncomfortably bothering everyone’s personal space. 

Invest in Stabilization

You’re going to be moving around a lot if you want to capture dynamic shots for the wedding video. Even if you stay rooted in one spot, you’ll likely have to hold the camera to get different points of view and follow through on the band’s movement. It’s important to practice your own steadiness so you can minimize camera movement but you should also invest in some tools to avoid unprofessional shakiness. Consider tripods for steady shots and handheld stabilizers or gimbals for those panning shots. These tools also help if you’re filming on uneven ground or dealing with exuberant guests.