When prospective clients approach me for wedding photography they often ask my advice for hiring a videographer to film their wedding. I have always had a mixed opinion on this subject.
I really don’t have a problem with videographers as long as they are professional and respectful of what is going on that day, but sadly this is rare in Indian weddings. All too often I find that the client has hired a video crew with bright lights that make you think you are on the beach and wish you had a sun-tan lotion. These harsh contrast lights throw the camera’s light-meter completely off balance and many times simply ruin a great shot. Of course, there are high-end videographers that would do an amazing job, but I have met very few of those in Indian weddings so far.
Being a wedding photojournalist I need to work around the given situation and try to make the best out of it. Trying to position myself in such a way that will enable me to use this light in my advantage is NOT easy, as any photographer will tell you.
Tip for Photographers – How to work with wedding videographers hotlights?
If you are a wedding photographer you know exactly what I mean. It is a nightmare as these lights will turn on and off at unpredictable times and very often result in ruined or missed photo opportunities. Direct light is often too harsh for portraits and will almost never be our light of choice, but it is still possible to work with and around this light to get some good shots. Rule no. 1: Never have the videographer behind your back. always try to be shooting in an angle to the light so that you get a shadow and a depth in the picture. Even working with the light in your face and using a fill-in flash (or shooting silhouettes) will give good results. 2: Converting to B&W is a wonderful solution! these halogen lights are fantastic for getting that retro b&w 50′s movie look. if you keep this in mind you could come out with some incredible cinematography effects that would otherwise be almost impossible to get. B&W will also solve the color balance issue. Here are a few samples. Good luck.
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