video light or no?

Having filmed many, many speeches, we have always had bright clean shots from them all without the need for lights, and I can't understand why anyone would want to put lights on these poor nerve wracked guys anyway.
I would have thought the safety issues alone would deter even the most heavily insured video guys.

Most important thing on the speeches is the sound
never use lights. it is never to dark for modern
cameras just not worth upsetting the guests for
improved pictures. Barry TOP HAT VIDEO

Tom

Was that a typo, "Rear-Stained"? Should it have been "Tear-Stained" or were the recipeants dirting themselves with what might be said? :eek:

BTW, we almost never use lights unless asked to do so, the VX2000`s & DSR250`s work in such low light, even disco conditions!

Barry Hunter
Videos for all Occasions

Whoops yes - tear stained. Type too fast, proof read too little. I agree, the VX2k series is indeed remarkable in low light, but using a blip of 20watts can mean the difference between 0dB and oh-oh, grainy +9dB

tom.

Modern cameras are much better in low light conditions, but only by using electronic gain, resulting in grain and colour loss in the footage.

Many reception halls are bright enough to film the speeches, but some only use candle-light and I then bounce a light off the ceiling onto the top table. If the lights are left on for the first waltz, then I don't bother with a light - providing the band/disco have some lighting in use. The rest of the evening may be a bit grainey, but customers prefer that to lights spoiling the atmosphere, and preventing some shy (or sober) guests from dancing.

Mike, doesn`t it get darker earlier up north? :eek:

Barry Hunter
Videos for all Occasions

It does Barry. Sometimes it stays dark for months.

I've never used lights for speeches yet and I cannot think of a venue that I will ever need them for.

Using the PD150 crertainly helps and I have never gone over 3db on the speeches. With my previous XM1s I did have some quite gloomy pictures but I never used lights because i consider them too intrusive for what is already a very nervous part of the day.

In the disco I use a Sony 10 watt video light and that is more than enough to get decent pictures.

Simon

This post has really opened my eyes to other videographers habits. I always use 2 redheads for speeches and dancing, usually the first 6/7. Prior to the speeches I spend a fair time making sure they are secure and out of peoples way/reach. Never had an accident yet though twice came close (in 14 years) due to someone being stupid!! I'm actually very surprised at the response and will take another look to see if its worth all the hassle setting them up. One distinct advantage have lights is that they need half an hour to cool down and as I don't drive (my father does the transport), its time to hit the bar for a few well earned Guinnesses and Malts. A fitting end to a long day!!!
Mike G.

Must admit I use to use lights but later stop using them. The only time I ever use lights today is when the DJ turns up with a bedside lamp as disco lights.

SIFI

I think you would require lights in a venue I was in last month, where the top table was all backlit, and the toastmaster refused to close the curtains as it "Spoiled the atmosphere"

Even shooting at an angle, the background needed to be overexposed to see the speakers.

So, never say never :)

I always prime the couple about this problem early in our discussions! It proved invaluable on a wedding we did on the 22nd May this year.

After the event the couple informed me that on the morning of the wedding they received a call from the hotel saying that although the couple had stated were the top table was to be, against the wall, the hotel, a very prestgeous one in Torbay, decided to place it in front of the window! The couple told them that it was not what had been agreed, that it would spoil the speech part of the video and to lay out as per orgonal plan.

Apparantly, the hotel had to move everything in order to comply with the couple`s wishes. After the wedding breakfast, the maitre de said, "i thought we all worked well together today" at this point I had no knowledge of what had happened earlier.

Just goes to prove how important discussions are & ensuring the couple are aware of situations like these.

Barry Hunter
Videos for all Occasions

although i try my best not to use external lighting. sometimes it just can't be helped. although for speeches, i've not had to use an external light just yet. it's usually well lit enough in the reception to just use natural lighting and adjust the camcorder accordingly. In most cases, venues don't get really dark, until shortly after dinner and when the dancing starts.

but for the most part, i usually explain to the B&G the when I would have the need for external lighting and show them some examples to confirm that's the "look" they want in the final video.

A good tip Barry. Never occured to me that the couple have input on the layout for the wedding breakfast.

If that had been a toastmaster with me I would simply have gone straight to the bride and groom and asked them to make the decision. Toastmasters are usually a nice and helpful addition to the day, but just occassionally you get one who wants to run the whole do. Tell him to P*$$ off and see what the B&G want.

Whenever the top table is backlit I always check with the B&G anyway. I explain the problem then it is up to them to make the decision. To date there have been no problems with closing the curtains (apart from the venue that only had fake, non closable curtains).

I could have asked the B+G, but felt at the time I would just be burdening them with the responsibility, and they were nervous enough as it was.

Best do it on the day, can save tears latter. That way you can sleep easy knowing you asked and did what they wanted