Event videography is an art which requires experienced professionals. It requires the skillset of attentive thinking and expertise in camera knowledge. As each moment is happening in real time, its upto the videographer to capture it in the most creative manner.
In this blog, we shall cover 5 most effective tips to create an exciting event coverage video.
1 – Identify the protagonist
Mostly in an event, many things are happening simultaneously. This can be very confusing for the event videographer. Should he/she focus on everything or stay focused on key people. A background check on key players of the event can be very helpful. Its recommended to go through agenda, talk to event organizer and learn about the key players. A good understanding of objective of video too can help decide the time and effort to be applied on each shot. Many fast paced event videos would not require a heavy static camera coverage.
2 – Use Lighting as weapon
Lighting if used in the right way can be a huge support for event videographer. Too bright and video can burn, too low and video shall be dull. Combination of side light with outcast cover can help achieve a perfect balance. While many times, this can be controlled by the event videographer, but at times, event setup would not allow the videographer to make changes in arrangement. Placing the camera at most suitable angle is the only way to get the best lit event video.
3 – Be Mobile & Steady
All the action in an event doesn’t happen in just one place. While you might be able to capture the staged event, key happy moments of event’s protagonist might be occurring somewhere else. Always make sure to have one event videographer, ready to move and capture these shots. But mobility doesn’t mean shaky shots. Using a monopod or gimble can be bring mobility along stability in all event shots.
4 – Screen is better than view-finder
People attending events are not focused on looking best in the camera. They move and turn and shift as they please. But for the event videographer, video focus can be keep changing with such motions. Viewing the video on camera’s small view finder can sometime make the videographer miss these small errors. A big screen attachment ensures that such errors not occur. Its a small investment but can help you avoid irreparable shoot errors.
5 – Don’t forget Secondary shots
Covering event doesn’t just mean capturing the staged event or the protagonist. Reactions to good speeches or funny jokes are equally important to build the story. Capturing these reactions showcases the true experience of the event and builds higher impact on audience.
Bonus tip – Be different
As events are getting grander, expectation from event coverage video is also to get exciting and engaging. This can only be achieved by adding more creativity to the mundane job of covering event video. With interesting overlays and animation, you can always edit video into an exciting format, but unless shots are engaging, video’s creativity would not impress people.