Editing wedding videos can sometimes be overwhelming, especially if you are still new to it or are trying it out for the first time. That’s why careful preparation and using a storytelling technique can be very useful.
Many brides and grooms to be want to have a full documentary of their wedding day captured on film so they can relive every single minute and experience all those sweeping emotions over again. A lot of newly-weds will also want to see a short highlight version produced that they can easily share online with family and friends who were present or who may have missed their special event.
Showcase the day
When editing your video you will want to showcase the day and tell the story of the whole event as it unfolded. You can build some anticipation at the beginning of your film by using some B-roll footage and setting the stage for your wedding day story.
Plan your transition shots
After you have spent the day shooting the video you are going to have some memorable shots already in mind that you think will go together well. You should consider sliding out of one shot and into another to add interest and a fresh focus. Panning your shots is a good idea so that you can edit together two panned shots with a cross dissolve to help create a seamless look.
You can use one focal point to be your stationary fade, such as a flower arrangement or a make-up dressing table when shooting bridesmaids. Another trick is to fade to black with a moving object, such as a guest walking across your shot in front of your camera. Take that moment to fade to black before switching your focus to something else. Other objects you could use would be a doorway, or a display table – anything that you can use to fade out the shot.
Light leaks
Light leaks are a very common way of seamlessly editing shots together, but be careful not to overuse this technique. Too many light leaks can become distracting and quite repetitive if used too often. You can easily shoot light leaks yourself or use free downloaded ones. An ideal time to use light leaks would be while editing the wedding reception, especially if the couple have hired a DJ or live band that use lighting effects. You can stitch these in far easier this way and avoid harsh cuts in your footage.
Standard cuts
Although you may think using too many standard cuts will come across as looking harsh on film, you shouldn’t be afraid to use them. Standard cuts can look great when pieced together properly and can easily show the passage of time. They look great for the times when the bride and bridesmaids are having their hair and make-up done.
Storytelling the day
Although the bride and groom may expect you to show everything in order exactly as it happened on the day, remember that you don’t have to stick to the rules entirely! You can weave interesting clips together to be as engaging as possible. You may want to include footage of the bridesmaids getting ready and sharing their excitement, then switch to a shot of some guests arriving at the wedding venue, then switch back to a bit more footage of the bridesmaids or the grooms men getting ready, the back to a shot of a few more guests arriving. These events may not have happened in sequence exactly as shown, but it helps to tell a story and build a feeling of anticipation as well as showcase everything else happening during the big day.
Hopefully you found our wedding video editing tips helpful. Good luck with your editing! To know more Click here.
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