I truly never thought I would film weddings handheld. I remember the first time I shot a ceremony handheld with a 24 to 105. I just felt so much more control. Gimbals have a place. But I don't even bring mine most the time anymore. Shooting handheld made me excited to film weddings again. That was back in June of last year now. Thanks for inspiring me to do so.
Ive found the camera strap is better than weight for something like a wedding where you are on your feet all day. I use the peak design anchor, put 1 on the top left of my camera and 1 on bottom right. Then use the camera strap across my back instead of neck. It is more comfortable, has a wider base to stabilize against back vs neck and is also less prone to pitching forward and backward. Def have overthought it lol but it works
Thanks for this! I prefer handheld as it seems to give so much more creative space. I'm curious to know though, when do you go gimbal or another stabilizer over handheld? Ever?
I really like the 24fps look. Can you talk about your workflow with shooting 60fps and (I'm assuming) editing on a 24fps timeline? Curious how the 60fps converts to 24fps when not slowed down, especially regarding dropped/repeated frames, etc.
definately would recommend shooting all normal motion stuff in 24/25 and only shoot 50/60 if you intend to slow it down into slow motion otherwise the 1/100 shutter speed will make normal motion look jittery af and even more unstable handheld
The safe play is to shoot all day in 60 fps but you will need a higher shutter speed causing (IMO) an image that looks more like a soap opera and less "cinematic," at least with my Nikon Z8. As I've become more comfortable with my gear I've been able to shoot most of my scenes in 24fps and then switch to 60 when I know I'm going to utilize slow motion in post. 60 fps can be slowed down to to approximately half speed bc you have double the frames per second (depending on your timeline.) If you try to slow down 24fps, you'll have terrible choppy footage. I use both when I can remember to change my settings and shutter speed!
I shot some footage and did a little test in Premiere, and I am not a fan of how 60fps looks in a 24fps timeline. It pretty much kills motion blur and makes it look choppy. Think I'll stick to switching framerates when I know I want to slow something down
Have you tried shooting mic, cam and lens and that’s it? No rig? I think rigging is over kill for weddings just because it’s a long day lol I shoot on lumix so maybe that ibis helps a lot more than other systems but I’ve also shot a wedding on a Bs1h that has no ibis. Camera strap on the neck might hurt after a long day. I put my arm through the strap and use PD anchors and their little plate to keep the straps at the bottom of the camera vs the actual camera hooks. It helps keep the strap out of the way especially on cameras with flip screens. I’m glad to see you preaching handheld! I haven’t shot a wedding with a gimbal all year. Even on my commercial work, the gimbal stays at home lol handheld is the way!
Yeah I used to run the GH5 with just a monitor, I find that having a monitor atleast helps with focus, composition, and exposure. Thankfully, my Sony setup isn't too heavy throughout the day and Im used to the feel of it so if I took everything off I feel like it would throw me off lol.
Thanks for finally making this vid. I know you’ve been planning to do this for a while. Great tips for shooting handheld. I’m always at a loss for how to approach the portrait session with handheld. Prep n first look no problem, ceremony n speeches on sticks. Reception dancing mostly handheld. But Portraits, I never seem to get the look I’m after with handheld. Would love to divorce the gimbal altogether but I do like it for establishing shots of venue and portraits. Keep up the good work man.!!!
yeah thats so true hey. could do all day handheld, but struggle at sunset with the couple. i feel like my shots aren't powerful enough without my gimbal
I actually watched this video before my wedding on Friday and shot handheld instead of using my gimbal. Partly because of the hectic schedule and I didn't want to mess with the gimbal, but also inspired by watching your video. Now I'm strongly considering the SMALLRIG cage (and accessories) for my Canon R3.
I bought myself a navik mini 3 pro , another stabilizer, but I didn't dare to buy lumix s 5, the autofocus scared me, how do you think which camera should I buy?
To get consistant results and more control its better to get used to manual focus. The S5 has great image quality. I use the GH6. Amazing stabilization, great image quality and video features. If you need autofocus then the Sony A74 or FX30 are great
I am really debating whether i should shoot at 60fps or at 24fps. My client wants to have a retro look so I am guessing to shoot at 24fps handheld. Would you agree?
Frame rates generally depicts feeling - Retro look makes me think more of a certain color palette? 24fps is going to give you a more realistic feeling, while 60FPS allows you to decide in the edit how you want to convey a certain moment (I.e. slowed down or in real-time) I use 60FPS all day primarily for simplicity’s sake. You could honestly shoot with either option to achieve the desired feeling
I had a couple of videographers that didn't know how to do things handheld. They were do a lot of unnecessary movements especially whenever it wasn't even needed. They couldn't understand when I told them all they have to do is do slight movements and not move too much. I mean it's a different thing whenever you're doing tracking shots like where you're walking with them. Or like whatever they're doing speeches/toast. I'm like why are you doing all those Unnecessary movements. they would be trying to move the camera to make it look cinematic and I keep telling them for speeches you ain't got to move the camera If you ain't got to.
I feel this! It can be frustrating sometimes trying to communicate your needs day of. The best approach for second shooters is to prep them a few days before (especially if they are new) and just make sure they are aware of your process, structure, and how you shoot each moment. Oftentimes the best approach for the first few weddings is to keep them on a monopod and let them know you just need a stationary shot for each moment, no movement, just capture the moments as is. Then over time as you build that trust you can give them more creative range.
I truly never thought I would film weddings handheld. I remember the first time I shot a ceremony handheld with a 24 to 105. I just felt so much more control. Gimbals have a place. But I don't even bring mine most the time anymore. Shooting handheld made me excited to film weddings again. That was back in June of last year now. Thanks for inspiring me to do so.
Ive found the camera strap is better than weight for something like a wedding where you are on your feet all day. I use the peak design anchor, put 1 on the top left of my camera and 1 on bottom right. Then use the camera strap across my back instead of neck.
It is more comfortable, has a wider base to stabilize against back vs neck and is also less prone to pitching forward and backward.
Def have overthought it lol but it works
Thank you very much for the tips, about to shoot my first wedding videography tomorrow, lil nervous but i know I'll do an amazing job.
Def going a lot more handheld on my weddings in 2023 🙌🏻 Thanks for the tips!
Awesome to hear it! Thanks for the love!
A DIY Camera Saddle Bag will really help.
Great tip, I needed that. Thanks!!
I love shooting hand-held...it's also nice on my back :)
Thank you for sharing these very useful tips!
Been Following your channel for awhile, inspired me to start my own! well another one haha
Thanks for this! I prefer handheld as it seems to give so much more creative space. I'm curious to know though, when do you go gimbal or another stabilizer over handheld? Ever?
dude..yes.. Great Advice!! used the ronin 100% my first year ish.. the last 2 years almost all handheld..
Thanks so much man! Love to hear that
I really like the 24fps look. Can you talk about your workflow with shooting 60fps and (I'm assuming) editing on a 24fps timeline?
Curious how the 60fps converts to 24fps when not slowed down, especially regarding dropped/repeated frames, etc.
please reply to this
definately would recommend shooting all normal motion stuff in 24/25 and only shoot 50/60 if you intend to slow it down into slow motion otherwise the 1/100 shutter speed will make normal motion look jittery af and even more unstable handheld
The safe play is to shoot all day in 60 fps but you will need a higher shutter speed causing (IMO) an image that looks more like a soap opera and less "cinematic," at least with my Nikon Z8. As I've become more comfortable with my gear I've been able to shoot most of my scenes in 24fps and then switch to 60 when I know I'm going to utilize slow motion in post. 60 fps can be slowed down to to approximately half speed bc you have double the frames per second (depending on your timeline.) If you try to slow down 24fps, you'll have terrible choppy footage. I use both when I can remember to change my settings and shutter speed!
I shot some footage and did a little test in Premiere, and I am not a fan of how 60fps looks in a 24fps timeline. It pretty much kills motion blur and makes it look choppy. Think I'll stick to switching framerates when I know I want to slow something down
Thanks really helpful video 😀
Have you tried shooting mic, cam and lens and that’s it? No rig? I think rigging is over kill for weddings just because it’s a long day lol I shoot on lumix so maybe that ibis helps a lot more than other systems but I’ve also shot a wedding on a Bs1h that has no ibis.
Camera strap on the neck might hurt after a long day. I put my arm through the strap and use PD anchors and their little plate to keep the straps at the bottom of the camera vs the actual camera hooks. It helps keep the strap out of the way especially on cameras with flip screens.
I’m glad to see you preaching handheld! I haven’t shot a wedding with a gimbal all year. Even on my commercial work, the gimbal stays at home lol handheld is the way!
Yeah I used to run the GH5 with just a monitor, I find that having a monitor atleast helps with focus, composition, and exposure. Thankfully, my Sony setup isn't too heavy throughout the day and Im used to the feel of it so if I took everything off I feel like it would throw me off lol.
Such great advice, bro.
Thanks friend! Hope this tips help in some way!
Thankyou so much for this!!! Super helpful :)
Thanks so much for watching!
Thanks for finally making this vid. I know you’ve been planning to do this for a while. Great tips for shooting handheld. I’m always at a loss for how to approach the portrait session with handheld. Prep n first look no problem, ceremony n speeches on sticks. Reception dancing mostly handheld. But Portraits, I never seem to get the look I’m after with handheld. Would love to divorce the gimbal altogether but I do like it for establishing shots of venue and portraits.
Keep up the good work man.!!!
You bet! Sometimes its best not to overthink it. Just keep the 4 shot standard in your mind (wide, medium, 2 close ups) and you'll find your groove.
yeah thats so true hey. could do all day handheld, but struggle at sunset with the couple. i feel like my shots aren't powerful enough without my gimbal
Cool tips. I don't really shoot handheld as I do not have the dual image stabilization setup like you mentioned but it's good tips.
Thanks so much! Glad you dig the video!
should i use a gimbal or monopod/tripod for the ceremony?
I actually watched this video before my wedding on Friday and shot handheld instead of using my gimbal. Partly because of the hectic schedule and I didn't want to mess with the gimbal, but also inspired by watching your video. Now I'm strongly considering the SMALLRIG cage (and accessories) for my Canon R3.
Thats awesome to hear! I really think having a cage setup makes a huge difference. Hope the wedding went well!
Hey man, thanks for the motivating video. I love shooting handheld. I’m wondering what camera monitors you recommend that are not too pricy?
Thanks friend! I have two that I love, the atomos ninja 5 (pricey) or the FeelWorld F6 Plus (budget friendly)
I bought myself a navik mini 3 pro , another stabilizer, but I didn't dare to buy lumix s 5, the autofocus scared me, how do you think which camera should I buy?
To get consistant results and more control its better to get used to manual focus. The S5 has great image quality. I use the GH6. Amazing stabilization, great image quality and video features. If you need autofocus then the Sony A74 or FX30 are great
Lumix S5 Mark ii with PDAF to be announced early next year.
at the wedding in church u use 60 fps?
Are you using active or standard stabilization on the a7siii? thanks in advance :)
Active is my main go to Stabilization. Sometimes if I want a bit more realism to the handheld look I’ll switch to standard
I am really debating whether i should shoot at 60fps or at 24fps. My client wants to have a retro look so I am guessing to shoot at 24fps handheld. Would you agree?
Frame rates generally depicts feeling - Retro look makes me think more of a certain color palette? 24fps is going to give you a more realistic feeling, while 60FPS allows you to decide in the edit how you want to convey a certain moment (I.e. slowed down or in real-time) I use 60FPS all day primarily for simplicity’s sake.
You could honestly shoot with either option to achieve the desired feeling
Clients usually have no fkin clue what they actually want, they just throw around words they have heard without actually understanding what they mean
I had a couple of videographers that didn't know how to do things handheld. They were do a lot of unnecessary movements especially whenever it wasn't even needed. They couldn't understand when I told them all they have to do is do slight movements and not move too much. I mean it's a different thing whenever you're doing tracking shots like where you're walking with them. Or like whatever they're doing speeches/toast. I'm like why are you doing all those Unnecessary movements.
they would be trying to move the camera to make it look cinematic and I keep telling them for speeches you ain't got to move the camera If you ain't got to.
I feel this! It can be frustrating sometimes trying to communicate your needs day of. The best approach for second shooters is to prep them a few days before (especially if they are new) and just make sure they are aware of your process, structure, and how you shoot each moment. Oftentimes the best approach for the first few weddings is to keep them on a monopod and let them know you just need a stationary shot for each moment, no movement, just capture the moments as is. Then over time as you build that trust you can give them more creative range.
🙏