OT: Tips for 3 camera shoot of baptism

Matt Houser wrote on 2/3/2009, 12:28 PM
I've videographed a few family member's baptisms in the past using a single camera, and used Vegas to edit out the crap and put together a simple DVD.

For my son's baptism, I have the opportunity to have 3 cameras available (HDRSR12, HDRSR11, Panasonic MiniDV SD camera). I think that if I can utilitize all 3, I can do something really fancy (relatively speaking).

I'll be using Vegas to put together both DVD and BD versions of the video.

Does anyone have any tips for me for doing something like this? I've never done anything like this, let alone given any forethought into the "production strategy" :)

Thanks,
...Matt

Comments

musicvid10 wrote on 2/3/2009, 12:42 PM
I think 3 cameras for a baptism is overcompensating just a bit.
In my family, the baptism movies came out of the dusty closet only twice -- once at Confirmation, and the other the night before the wedding - that was it.

I suggest you set up a fixed angle camera, shoot some cutaways with a handheld, and enjoy the moment by being part of the ceremony rather than as 'the guy running around with all of the cameras." Just my thoughts.
RalphM wrote on 2/3/2009, 12:48 PM
A lot depends on how your church does baptisms. Is it a public or private baptism? In many churches, family and small children from the congregation are invited to gather around the font, which can make shooting video a tough prospect.

Also, as the father, you will have some role in the baptism. Are you planning on shooting handheld at the same time, or are you expecting to set up all the cameras static and hope for a good angle from at least one of them, or do you have a capable friend who can shoot handheld for you. Having someone who is free to move to get the best angle would be very advisable.
Matt Houser wrote on 2/3/2009, 2:04 PM
The ceremony is private, and as the father, I have no active role... I'm just a spectator. The god-parents have the active role. I don't mind being a cameraman.

I have tripods available to me, but the "action" moves around the sanctuary, so I'd need atleast someone to man the fixed cameras.
richard-amirault wrote on 2/3/2009, 3:34 PM
To make a multi-camera shoot easier ... start all (three in this case) .. cameras and let them run continuously until the end of the shoot.

Before the action starts .. shoot something that will help you sync all three videos/soundtracks... something like a handclap or other sharp sound .. if you can *see* the handclap from all three cameras all the better.
richard-courtney wrote on 2/3/2009, 4:18 PM
IMHO: Whether or not you have an active role I personally think you need to be in
a shot. I can tell you that kids will look back will be reminded that "you were there".
They won't remember the camera dude.

With permission of the minister/priest do "B Roll" shots after the service but
have a friend, or even the church's AV guy, record.

As Musicvid said they may only pull out the video for confirmation and a rehearsal
dinner video so you don't need to be too fancy.
JohnnyRoy wrote on 2/4/2009, 3:53 AM
> IMHO: Whether or not you have an active role I personally think you need to be in a shot.

I agree. Take the day off and let someone else shoot. Be in the picture.

> I have tripods available to me, but the "action" moves around the sanctuary, so I'd need atleast someone to man the fixed cameras.

I would forget the Panasonic. MiniDV is not going to cut well with the AVCHD cameras. Have one of the camera operators use a monopod and use like a boom it to get over the crowd when you are all around the baptismal fount. The high vantage point will also be better for seeing the action.

If the church will let you tap into the tape outs on their PA, try and take the audio from the mixer. Even if you record with an MP3 player (or even the miniDV camera) the audio will be much better than anything you can get off a camera mic in an echo filled church.

Oh, and... Congratulations on the new baby and new member of the church!

~jr