What DSLR Accessories Do I Need for Shooting High Quality Wedding Videos?

Looking to shoot the best wedding videos? There may be many like you out there who’ve just ventured into the world of videography. For them (including you), there is an endless number of DSLR video accessories that can seem overwhelming giving them a hard time when choosing the right camera gear. 

Did you think that choosing a camera body was a hard thing to do? You’ll come across a wide range of accessories you’ll be needing to shoot one’s wedding video.

No shooting a superior quality wedding video will require as much gear you need as shooting a small film. So here are the some of the most indispensable items that you must take into account for shooting the special day. Not only are these accessories compact, they can be used effectively in the wedding environment. No videographer would ever want quality to be compromised while shooting a wedding video.

So here I go shedding some light on some of the best accessories you’ll need to shoot wedding videos : 

Camera

It goes without saying that the most important thing you need to shoot a wedding is a premium quality DSLR camera. These cameras regarded as the low-priced alternatives to those used for cinemas. No doubt DSLRs provide fantastic resolution and excellent ergonomics.

If you were to ask me, I’d definitely agree that these highly advanced devices do deserve a post of their own, as in what kind of camera will be suitable for a startup company, or the quality cameras under $1000, or what questions must be asked when buying the right camera for one’s videography needs.

Before you select the right camera for your shooting needs, it’s important for you to know that each of these cameras functions in the same way. Some of the best-known brands that manufacture the world-class cameras include Canon, Sony, and Panasonic. Most of these cameras can be found within a similar price range.

Lenses

One of the most important accessories for the pros, lenses are also known as “glass”, and they’re what the DSLR uses to see the world. Want to know what makes them the most feasible and unique pieces of camera gear affecting the look of the video significantly? Their mind-boggling light-transmitting speed and characteristics.

A DSLR or mirrorless camera (no matter how advanced it is) will not serve your purpose or do you any good when shooting a wedding video if you lack high-quality lenses. Keeping this in mind, I strongly advise you to not shell out all the money you’ve got on the camera, as you need to have some for buying a top-grade lens. 

Don’t you forget lens plays an equally vital role as your camera? If you have a top-notch DSLR, it’s likely to deliver you a poor image just because you had it paired with the low-quality lens. So it’s better not to save some bucks on the glass.

Tripod

What shall I say about the tripod - not only one of the best DSLR video accessories but the single greatest accessory ever put into motion by humans?

A crucial accessory on its own, you’d certainly need a tripod when taking photos or videos in low light or when the crisp focus is wanted. Deemed to be the golden standard of all steady footage, a lot of users think that they need the up-to-the-minute stabilizer piece of equipment to acquire a great footage and if you think it’s a lot further from the truth, you’re mistaken. A solid tripod and fluid head will do a lot more for your video than you could possibly imagine.

A tripod can serve as the best assistant during the wedding ceremony. You can have it set in the back of the venue. Now allow the device (your camera) to roll while you meticulously work on another angle. Can it get better?

Monopod

Have a camera on a tripod capable of recording the ceremonial occasion on its own? Now you’ll need something to hold the other camera you’ll shoot with. Look no further than a monopod - one of the best options that do not cost an arm and a leg.

Many reasons make for the fact why monopods are the best accessories when shooting wedding videos on DSLRs. Not only are they versatile and compact, they don’t have much weight. There are plenty of carbon fibre monopods that can hold an unbelievable amount of weight. It allows you to make adjustments to the height according to your needs. Not only that, you can switch to a high-angle shot from a low-angle one in a fraction of seconds. Need I say more?

Wait…there’s more to come! These accessories play an effective role when it comes to steering through crowds. Even if you don’t have much space, you can shoot fabulous footage. 

On-Board Camera Microphone

Does your DSLR have a microphone built in? Make sure you have it recording. Even if you don’t plan to make use of the same, it’ll be better if you can have it as a backup (you never know when you might feel its need). Moreover, it’ll help you adjust the footage when you’re making some edits.

Using a DSLR camera? If so, then you’ll need to get the microphone attached in order to get adequate audio. Don’t forget that adding a mic to a DSLR is not the best possible option. This is because these cameras weren’t designed to capture the best sound. So it’s good to use it as a backup.

Audio

The way you’re going to capture audio will certainly depend on the type of DSLR you’re using. A DSLR is the most common camera used to shoot wedding video, there are a number of audio sources that you will be needing.

Handheld Stabilizers

One of the most preferred DSLR video accessories, a handheld stabilizer is the one that does not go over one’s shoulder nor will it require battery or computer assistance to work. Why? Because they’re handheld. As simple as that…!

These accessories are at their best when used during the reception. Not only do they capture incredible dancing footage, they also allow you to work your way in and around the dance floor.

Thought I’d like to share a great tip with you (for your benefit): AVOID following a bride walking down the aisle with a handheld stabilizer. Because what could possibly be more worse than getting in the way of the ceremonial occasion? This isn’t your moment, so it’s good to keep out. Don’t you forget you’re hired to capture the wedding, and not being a part of it?

Batteries

Make sure you have numerous batteries to suit your varying needs. Camera batteries, AA, and 9V batteries for your audio recorder or microphones, and batteries for your lights. Don’t have enough batteries at hand? Make sure you set up a charging station so the batteries serve you better when you need them.

Lighting

Needless to say, you’re not going to set up any three-point lighting during the wedding ceremony or reception. But there’s something that you will definitely want to use to capture the best wedding video. Want to know what’s the most feasible option to use here?

Using an LED light that you can easily use on camera, handheld, or on a stand will be the best bet. Being portable in nature, a small LED light can easily be tossed in the bag. Chances are you won’t need to make use of this light until it’s time for you to capture the reception ceremony.

Memory Cards

How does it feel to run out of juice when you need it the most? The feeling cannot be expressed in simple words. You may know that shooting a wedding video seems more like shooting a film with a small budget. So it’s better to shoot everything on a large card. Having many cards may not seem a good idea, but if something goes bad it’s a lot easier to lose 16GB of footage compared to 64GB.

New cameras record video onto SD memory cards with a high capacity. When recording 4K or full HD 1080p videos these cards can fill up soon before you even know it. The speed class and capacity are the major factors to consider while building your video kit for shooting wedding videos. 

Final Thoughts

The camera itself makes you embark on a journey leading to the world of professional videography. You don’t only want to improve performance, do you? Even maximizing the footage quality plays a very crucial role. Considering these, what you need are the essential accessories or camera gear that will help you deliver the best there is.

Looking for the right camera gear? 

Contact 24shots - a top-notch company (led by a team of camera gear enthusiasts) that’s been serving amateurs and seasoned videographers with top-quality DSLR video accessories. These accessories help them shoot high-quality videos.

Why Do You Need a Follow Focus Puller on a Film Set?

In this article, we’ll shed some light on the importance of a follow focus puller on a film set.

The First Assistant Camera, also known as focus puller, 1st AC, Assistant Camera , or B Camera, is an integral part of the camera department. During a film shoot, these exceptionally talented people shoulder their responsibility to keep the camera in focus. 

I’m fond of my camera assistant…I really am! This is what you’ll hear from the Director of Photography (DOP) - someone who overlooks the camera department, lighting department, electrical, and grips. These people are deemed to be the chief of the camera crew.

Do you really need a follow focus puller during a film shoot?

Well, you don’t seem to be the only one who expresses his great concern about exploiting the finest skills possessed by the 1st AC. I’m fully aware of the fact that being a professional follow focus puller can be the toughest job on the crew. This job is the one that comes literally loaded with endless responsibilities than you could possibly think. There’s a lot of stuff these people do on a film set. In short, I’d consider an experienced focus puller to be the backbone of the camera crew.

Being one of the challenging jobs on the crew (even though I consider it to be the only hardest job), the Camera Assistant has the responsibility of taking care of not only human bit mechanical counterparts as well. If you ask me, these personnel need to be not just one, but innumerable steps ahead of the game. Not only should they have the capability to predict the diverse needs of the camera crew, they should be able to offer necessary solutions whenever asked upon.

A focus puller should always “Come Prepared”.

If you were to define the job of the 1st AC, you’d probably fall short of words. These highly trained technicians extend necessary support to camera operators when it comes to setting up gear. Wait….there’s more coming your way! They even keep the sensitive equipment in the best shape.

What are duties of a follow focus puller?

The follow focus puller has to make sure that the picture remains sharp, because doing so is their prime responsibility. They work in close accordance with the camera operator (who’s under the direction of the DOP) for measuring the distance between the lens and the actual subject. They work their way out when it comes to maintaining proper focal distance during movements of the camera.

The first AC has to collaborate with the camera operator and the dolly grip for tracking shots and crane movements to make sure the focus is consistent. This would definitely need a focus puller to have a keen eye and a sound judgment of distance.

Focus pullers are accountable for both focusing and refocusing the camera lens as subjects move within the frame of each shot. Well, they avoid looking through the lens to perform this activity but consider pulling focus according to intricate marks which are placed on the set, floor and other vital things when a rehearsal is in progress.

Their job does not end with what’s all mentioned above. They take care of camera equipment, including lenses, filters and matt boxes. They assemble the camera as well as its accessories for capturing contrasting shots.

Do you know camera assistant make it to the set or in the studio before it’s time for the Director, Director of Photography and Camera Operator to arrive on a film set? When these people reach they make sure that the camera and all lenses are prepared for the shoot to be held during the day

What if the Director or DP wants to give a try to a specific lens? The follow focus puller will assemble the camera so that it becomes easy for them to look through the eyepiece to evaluate the given shot.

When the shooting day comes to an end, the Camera Assistant will not only clean the equipment but have the same packed up for the next day. In case there’s a problem with the rushes (a scratch on a film), they will initiate talking terms with the film lab so that any faults can be taken care of with the camera.

The First Assistant Camera is tasked with judging the distance between the camera and a subject. They even manipulate the lens physically on the camera so that they can keep the required subject in focus. Even though it may sound easy, doing so is one of the difficult jobs on a film set. The job is full of pressure. Need we say more?

The Director of Photography (DOP) or the Camera Operator usually asks for the follow focus puller. Their work hours are long and their work can be physically challenging as they have to deal with a plethora of things on a film set.

Experienced and talented focus pullers have an endless number of tricks for pulling focus in hard situations or when precise measurement seems next to impossible. 

What skills are necessary for the camera assistant?

The camera assistant or the follow focus puller you’re likely to hire for the said job must be trained in the proper setup and camera equipment. Not only that, they should have a sound knowledge of film handling and diverse photography techniques. It’s important for a good camera assistant to comprehend concepts of color, light, and exposure as well. 

The International Associate of Theatrical Stage Employees or IATSE in short provides training programs on a selective basis. Classes or experience in still photography can be useful.

It’s important for a professional focus puller to:

Have outstanding knowledge of cameras, lenses and other necessary equipment

Have excellent eyesight

Pay accurate attention to detail

Have quickness as well as speed

Keep abreast of latest techniques and equipment

Meticulously measure distances

Be able to work together

Be tactful and responsive when working with camera crew and other artists

Have the right knowledge of photo-chemical and digital film processing

Know about health and safety legislation and policies

What are the top 10 must have tools for every focus puller?

Well, there are some tools that are very crucial and used almost 100% of the time on a film set. A camera assistant will have a hard time to complete his work without the use of these efficient tools.

Screwdrivers

Wrench

Scissors

Pliers

Flashlight

Camera Tape

Lens Tissue

Lens Cleaning Fluid

Dry Erase Marker

Measuring Tape (Soft, Hard, or Laser)

Pen

Pencil

Grease Pencil or Marking Pen

Hex Keys/Allen Wrenches

Velcro

Compressed Air or Blower

Sharpies

It’s very important for a follow focus puller to get his own toolkit. This is because you’ll find it hard to get started as a 1st AC. You’re expected to have the right gear so that you can get the most out of it on a film set. This may seem expansive in the beginning but it’s good to have your own gear instead of borrowing someone else’s. Don’t you forget having your own toolkit will leave a positive impression on your superiors?

Besides, a camera assistant has to learn as much as he can not only about camera gear but lighting as well. 1st ACs have to know their stuff and be aware of the up-to-the-minute gear available on the market. They should even know technical updates as well (if any). A professional focus puller would never want to lose the confidence of camera departments in him.

Final Thoughts

A follow focus puller is not only in charge of the maintenance but take good care of each camera. The Camera Assistant, during pre-production, will visit rental houses just for the sake of testing the necessary gear and ensuring everything is right on schedule. Being a first assistant camera is not a job that can be achieved in the blink of an eye.