EVENT VIDEOS DO’S AND DONT’S

✅ Do’s

1. Plan and Communicate Beforehand

• Meet with the client to understand the event’s schedule, purpose, and must-capture moments.

• Confirm access permissions for all locations.

2. Scout the Venue

• Visit the location in advance to check lighting, acoustics, and possible camera positions.

• Identify potential obstacles (columns, crowds, low ceilings).

3. Have Backup Gear

• Bring spare batteries, SD cards, microphones, and cables.

• Keep a backup camera ready in case of technical failure.

4. Capture the Atmosphere

• Film establishing shots of the venue, decorations, and crowd before the main action starts.

• Get close-ups of small details that tell the story (signage, table settings, hands shaking).

5. Be Discreet but Present

• Wear neutral clothing to blend in.

• Move quietly and smoothly, especially during key speeches or performances.

6. Prioritize Audio Quality

• Use lavalier or shotgun mics for speeches.

• Record ambient sound separately to layer in post.

7. Shoot a Variety of Angles

• Mix wide shots, medium shots, and close-ups for a dynamic edit.

• Change perspective to keep the video visually interesting.

8. Prepare for Low Light

• Bring portable LED lights for dark venues.

• Know your camera’s low-light settings to avoid noisy footage.

9. Keep Rolling for Key Moments

• Start recording a few seconds before the action and keep rolling a bit after—avoid cutting too early.

10. Be Professional at All Times

• Maintain composure even if something goes wrong.

• Respect privacy and cultural sensitivities.

❌ Don’ts

1. Don’t Block the Audience’s View

• Avoid standing in front of guests or the stage during important moments.

2. Don’t Forget About Power

• Never rely on one battery or assume there’s an outlet nearby.

3. Don’t Neglect White Balance

• Mixed lighting can ruin footage—set and check white balance often.

4. Don’t Overuse Zoom or Gimmicky Moves

• Avoid excessive panning, zooming, or tilting that distracts from the content.

5. Don’t Shoot Everything at Eye Level

• Mix heights and perspectives—low angles, overheads, and tracking shots make it more engaging.

6. Don’t Ignore the Background

• Watch out for clutter, bright windows, or photobombers.

7. Don’t Interrupt the Flow of the Event

• Never ask speakers or guests to redo something unless it’s a staged moment agreed on beforehand.

8. Don’t Forget to Label and Back Up Footage Immediately

• Back up to at least two separate drives after the event.

9. Don’t Overcrowd the Edit

• Resist adding unnecessary effects, transitions, or music that clashes with the event’s tone.

10. Don’t Lose Focus (Literally)

• Keep checking focus, especially in low light or moving shots.