5 Tips for Capturing Stunning Event Highlights

man filming an event

Event videography is more than just filming what’s happening—it’s about capturing the energy and emotions that make the event unique. As a videographer, your role is to tell a story, whether it’s the joy of a wedding day, the excitement of a live concert, or the emotion of a corporate milestone. I’ve been in this game for a while, and I’ve learned that great event highlight reels come from a combination of preparation, creativity, and the ability to adapt to the moment. Here are five tips that I swear by for creating videos that truly resonate with an audience:

1. Plan Ahead

The foundation of any successful event video is preparation. Yes, events are fast-paced and unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get ready.

Talk to the Organisers: Before the event, it’s essential to have a conversation with the organisers or key people involved. This helps you get a clear idea of the event’s schedule, key moments, and any must-have shots. For example, knowing when the bride and groom will have their first dance, or when a particular keynote speaker will take the stage, helps you get in position and ready for those unforgettable moments.

Visit the Venue: Whenever possible, visit the venue ahead of time. This will help you understand the space and any lighting challenges you might face. If you’re shooting outdoors, check where the sun will be during key moments. In an indoor venue, take note of where the lights are placed and where you might need to set up your own gear. It’s always worth planning for the unexpected—especially if you need to make quick decisions when things start moving fast on the day.

Create a Shot List: A shot list is something I always recommend. Write down the moments you absolutely need to capture, but also leave room for the unplanned shots that may come your way. A good shot list ensures you don’t miss the major highlights, but also encourages you to stay aware for those spontaneous moments.

2. Focus on Emotions

In my experience, the best event videos don’t just showcase what happened—they capture how it made people feel. It’s those raw emotions that bring your footage to life.

Candid Moments: Always be ready for the unexpected. Some of the best shots come when people don’t know they’re being filmed. A spontaneous laugh, a tear during an emotional speech, or the excitement in someone’s eyes—those are the moments that make your video feel authentic. At weddings, for example, I often find that the most genuine footage comes from people laughing, hugging, or sharing private moments.

Anticipate the Mood: Over the years, I’ve learned to read the room and anticipate when something emotionally significant is about to happen. Whether it’s the first kiss at a wedding or the ovation after a speech at a corporate event, knowing when emotions will peak lets you position yourself to get the best shot.

Show the Energy: Emotions drive the energy of the event, and as a videographer, your goal is to capture that energy. Whether it’s the calm and quiet beauty of a ceremony or the lively, chaotic moments of a live concert, understanding the emotional pulse of the event will help you create a video that truly reflects the day’s vibe.

3. Use a Variety of Shots

Variety is key when it comes to event videos. Mixing up your shots keeps the video visually interesting and ensures you tell a complete story.

Wide Shots: Wide shots are great for establishing the setting. Whether you’re filming a packed ballroom at a wedding or an expansive stage at a concert, wide shots give the audience a sense of place and scale. These shots are perfect for transitioning between scenes or showcasing the overall atmosphere.

Close-ups: Close-ups are all about capturing the small but powerful details—the smiles on people’s faces, the flicker of candles during a ceremony, or the nervous handshakes before a speech. Close-ups help the viewer connect emotionally to the scene and understand the personal side of the event.

Details: Don’t forget to zoom in on the little things that often go unnoticed, like a piece of jewellery, an elegantly arranged plate of food, or a bouquet of flowers. These shots add texture and depth to your video, making it feel more complete.

4. Stabilise Your Footage

Now, I’ll be honest—I don’t like using a gimbal myself, but I know many videographers swear by them. If you don’t have a camera like the Lumix S5 II X, which has incredible in-body stabilisation, a gimbal can be a game-changer. When the camera’s moving, it’s important that the footage remains steady to keep things looking professional.

Panasonic Lumix S5IIX Camera

Why I Don’t Use a Gimbal: Personally, I prefer cameras with good stabilisation built-in, like the Lumix S5 II X, because it allows me to shoot without the extra bulk of a gimbal. The stabilisation on this camera is fantastic, and it lets me keep things more lightweight and flexible while filming. That said, if you don’t have a camera like that, using a gimbal is definitely a good option to avoid shaky footage.

Use a Tripod When Needed: For static shots, don’t underestimate the power of a tripod. Even though it might seem like extra gear, it’s worth it for those moments where you want smooth, stable footage without worrying about holding a camera or a gimbal.

5. Edit with Purpose

The final stage of creating a memorable event video happens in the editing room. This is where you shape your footage into a compelling story, and there’s one thing I always recommend: choose your music before you even start editing.

Set the Tone Early: Music is the backbone of your event video, so don’t wait until the end to pick it. I always choose a song before I even begin the editing process, because it helps guide the pacing and tone of the video. Whether you want something upbeat or more emotional, the right track can elevate the entire video. It’s crucial to choose something that reflects the vibe of the event, and it will make editing so much smoother.

Keep It Tight: When you start editing, make sure to keep the cuts dynamic and energetic. You don’t need to include every single moment from the event, just the ones that matter most. Keep things fast-paced and engaging, but also give the audience time to breathe during those emotional moments.

Avoid Overdoing It: I love adding effects and transitions when appropriate, but my rule of thumb is to keep things simple. Too many flashy transitions or effects can distract from the emotion and the story you’re trying to tell. Subtlety is key.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating event highlight videos that not only showcase what happened but truly bring the event to life. It’s all about being prepared, staying in tune with the moment, and bringing your personal touch to the editing table. Happy filming!

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