Why Gimbals are RUINING your Wedding Videos

Why Gimbals are RUINING your Wedding Videos - Gimbals are ruining your creative potential as a wedding videographer, and I have a much better solution. While the gimbal is an incredible tool, it's a situational tool that should only be used sometimes, not all the time, ESPECIALLY on wedding days. Also, sorry for the 12 minute talking head video - just felt like a topic I needed to cover but didn't have the bandwidth this week to go through and make this video incredibly interesting haha.
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[@nVuFilms]

Good points. I prefer to do a bit of both throughout the wedding day. Handheld + Gimbal. There is a time and place for every type of shot. Just like in movies you will see "handheld" and "gimbal" shots throughout. Regardless, I think there isn't just one way to do things. There are good and bad handheld shooting as well as good and bad gimbal shooting. Good discussion nonetheless. 🤙

[@StantonGiles]

Yo man! Thanks for your thoughts and for watching - just my personal thoughts on using a gimbal. As a majority I feel like people in the industry are just relying on them way too - time for a new school of thought, or at least I think so. Hope you're doing well dude!

[@zandoleemedia9272]

One suggestion is to script the shots for which you'll use one or the other. E.g. Wedding ceremony Processional and Recessional ( Gimbal,) Happy Hour (Handheld) The idea of missing shots because of your gimbal or poor compositions sounds more like user error than it is gear misappropriation. Script your day into blocks. Script your shots within those blocks. Get an assistant if necessary. Thank you for engaging us on your journey. Still working on my handheld game. ✌

[@MakeLoveWithMusic]

Been seriously thinking I need to get a gimbal for the last 6 months. Just recently began making money with my small business doing videography, and ive felt a lot of pressure that my projects woudnt be good or professional enough looking without the gimbal. But now after watching your video, I feel so much better about not using one and proud of the projects ive done handheld. I have almost the same setup as you do for handheld and have been learning with that, the grip extension on the left is amazing for keeping shots steady. Definitely going to try the strap method too. I'll probably get a gimbal at some point, but for now you have reinforced my confidence in my current setup! Thanks dude!

[@rmcapturez5808]

I think we got to stop putting out vids telling other creators to stop using this and that when it comes to weddings because at end of the day, we are hired to provide a service and a pleasing video to the couples not other creators. At the end of the day we all have to establish a system that fits us so we can provide a great video. Everybody's circumstances is different. Some shoot solo, some just only have 1 extra help. But good topic though.

[@beemarentertainmentltd281]

Great approach Rm, I like the way you put it. I rarely work with an assistant and a multi-combination of the two sees me through all the time 👍💖

[@draeknoxmedia]

Say it again.

[@firstlast8085]

Found the gimbal user.

[@mattm7426]

@@firstlast8085 Are you trying to insult him by calling him a gimbal user?

[@LuxeFilmography]

We do things differently at Luxe Filmography. We shoot nearly entirely on tripods with a few slider shots and a little gimbal. No handheld, no monopod. We constantly have inquiries from couples telling us our work is completely different from the other companies they look at.

[@wangmedia]

I have watched your films and they really stand out. Look more professional with tripod shots. Planned framing and more calmness than all those gimbal moves making one sea sick. You inspire me to be confident in also use tripod most of the day. I have invested in Sachtler Flowtech to be really fast and basically only use gimbal when they walk down the isle.

[@LuxeFilmography]

@@wangmedia Thank you, Henrik!

[@ericsimmons401]

The push-in @ 0:07 in the "Dr. Phillips Center" video... Is that a slider shot? Mind if I ask how long the track is? Thanks!

[@LetsBHonest]

I like watching wedding videos where they make it different than the mass. There was a point where it seemed everyone was filming the same style and look. I recently watched one that was different...it had a "fun factor" in it where he put in a bunch of 360 degree camera video shots of the guests in like a Brady Brunch style frame in the video. It wasn't just that pure "cinematic" vibe throughout. Each scene had it's vibe but still cohesive in storytelling.

[@GlobalShutterNY]

Bravo! The advantages of hand-held FAR outweigh the gimbal for most shots in most settings (not just weddings!)

[@excalibro3006]

It's quite bold of you to say that gimbals are ruining wedding videos. I've met and collab with wedding videographers that incorporate gimbals into their work while also doing it handheld or using tripods to capture stable footage. But the way I see it, gimbals are just another method of achieving smooth and stable footage, and yes it requires practice to use effectively. But Like any camera gear you own, you have to learn and master it so you can achieve better results. Admittedly for gimbals, challenges such as rebalancing when changing lenses is indeed a hassle I too struggle with it, but it really depends on the situation or is there a specific reason that I have to change lens. However, the quality of the final video really boils down in how you put it all together in post and client satisfaction, regardless of whether gimbals or handheld are used to achieve those shots. From my experience If it's shit then it's shit, I don't blame the gear it could be I just lack the skill or didn't do a better job.

[@okcabo]

Just answered a major question for me! 100% agree about missing moments. I feel like gimbals are great for details, making movements and slowmo. Not for capturing the natural feel. Great video thank you!

[@SJYangProduction]

I shoot 90% handheld most of the time during wedding. Only time I would use the gimbal is during first dance, and some artisty session. I won’t completely lose the gimbal but if I have the choice of picking either or. Handheld FTW!!

[@photosbyjames_]

awesome video! a question for you on the handheld shooting, you do use off/standard/active? for majority (if not all) of your handheld shots?

[@jemuelmusic4260]

Amazing Value in this video. I am guilty of being locked into the gimbal usage. Also stepping my game up with sound design and these tips will be a game changer.. good content bro.

[@chennyye28]

I am still figuring out the solution, thanks for the input. To my personal feelings, shooting in gimbal makes me don't want to do the detail shot as much as handhold, as you mention, the sense of control the camera become a bit indirect, but for some kind of shot, gimbal can help a lot. What I am now doing is using a quick release system (from PGY system) to make it easy to change from gimbal to handhold, and a handle from SmallRig that can be as both gimbal handle and just use as camera left handle with the PGY quick release system I mentioned. So far it is good, but I am also consider my next camera to go with SONY, really interested in the gyro post stabilization technic.

[@BrianSellers]

Love this, man! While I'm just starting to shoot weddings and have only shot one, I used a gimbal for about 30% of it and shot handheld on my 70-200 for a good bit of it. But I really want to learn how to shoot stable footage handheld. Also, I think it's hilarious that your outro footage here was tracking drone footage which... uses a gimbal. 🤣 They're definitely useful, but I'm excited about learning how to shoot more organically.

[@rickymcc8624]

Thanks. Makes a lot of sense. I guess that practice helps a lot. I also suspect that a monopod might help aid stability too, if combined with slow pan or tilt shos?

[@AdamKozak100]

Being able to compose well, and fast, is easily the biggest pro to using handheld, agreed. Very good point.

[@mirkobertossi6280]

Great video buddy!!! I’m almost ready for my next wedding handheld!

[@MackenzieDickinson]

Is handheld something you'd recommend for a beginner? Can those cages stay on the camera if I want to use both? Or will I have to take in on and off throughout the wedding day to put the camera on the gimbal?

[@rkhimages]

Doing videography for a wedding for the first time next week after 14 years of shooting wedding photography. This vid made me feel really good cuz I’m so nervous and also can’t afford a gimbal right now.

[@austinwilson3]

I’ve been shooting weddings handheld and on sticks for about a year now. Before that I had my camera on a gimbal 100% of the time as my camera didn’t have ibis at the time. I always disliked using the gimbal but I’ve recently been thinking about using it again. I used it at a wedding before the ceremony, the batteries died and the other batteries I had were also dead. So handheld it was. The next wedding, the gimbal wouldn’t turn on, so handheld it was. I just watched Runaway Vows bts video today and was like “man, I need to start using a gimbal” and then this video pops up (which I watched like a year ago) and I’m realizing that I really don’t need to use a gimbal… but I’ll probably still end up buying a new gimbal soon lol and only use it for specific shots on wedding days

[@hwvpweddings41]

Love this video! What camera strap do you use and do you use a cage?

[@jonmakesmedia9503]

Oh i definitely agree after watching this video. For me, there are times where most of the shots are handheld, and shots that requires a smooth panning motion. That's why i made a DIY gimbal holster that can carry the gimbal (with the A cam attached) and my B camera using a spider holster. Should my arms get tired and if i happened to see a potential shot, the holster is already carrying all the weight from my hips all i needed to do is make some micro adjustments and use myself as a tripod. But if there is a shot that requires a different lens, I go handheld with my B camera. We call adapt differently to make our wedding videos better. I'm glad to see this video.

[@beemarentertainmentltd281]

Great descriptions Jon. Would love to see some BHS of you onset 👍🙏

[@michaeltreephotography]

Considering the amount of money I have already spent on the purchase of a gimbal, side handles etc for more stability, I think the money would have been better spent going for a handheld rig. I did do my research before deciding, but all your points hit home 100% especially for us wedding photographers & videographers. Anybody who wants to get into video for weddings, should pay attention to this video, before you spend your money.

[@theyoungsphoto]

Haven't even watched this yet, but already know I am going to agree with alot of what you are saying, and have been saying it for a while. I didnt use a gimbal at all for like 2 years. Now we only use one for very specific shots. I'll probably comment again after I watch this. haha

[@kiddonline504]

i ditched the gimbal 5 years ago, i went monopod and my compositions became 100% more professional. my shots framing and as you said being able to move at the drop of a dime and never miss a shot. ive even recently tried my rs3 on my monopod seems cool. but i hate the overly used gimbal movements. pay atention to movie scenes the camera hardly ever move

[@petrub27]

Nah, the camera moves a ton, almost on every shot, but they use 4d system so no need for ninja walk

[@Shels_pwnz]

The gimbal has place in every filmmakers bag. In the wedding space I have learned that it is useful for mainly b roll and any type of tracking/ parallax shots you need of the couple and objects. When comes to movies you are right camera hardly moves it certain style of films. Some creators can tell a story just by static perfectly framed shots and this is to me true art. It’s like mimicing good photography but in the film space. Relying solely on a gimbal will take the creator away from this frame of thinking.

[@XavierJacome01]

THANK YOU, GREAT ADVICE, I WILL TRY TO USE MORE HANDHELD , I GUESS IT IS A MATTER OF PRACTICE, BUT YOUR ADVICE MAKE A LOT OF SENSE

[@fitzgeraldfilmsMN]

90% of the day is on tripod of Monopod for me. I like the gimbal for reception details and a little bit of portraits. I don't handheld at all cause shake drive me nuts. How do you feel about sticks vs handheld?

[@Scriptshepherd]

Do you utilize your camera's IBIS at all?

[@mauriciolee7349]

I've watched more than 30 videos regarding handheld vs gimbals. Yours is the most thorough on KZbin. Thanks for a great job

[@BradBeaird]

Since you asked what we thought of the video toward the end, I wanted to provide some feedback. I agree with all the talking points, but would have enjoyed some B-roll showing some examples or comparisons to help hold interest.

[@StantonGiles]

for certainly dude - i did feel a bit weird not putting any in, just honestly wanted to get this video out haha.

[@JoshMatlock]

Same.. id love to see some bts of you filming a wedding, that could be super interesting.

[@fitzgeraldfilmsMN]

It'd be nice to see some video of the gimbal vs handheld wedding you shot. Also maybe the Joshua tree video, since you mentioned it.

[@maddybandowski1012]

Agree with all of this. I started doing handheld because I hated using a gimbal, but sometimes people look at you funny, like they think handheld is unprofessional. I'm curious as to the monitor you're using. Because I do like handheld, but find most monitors add a lot of weight and make it harder for me to be smooth.

[@StantonGiles]

It's the Small HD Focus 5" Monitor, I'm not sure they are still selling that monitor but they do have similar things

[@classicalmloo1216]

I have always preferred hand held! It's easier and you have more control but I also genuinely prefer the look of it (when it's done right)

[@LHG-Media]

I dissagree! You make very good points though. SEE BELOW! I use a DJI RS3 with an fx30 with 16-55mm 2.8 (80% of the day) other 20% handheld. Occasionally in moments where a prime will make a killer shot ill just pick up another camera out of my bag. I balance the lens at 24mm and i can zoom in or out and the gimbal handles it fine. I never re balance or take it off the gimbal. I use it for a combination of static shots and movement shots. When it comes to ceremony I will even mount my gimbal on a light stand for the centre cam. So I can pick it up in an instant. or drop it and check my other static cams. I go handheld after the first dance. when the guests start dancing i go handheld with a light mounted in hot shoe.

[@edi18912]

should i use a gimbal or monopod/tripod for the ceremony?

[@TheOutspired]

Any chance you have a new code for the lens holster. I tried it but code expired :-/

[@chrisdickersonfilms]

Wow…you have me convinced to try and ditch the gimbal at my next wedding. Do you still use a monopod or you’re all handheld?

[@mangolux2656]

I have a Lumix S5IIX. Do you have any recommendations on which rig set up would work for me? Thanks!

[@samt8017]

This is why I still is a steady cam with my main lens, sigma 18-35. Once it’s balanced, I never need to rebalance it even when I change focal lengths as the lens adjust internally. It’s still handheld, doesn’t need batteries. My secondary camera is on a monopod with and 85mm lens for My closer detail shots

[@DylanBlackburn]

Agreed! When shooting wedding films I almost always shoot handheld with my FX3. If I've hired a second shooter I'll have them use the gimbal LOL

[@StantonGiles]

Thanks for watching Dylan! :)

[@davefink2326]

4:28 good point about mental bandwidth. Cinematography traditionally involves a separate technician to manage focus and exposure, while the primary camera operator is responsible for camera movement and framing. And everything is well rehearsed. I only use gimbal when I have a chance to rehearse the camera movement and check the result before filming the money shot.

[@ravicholachagudda5912]

Is zhyun crane m3 is good for my sony zve10?

[@JaymesMedia]

My second shooter & I are definitely leaning towards handheld a lot more. I saw you don’t even shoot in log

[@63MacGuy]

I use a rifle strap on my gimbal. It makes it so much easier to film for an 11:24 extended amount of time. Thanks for the video!

[@watzmaaname]

Good to hear your thoughts. Quite helpful!

[@TommyGunsDunleavy]

I only use my Gimbal for the wedding Broll stuff like the gown or decor and the cake. But I also shoot with a helper.

[@barryhackett6551]

I couldn't agree more. I shoot weddings professionally and I find that the gimbal just isn't worth carrying around. I love the look of handheld as well. It is organic and feels more intimate and emotive than gimbal shots. Gimbals are great for more controlled productions but weddings are all about story and moments. I have struggled with trying to incorporate a gimbal into my wedding workflow in the past and my takeaway is that less is more. I have stripped everything down to the most bare components I can in order to focus on creativity, being light and nimble.

[@deek4383]

I brought a ronin rs4 and thought this would be great and used it on my first groom getting ready scene, I took the camera of after 3 minutes realising it wouldn’t do justice. It’s not about not being able to use a gimbal correctly, it’s exactly as he said, handheld allows quick adjustments and when you are working in these scenes the ability to zoom in and out, adjust focus manually, adjust aperture needs to be done quickly. The gimbal can be used so long as there’s a primary shooter using handheld or you have two cameras, one for gimbal and one for handheld. But using solely a gimbal I believe would ruin the video. Remember also if you have a variable zoom lens you need to balance the gimbal each time you adjust it not to mention if you use a lens matte box for outside shots you need to take it off sometimes and then again you need to stabilise, it’s a nightmare

[@ravicholachagudda5912]

For panning movement hyperlaps shots gimbal are very helpful

[@Filmedbylamar]

Handheld & glidecams are so much better than electronic gimbals!🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@yuizen]

Watched this while deciding if I buy a rig or a gimbal. I’m an amateur photographer and I want to start shooting videos as well to add to my skill set. Still deciding….

[@StantonGiles]

haha I'm guessing you are saying this didn't help sway you one way or the other?

[@ICryWhenICum001]

You can hold the gimbal with one hand and adjust settings with your other hand fairly easily.

[@breadpitt7557]

What are your thoughts on shooting an entire film in 60fps so that you have the option for slow mo in post whenever you want it?

[@StantonGiles]

That's exactly what I do.

[@petrub27]

It may work if you delover in 30p. For 24p it will judder

[@scgb5]

Don't own a gimbal, but i've got one on rental. Most of this makes sense - don't hate the over used gimbal things, they work - If I'm picking this up right, sounds like there's a time and a place for the gimbal and I shouldn't over do it. Really like the layout and delivery of this - clear pros/cons. Could benefit from some examples though - where's this video you like so much? What over used parallax technique? Lemme see those. Thanks!!

[@runningwolfmedia568]

That’s it. I’m going HH on my next wedding. 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[@DanielScottFilms]

I have put off owning a gimbal for so many years because I've always found they they are generally unreliable and clunky for the type of work that I do. I'd much rather use a monopod, tripod, or just plain hand held to get a less robotic feel in my storytelling.

[@THSimagery]

Man, I bought a gimble, and every time I take it to a wedding it just gets in my way. I have been able to use it a few times, but more self establishing shots. I also made the mistake of buying a smaller DJI one that doesn’t work with my larger camera rig. So again, I only use it to do establishing shots with my smaller cameras set up. At the end the day, I just prefer handheld.

[@waynosfotos]

I am a big fan of your work, but personally i am not a fan of handheld, very few people do it well and it makes me feel I am on a boat, not at a wedding. I do agree there is a time for all tools and an example of when handheld works is following someone, to give the impression of walking. Now to switch to a gimbal. The BIGGEST problem i see with gimbal users is they use it like they are hand holding it, not like a tool that gives a certain shot or look, people don't learn the follow functions either. I always use my gimbal with a monopod and have two gimbals with two different lenses. It is incredible quick to get shots, you can rest it on the monopod, hold it low, hold it high in less than a second. I also set mine to action so very little dead spot. I also freehand with a monopod. I avoid handheld, i have tried it so many times and don't like the jitters and look. I get some like the look of handheld. Not me, i find it to distracting and takes me out of the film when i watch other films done handheld. I just don't like the look. I get we all have preferences, but for me, i think gimbals are a fantastic tool. I tend to use it like Brandon Li does, check him out. Gimbal master.

[@arielreyes001]

These are really good points and I’ll try it more… but it would have been nicer to actually have some footage showing what you mean…😊

[@StantonGiles]

100% - in the name of consistency with creating content, I chose for this KZbin video to just be talking head rather than pouring a ton of energy into making it more dynamic. Tryna get one out a week!

[@arielreyes001]

@@StantonGiles good point, that works!

[@xxichikokoxx]

what about cineshaddle

[@JacobTheoPower]

Time and place for it gimbal and handheld. Being a professional is knowing when to use it

[@BlaineShillington]

This is what I have always done. A gimbal makes me feel too constrained and inflexible I agree about it making composition much harder. I'd rather have an external monitor/recorder than a gimbal. I can move much faster without a gimbal and especially when all you need is a couple seconds of each clip.

[@rajshekharkhandeparkar352]

Yes. Correct assessment and nice video..

[@beemarentertainmentltd281]

Great video Stan 👍 I picked some ESSENTIALS 💖🙏

[@consulatbum]

I can’t help being distracted by that funny sounding background music. Am I the only one? 😂

[@renouncreation]

Orrrr... get a Glidecam. I use all three depending on the situation and still find myself using the Glidecam for events because its so easy to set up and shoot.

[@elvinlawcc]

Totally agree with you!

[@bryanramirez1280]

I do handheld from time to time but gimbal wins when you can: 1. Buy a gimbal that has switchable battery with a great zoom lens. 2. Build muscle so you can handle it. I'm not in great shape but this is easy for multi-day weddings. 3. Use more that one camera, know when you'll need other lenses for creative shots, low light or more bokeh. Once you have a system down its pretty easy.

[@m0nztam0nk]

Interesting...but i disagree with the "one or the other mentality". Soloshooter myself i switch between gimbal and handheld. If its crazy hectic gimbal stays put, but if there a little bit of time, especially for dancing, Churches and when the couple itself moves (out of the church for instance) ive shot some absolutely amazing shots that simply could ONLY be done on a gimbal. I would agree, that defaulting to a gimbal is nonsense, but using it when theres a lot of movement is truly amazing...

[@Exclusive-Studio]

And where is the light in the list?

[@C0LUMBIA]

Composition is the biggest drawback with a gimbal, I agree.

[@luizcarlosvagostelo489]

agree 100% congrats, amazing video

[@adalenne]

HANDHELD 4EVER!!!!!

[@StantonGiles]

LET'S GO ADALENNE!!!

[@leocasi405]

My camera don’t even have image stabilization and it looks like sh!t 💀

[@jakir_studio]

I agree with you

[@kentan00]

Gimbals are a great tool for capturing really epic footage. And handheld is a great style to capture raw emotional moments. I think the better conversation is how to plan out/anticipate and generally know when to use a gimbal of go handheld. Also anticipation and mastery of equipment is also a huge factor in mitigating weaknesses 😊

[@usersollo]

You have right with all 👌

[@Antonioprophoto]

“I use a strap on” ….excuse me!? lol

[@olympic_productions]

Mate you need to add some b-roll into your videos. Makes the content much more digestible. Very interesting points though.

[@loganmaccallum1500]

Gimbal for filming stock footage....handheld for when the wedding is live.

[@shueibdahir]

Bro is a professional yapper

[@HappyBokeh]

God... You're so right

[@pallottisuvisheshbhavan671]

Almost made me quit videography🥺

[@dietalarmclock2607]

Sound immersed up

[@fernandobonenfantphotography]

a gimbal is a toll , doesn't men that people are shooting all day on gimbal , like lenses , each have their time and place . after that its style , some people like still videos and some just like the movement better . there is no right or wrong . everything is just planning. if you know what you doing , there is no issues . so gimbal ruining videos is bullshit tho

[@CABSERVICE-gb1lb]

lose that backgound noise

[@StantonGiles]

haha

[@ShaneKeizer]

If you know how to handle your gimbal, then that beats going handheld by far ;)

[@HushDJusa]

your background sounds are so distracting other than that, great video!

[@northpointstudiony]

Hmm well you can turn off the gimbal and shoot handheld, then turn it on and shoot in gimbal mode. Best of both worlds. Problem solved

[@ChoicesHabitsAttitudeLuck]

he has proven his point without showing any samples and just talking LOL

[@BehindTheKitOfficial]

Should have shown the shots you’re talking about.

[@GlassfilmWeddings]

Are you shooting slog?

[@moishelande-se6sf]

The background music is distracting

[@StantonGiles]

great feedback - thank you!

[@ChristopherLehmann]

Great Video but music is annoyance :D

[@StantonGiles]

appreciate the feedback Christopher - I think I agree after watching this back for the first time since posting

[@Brett.Hatfield]

when i see a kid with a gimble i see a trendy hipster who doesnt know what their doing. why i quit filming weddings..tired of the idiocy of ALL VENDORS

[@NARRASSAFilmes]

Gimbal sucks

[@Aggyoko]

Just say you’re not very good at using a gimbal