You're Lighting Speeches Wrong || Lighting for Wedding Films

[@TheAugusts]

Love this method 👌

[@hellotmrw]

Thanks man! So good!

[@timecapsulecollective2556]

This is SUPER interesting and makes a lot of sense. The tough part is that a majority of our weddings have this long tuscan table with no podium available, leaving the speaker to stand behind the couple to one side. Is there a practical workaround aside from spotlights in those situations?

[@hellotmrw]

I'd definitely recommend reaching out to the planner ahead of time to know what's for sure happening and perhaps kindly suggest a hightop table or something. Although sometimes it's impossible in which case we embrace it and do without that light. But 9/10 times couples and planners agree with us that a hightop table or similar is needed.

[@benjamin.kelley]

The couple of paying you to make them look good in their, so as long as you bring it up in advance, you can move the couple and the speech giver to wherever makes them look the best - there's no rules that they have to be at their head table during toast speeches.

[@MaunoKoivistoOfficial]

Literally the video I have been looking for the past week. I was convinced someone in the wedding videography game had to be doing something like this.

[@hellotmrw]

Nice!!! It’s my favourite look for speeches hands down. I’ve got a few more tricks up my sleeve that I’ll be revealing soon 🙌🏻

[@dolipops]

Dude, grabbing two of these bulbs to place on the table with the bride and groom to get their reactions might be the solution I've been looking for. I always tried to have the light PERFECTLY hit both the speaker and the couple. I love the way you are thinking.

[@hellotmrw]

Do it! That's so rad to hear. Let me know how it goes!

[@JonathanPalfrey]

Really great idea. As you say as much as you want good lighting, the performance of the speech is so much more important to the story so anything that can take the pressure of them the better. It's why I'm always cautious about using too much kit in corporate interviews. The talent are nearly always unexperienced at being on camera, the last thing they need is more pressure of large lights, flags and mic stands

[@hellotmrw]

1000% agree. It's such a fragile thing when working with real people. Anything to help them feel more natural is a huge plus!

[@chrisschackart]

Safe to say I am borrowing this idea 💡 I love this method and it’s so much easier than lugging around so many lights.

[@hellotmrw]

That's so awesome to hear. Definitely agree! Spotlights are still so useful but this can be an awesome alternative for sure :)

[@CollingFilms]

interesting idea and i like where your head is at. It is *very* rare that there is a high podium or something like that nearby at most of our weddings. I'd also be worried about the glass (both in transit and just sitting on a surface like that) Do you use reception lights for the dances and open dancing too? Thats another reason I prefer regular reception lights because they are already set up to capture the entire evening. Just my thoughts... thanks for sharing!

[@hellotmrw]

Thanks man! Sometimes we'll use a spot for speeches but not always. Honestly I usually like getting moodier/more natural looking dance footage but sometimes a spot can be a big help. Spotlights definitely win there. Thankfully I have a padded case for the light so transport isn't an issue. Also putting a little double sided gaff tape on the bottom ensures no one bumps it over. Thanks for the comment man!

[@WaywardNorth]

Dude I love this approach! Such a unique, unobtrusive way of using motivated light rather than stressing about my 10 ft light beams that blinds people. Might have to switch it up this year!

[@hellotmrw]

That's exactly it! Definitely a huge help in many scenarios. Spot lights clearly still have their place, but this can be an awesome option. Thanks for the love dude!

[@MastersonMedia]

Did you end up giving this a go?

[@Dannyhallfilms]

Love how you're thinking about wedding, thanks for the tip!

[@hellotmrw]

Thanks so much man!

[@shyahkfilms]

I admire that you're sharing one of your major differentiators with the community. A lot of peeps will benefit!

[@hellotmrw]

Thanks man! Hope so!

[@wildfernweddings4187]

How do you do this when there is no podium and they're standing in the middle of the room?

[@samplesphotocinema9406]

this is a solid question.

[@camgregg9971]

Came here to ask the same thing :)

[@NathanOchoa]

That and what if they decide to move around the room? Would love a part two of this video!

[@hellotmrw]

We always reach out to planners ahead of time to make sure there is something and if there isn't then we consider bringing our own. But more often the not planners will bring in a cocktail table after cocktail hour to work as a podium. For some reason here in our market we almost never run in to speeches happening in the middle of the room.

[@hellotmrw]

That's when we tell the MC to make sure everyone stays put at the podium. Sometimes we do get the odd wanderer and that's totally ok. If it makes them more comfortable then that is better for us. We'd rather that then have a perfect shot.

[@ngonzale3]

Beautiful solution.

[@MichaelJDuhamel]

Wow this was so creative!! Great content. Thank you!

[@hellotmrw]

So glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!

[@fluffedvintage]

Ok this is a really great approach for a multitude of reasons & I love how this can possibly be a catalyst to more filmmakers being free thinkers instead of following trends. Definitely gotta try this!

[@hellotmrw]

YES! You get me! That’s exactly what I’m hoping we see more of. Would be so cool to see what people can do with this approach!

[@jrvideography5864]

Same question as Tina. Most receptions I've been to don't have a podium, so do you bring your own? What do you do if a podium isn't there?

[@hellotmrw]

That's interesting that so many others don't often come across podiums/high top tables. In our market, Vancouver BC, we almost never are shooting somewhere without a podium or hightop table. We always reach out to planners ahead of time to make sure there is something and if there isn't then we consider bringing our own. But more often the not planners will bring in a cocktail table after cocktail hour to work as a podium.

[@jrvideography5864]

@@hellotmrw Maybe Canadians are more accommodating than us Americans haha! But definitely a good idea to check in with the Coordinator/Planner ahead of time to see if a hightop can be provided.

[@heyitschasedaley]

Yea most every wedding I’ve ever worked doesn’t have a podium. Usually we’re planting a mic stand so the speaker doesn’t move, but again, no podium or table. I’ve used my b7c this way a few times and it’s definitely worked out well. COB’s are such a specific look.

[@treelinevisuals]

Awesome idea. Getting these asap

[@hellotmrw]

So good! Let me know your thoughts after you use them!

[@NathanOchoa]

Such a great video, thanks for uploading! Also the touch of grey on your beard is 🤌

[@hellotmrw]

Hey thanks man! Gotta try and curb this babyface haha. So glad you enjoyed the video!

[@waynosfotos]

That is brilliant, have those pavtubes but never thought to put them in a glass tube. ❤ Cheers

[@AtomicPixel]

Such a good idea! You’re a boss for sharing. Thanks buddy!

[@hellotmrw]

Ofcourse!! Hope you use it!

[@greyhousevisual]

Sigh. *Heads to Home Depot* Lol those lights look so gooood! 😍

[@hellotmrw]

NO SHADE THROWN I SWEAR! Spotlight shots actually work so well and you're the king of making it look natural.

[@greyhousevisual]

@@hellotmrw hahaha no shade taken 😂 I meant sigh you’ve sold me lol!! 😍 tooo good. Thanks man that means a lot!!!

[@shyahkfilms]

Graeme get one for me

[@greyhousevisual]

@@shyahkfilms we gotta wait for Mac Daddy to patent these daddys 😍

[@RaphealPersaud]

This is great dude! Love seeing stuff like this.

[@hellotmrw]

Thanks so much man!

[@jacquesfouriefilms]

Nice! Definitely going to give it a try, thanks!

[@mattandmorgan]

Genius! Totally gonna try this out .

[@hellotmrw]

Yessssssss

[@smartideas-pedro1690]

Wow, great idea. I'm definitely gonna use it. Also, if you don't have the budget for the Aputure, the Weeylight K21 is also great and cheaper. Not as good as Aputure but does the job.

[@hellotmrw]

Thanks so much! Oh that's a great tip!

[@samplesphotocinema9406]

fantastic idea, I think I will give it a shot. I have a few similar lights hanging around.

[@hellotmrw]

Awesome! Let me know how it goes!

[@jamieslye4774]

Love this - will be so helpful!

[@hellotmrw]

Thanks so much! So good to hear!

[@dajoncharles1154]

I love this idea. But its not practical for alot of the weddings I shoot. Most of my weddings dont have a podium for speeches... Any soloutions for that?

[@hellotmrw]

Thanks so much! That's definitely a trickier scenario. Oddly where we are in Vancouver BC we almost never are shooting somewhere without a podium or hightop table. We always reach out to planners ahead of time to make sure there is something and if there isn't then we consider bringing our own. But more often the not planners will bring in a cocktail table after cocktail hour to work as a podium.

[@carringtonvisuals2983]

This is a great idea that I'm definitely going to implement in my wedding films. How do you light first dances since you're trying to move away from spotlights?

[@hellotmrw]

I’ll still have a spot light for dances if needed. Usually I try to work with the planner to have first dances happen somewhere with some nice practicals like string lights or something.

[@StephenJBGray]

Love it, Mac! Great seeing you again on YT :)

[@hellotmrw]

Stephen thanks so much man! Hopefully you'll be seeing more of me on here this year!

[@emilvhughes]

This is really great info! Figuring out a natural way to light receptions has been a trick--will definitely look into using more practicals.

[@hellotmrw]

That's the best! So glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@jordanmattievisuals]

Awesome. Thanks for the ideas Mac! Question: Have you ever had the battery run out during speeches? Ever had someone knock the light over when it was standing there on the podium? P.S. Love the beard.

[@hellotmrw]

Haha thanks man! I'm trying but the Scandinavian in me is making it tough! I did have the battery of the B7C run out once during speeches and I had to wait for a lull and replace it with a fresh bulb. Worked great! Thankfully no-one has knocked it over. I usually but a little double sided gaff tape under the lamp to help add a little stability.

[@joyphotography2511]

This is a very unique and innovative approach to lighting your receptions. But unfortunately, in my part of the world, the kind of weddings I get to shoot, people are never standing in one place. Either due to the venue not providing a podium and/or lack of space. And I've often tried to resolve this issue by placing a microphone stand, but people end up pulling out the microphone and move around as they speak. In a more structured and formal reception setting, indeed this idea would be perfect.

[@JoshBirman]

What do you do if there isn't a podium for the speech giver?

[@rcruz262]

Is it really low profile?

[@hellotmrw]

Absolutely. Especially in the actual reception space.

[@natedicksonmedia]

I found a workaround. Convince the planner/decorator to have a "movie set" theme for the reception, then any and all video gear won't look out of place and you can put lights, cameras and mics anywhere you want!

[@hellotmrw]

That’s the dream!

[@emmanuelnkwocha1275]

Okay so what are the examples??

[@ruijin7661]

I really like the idea but one thing I noticed is every scene going to include the light in the speech table is a bit distracting. No offense I appreciate author bring up new ideas for all the content creators

[@davidclein]

This will not work with African weddings the people making speeches are always walking around sometimes into the crowds they dont stand in one place.

[@588ta]

I'm sorry I think you are going in the wrong direction

[@588ta]

I'm sorry I totally disagree.

[@588ta]

I sorry that looks ugly.

[@ebphotographyfilmco]

I just ordered 2 Apurture LS60x lights 🫠🫠🫠 are you not using any lights besides the ones you mentioned in the video anymore?