Live event videography is a beast. You get one shot, no do-overs, and if you miss the moment, well, you’re out of luck. Whether you're shooting a concert, a corporate event, or a wedding, the pressure is on. The good news? If you can nail live event video production, you become a go-to videographer in your area. The bad news? One mistake can tank the entire shoot.
I’ve been behind the camera for countless live events, from theater productions to high-energy brand activations. I’ve made mistakes, learned the hard way, and figured out what works. So, if you're looking to create stunning, professional live event videos, let’s talk about three massive mistakes you need to avoid.
Mistake #1: Not Knowing the Event Flow
The Problem: Shooting Blind
Walking into an event without a plan is like trying to shoot a wedding without knowing when the vows happen, it’s a disaster waiting to happen. Too many videographers think they can just "wing it." Spoiler alert: You can’t.
How to Avoid It: Do Your Homework
1. Get the Schedule in Advance
The difference between a good event video and a great event video comes down to anticipation. You need to know exactly when and where the action is happening so you can be in the right place at the right time.
Here’s what to ask when gathering the schedule:
What are the key moments? Is there a grand entrance, a big announcement, or a surprise performance?
Who are the main people involved? Get names and roles so you can plan your coverage accordingly.
Are there multiple stages or locations? If so, you might need additional cameras or a second shooter.
What’s the lighting plan? Will there be drastic lighting changes (e.g., dimming for speeches, bright stage lights, flashing effects for concerts)?
Will there be live-streaming? If the event is being streamed, you’ll need to coordinate camera placements so you don’t interfere with the broadcast.
Pro Tip: If the event is long or spread out, create a shot list with time stamps so you don’t miss critical moments. Setting up alerts on your phone can be a lifesaver!
2. Scout the Location
If you have the chance, visit the venue before the event. This will help you determine the best shooting angles, anticipate lighting conditions, and identify any potential obstacles.
Things to check during your scout:
Lighting Conditions: Will you need external lights, or does the venue provide adequate lighting? Consider how natural light changes throughout the day.
Power Sources: Are there accessible outlets for charging batteries? If not, you’ll need to bring extra power solutions.
Best Camera Positions: Where can you set up for wide shots, close-ups, and creative angles?
Obstacles & Restrictions: Are there areas you can’t film from? Are there pillars, speakers, or stage elements blocking key views?
Acoustics & Audio Needs: If you’re capturing live sound, listen to the venue’s acoustics and determine whether you need lapel mics, shotgun mics, or direct feeds from the soundboard.
Can’t visit in person? No problem. Ask for a floor plan or look up previous event videos filmed at the same location. If it’s a well-known venue, you can probably find footage online.
Pro Tip: If it’s a wedding, corporate event, or performance, ask about rehearsals. Filming or attending the rehearsal will give you a massive advantage when capturing the real thing.
3. Coordinate With Other Vendors
A live event is not a one-person show. You’ll be working alongside photographers, lighting designers, audio engineers, event coordinators, and sometimes even stage managers. The more you communicate, the smoother everything will run.
Here’s how to collaborate effectively:
Photographers: Make sure you’re not stepping into each other’s shots. If you’re both capturing the same moments, coordinate angles so you’re not blocking each other.
Lighting Crew: Find out when and how lighting changes will happen. You don’t want to be caught off guard when the house lights suddenly dim or stage lights blast into your lens.
Audio Engineers: If you’re capturing live sound, coordinate with the audio team to get a direct feed. This ensures clear audio without background noise interference.
Event Coordinators: These are your best friends when it comes to last-minute schedule changes. Stay in touch with them throughout the event.
Pro Tip: Arrive early and introduce yourself to everyone. A quick “Hey, I’ll be filming from here...let me know if I’m in your way” can prevent a lot of frustration later.
Mistake #2: Bad Audio = Bad Video
The Problem: Relying on In-Camera Audio
You can have the most cinematic footage in the world, but if your audio sucks, nobody’s going to watch. Live events are chaotic...crowds, music, unexpected noises. If you’re not prepared, your final video will be unusable.
How to Avoid It: Get Serious About Audio
1. Use External Audio Sources
Built-in camera mics? Useless. Always capture audio using external recorders like the Zoom H6 or Tascam DR-40X. If possible, tap directly into the event’s soundboard for clean, professional audio.
2. Mic Placement Matters
For speeches and panels, lav mics or handheld mics are a must. If you’re capturing ambient sound (like the energy of a concert), position shotgun mics at strategic points to get the best mix of audience reactions and main event sounds.
3. Always Monitor Audio
Use headphones. Always. I learned this the hard way when I shot a wedding and didn’t realize my wireless mic was picking up interference the entire time. The vows? Completely garbled. Ever tried explaining to a couple why their wedding vows sound like a radio station from 1995? Yeah, not fun.
Pro Tip: Backup Your Audio
Record audio in multiple places—direct from the soundboard, from lav mics, and from ambient mics. Having backup audio can save your project if one source fails.
Mistake #3: Sloppy Camera Work
The Problem: Shaky, Out-of-Focus Footage
Live event videography isn’t just about hitting record...it’s about telling a story in real-time. Bad framing, jittery camera movement, or missing focus at the wrong moment can make an otherwise solid video look amateur.
How to Avoid It: Nail Your Technique
1. Stabilization Is Non-Negotiable
Handheld shots have their place, but shaky footage doesn’t scream professional. Use gimbals (like the DJI Ronin-S) for smooth tracking shots. Tripods are essential for steady, long-form coverage like speeches or ceremonies.
2. Master Your Camera Settings
Autofocus isn’t always your friend, especially in unpredictable lighting. Learn how to manually adjust your focus, exposure, and white balance on the fly. If you’re shooting in a dark venue, crank up your ISO without introducing too much noise. Fast lenses (f/2.8 or lower) are lifesavers in low-light situations.
3. Use Multiple Angles
One camera angle is boring. If you’re flying solo, set up a secondary camera on a tripod to capture a wide shot while you move for close-ups. If you have a team, assign different coverage areas...one for audience reactions, one for the stage, one for creative movement.
Final Thoughts: Be Prepared, Be Professional
Live event video production isn’t just about showing up with a camera. It’s about preparation, precision, and problem-solving in real-time. Avoid these three massive mistakes, know the event flow, prioritize audio, and stabilize your shots. You’ll not only deliver professional live event videos, but you’ll also build a reputation as a top-tier videographer.
If you’re looking for expert live event coverage in Maine, check out Henry Riley Productions. We specialize in commercial video production, drone footage, and high-quality live event videography. Ready to make your event unforgettable? Let’s talk!
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