Re: What do you think is the best tripod location in a church?

I don't do weddings anymore either but I agree with both of you.. I only did one single camera wedding (and I did indeed attend the rehearsal - fortunately) but I still find that attending the rehearsal when doing a 3 cam shoot is still important (as is having the in depth discussions with the bride and groom..) But like you said, a 2 or 3 camera shoot does come with a lot more insurance.

I have found a number of times that a grooms man is like 7 feet tall and is positioned in line of my main camera or something else - stuff that isn't likely to come up in a meeting with the bride or groom. Also, I frequently see plans change during the rehearsal to the point where it requires a change of camera position or similar.. I think if you ask a wedding planner I'm guessing that a lot of them will tell you that the rehearsal isn't just to make sure that the wedding party know's what to do but to make sure that all of the logistics they've planned work out as well.

But I have found that after you've done a numbe of weddings you pretty much know the drill - and there's not much need to stay for the entire rehearsal - I used to be able to get in and out in about 15 minutes (so long because I didn't want to be disrespectful and come in and out like a whirling derbish if you know what I mean.) Oh, and heck, I know that my being present at the rehearsal made the bride feel a tiny bit more comfortable with me on their actual day..

The basic principles you've been talking about can (and should) be applied to pretty much any kind of event - though rehearsals don't exactly happen for a sporting event or whatever.. Do a location scout and you'll be that much more prepared! (Oh, and I keep a small database on the locations I've worked at.. Basically just notes about any facility rules or special circumstances encountered... nothing fancy.)



--KTFA