Tips on How to Look Like a Star on Camera from a Celebrity Wedding Videographer

Videographer Valerie Barnes is well known among the A-list crowd. She has a long list of celebrity clientèle who trust her behind the camera during their biggest moments -- Ugly Betty star Vanessa Williams hires Barnes to document her family events, she was the exclusive videographer at Jennifer Lopez’s 30th birthday party, and she filmed Stephon Marbury, Chris Carrabba (Dashboard Confessional), and Fred Weller’s (In Plain Sight) weddings too. (To name a few!

With more than eight years under her belt, Barnes keeps busy traveling all over the world as the owner of an independent filmmaking and videography business. She’s currently on deck to shoot the upcoming dream wedding that Van Ngo and Eric Oberly won, courtesy of WeddingChannel.com and Us Weekly, but since the wedding isn’t quite here yet, we asked her to drop by CWB to share some insider tips to ensure your wedding video is hot. Check out what she had to say:

CWB: What can a bride and groom do to enusre that they get the memorable footage they’re hoping for?
Barnes: Be natural and true to who you are. Video/film is about natural movement and emotion. You don't want the work to look and feel staged. You want it to reflect [everyone’s] energy and personality.

Have fun with the camera...don't be afraid to play to it -- be spontaneous! If you’re relaxed and enjoying the moment, then your bridal party will follow your lead. This will make for a much more interesting video piece.

That said, remember that not everyone feels comfy "saying something to the bride and groom" on camera. Therefore, don’t request that of your guests. If they want to speak, they can ask the videographer to record their message. This way it will be more heartfelt and personal.

CWB: What are some insider tricks for great video?
Barnes: For the ceremony, make sure that you have an area allotted (underneath the chuppah, maybe?) for the videographer to stand so they can get an clear shot of your faces. The more a videographer has to move around, the more obtrusive they can become.

Allow your videographer to put a wireless mic on your groom for the ceremony so that the vows can be heard clearly on tape. Even though you are not wearing one, your voice will be heard through the one he is wearing. You cannot rely on the venue or church’s sound system to give you a quality audio recording.

CWB: Which types of weddings film the best?
Barnes: Outdoor ceremonies with natural light film beautifully, and indoor events with the right lighting -- colorful is key. Lighting your event will not only enhance the video, but it will also means the videographer won't have to use much, if any, additional lighting.

At your reception, warm the dance floor by adding a wash of colorful light. Illuminate your tables with pin light spotting if possible. Make sure the band has lots of light too. (Your photographer will thank you too!) For ceremonies being held underneath coverings such as chuppahs, use pin light spotting that will slightly illuminate your face.

One final warning: If you want HD video, tell your make-up artist in advance. If the resolution is high it won’t be kind to any facial imperfections. A good make-up artist will have a few tricks up their sleeve to soften your look.

Click on the image to check out some of Barnes’ work -- this video is called The Berkshires and is a mix of video and Super 8 film.

For more tips and tricks from Van and Eric’s celebrity dream wedding squad click here.

photos: (headshot) Lilian Haidar