Top Tips To Make Your Elopement Film Awesome
As an elopement filmmaker & guide, I absolutely LOVE capturing awesome elopement films for couples! These are some of the tips that I’ve thought about over years of shooting elopements for what I think helps to make an elopement film AWESOME:
Elope in the best light
Movement
Focus on each other
Awesome personal dialogue
1. Elope In The Best Light
It might seem like a basic thing to say, but if you want the best possible imagery (both in your elopement film & elopement photos), then choose to have your elopement in the best possible light. The closer to sunrise or sunset, the better. The main reason for choosing good light is that it’s much more flattering when it’s softer and not as harsh, so it makes you look much more awesome. For example, if you shoot in the middle of the day, you’ll have harsh shadows, that just doesn’t look as good.
If you’re having a shorter elopement (e.g. 4-6 hours) then I’d recommend planning to start with your ceremony and then plan to end your elopement at sunset so that you make the most of the good sunset light. This sometimes means sacrificing being able to go for a meal straight after your elopement, especially in the summer when sunset is late in the evening, but trust me when you see the imagery you get from that, you’ll be thankful for that small sacrifice! :)
If you’re having a longer elopement (e.g. 8 hours +) then you have more time to play with to get the best light, make use of locations that are OK to shoot in when it’s brighter, etc..
I’d always recommend working with your elopement filmmaker & photographer to get their view on the best time for the elopement you’re planning. They should be able to advise you on the best time to shoot in the locations that you’re choosing.
2. Movement
One of the things that makes an elopement film so awesome is that you can capture movement. I love when couples move around during our shoots. Sometimes it’s little movements with their hands while they’re embracing each other, sometimes its spins and sometimes it’s more. What ever it is, I recommend to couples to think about what you’re doing during your shoot, those little hand motions, for the groom to push hair out of the brides face, etc.. Movement is AWESOME! :)
3. Focus On Each Other
It may sound crazy and obvious, but remember to focus on each other during your elopement! Some of my favourite elopement films that I’ve produced for couples is when they forget about what’s around them and who’s there and focus completely on each other. They have a connection that is so beautiful. I recently heard someone ask when the last time you spent a whole minute just looking in the eyes of the one you love and thinking about them. It’s not common for couples to focus on each other like that with how busy our lives are, so on this special day, I highly recommend trying to clear your mind of other stuff and focus on each other as much as you can!
4. Awesome Personal Dialogue
I’ve saved my favourite tip for last. I absolutely LOVE when couples write their own words to share with each other. There’s something so special about putting into words how you feel about each other. Aside from just how special it makes your elopement film, I think it’s so special to be able to hear what your partner is feeling and how important that day is to them.
Some of my favourite elopements are when the couple have shared awesome words with each other. Sometimes couples do this as part of their ceremony during their vows and sometimes couples write each other letters that are read during a first look. Either way, write each other some awesome words! :)
If you’re thinking of eloping in Ireland and would like some help planning something epic, please get in touch! I’d love to help you plan your dream elopement in Ireland!
IF YOU FOUND THIS BLOG POST USEFUL IN PLANNING YOUR ELOPEMENT, YOU SHOULD CHECK THIS ONE OUT NEXT:
The Best Elopement Guide For Eloping In Ireland