Why It Is Better to Have a Full Day of Filming
Photo by Kevin Delvecchio on Unsplash
When planning a significant family event or capturing the essence of your family dynamics, opting for a full day of filming can offer unparalleled advantages. While shorter sessions may seem sufficient, a full day of filming enhances the overall experience and outcome. Here’s why dedicating a whole day to filming might be the best decision for your family.
1. Smaller Margin of Error
A full day of filming minimizes the risk of missing crucial moments or details. When the shoot is limited to a few hours, there’s less time to adapt to unexpected situations or delays. Extending the coverage to a full day provides ample opportunity to capture every aspect of the event without the pressure of a ticking clock.
Photographers and videographers can work more flexibly, reducing the likelihood of rushed or missed shots. This extra time allows them to focus on capturing the finer details that might be overlooked in a shorter session, resulting in a more polished and comprehensive final product.
2. More Time for Family to Settle Down
Family events can be hectic, especially when children are involved. A full day of filming allows everyone to settle into the environment and become accustomed to the photographer or videographer's presence. This extended time frame allows family members, especially kids, to feel comfortable and relaxed.
Children often need time to adjust to new people and settings. With a full day, they can gradually warm up to the camera, leading to more natural and authentic interactions. This relaxed atmosphere helps capture genuine emotions and connections, often lost in shorter sessions where there’s less time for everyone to acclimate.
3. More Time to Travel Between Locations
Family events or shoots often involve multiple locations, whether it’s moving from the home to a park, or from a formal setting to a more casual one. A full day allows for leisurely travel between these locations without the stress of a tight schedule.
Photographers and videographers can take their time to set up and get the best shots at each location, rather than rushing to meet a strict timeline. This flexibility ensures that the transitions between different scenes are smooth and that the overall narrative of the day is captured cohesively.
4. More Rest Time for Families and Filming Team
Extended sessions provide necessary breaks for both families and the filming person. Continuous shooting can be exhausting for everyone involved, so having a full day allows for scheduled rest periods.
Families can take breaks for meals, snacks, or to unwind, ensuring they remain energized and in good spirits throughout the day. Similarly, the film crew can take breaks to avoid burnout and maintain high work standards. This balanced approach contributes to a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for everyone.
5. Capturing More Candid Moments
One significant advantage of a full day of filming is the ability to capture candid, unposed moments. A longer session provides opportunities to film everyday activities like lunch, snack time, or spontaneous interactions between family members.
These unstructured moments often reveal the essence of family life, showcasing genuine emotions and connections that are sometimes missed in more rigid, timed sessions. The result is a film that feels authentic and emotionally resonant, reflecting the day's natural flow.
6. Not Rushing the Shoot, Especially with Kids
Kids are unpredictable, and their moods and energy levels vary throughout the day. A full-day shoot allows them to settle into the experience, ensuring that you’re not forcing them to perform or rush through activities.
Rushing can lead to stress and less natural behaviour, especially with young children. Allowing a more flexible schedule gives kids the time to adjust, play, and interact freely, resulting in more relaxed and genuine footage.
7. More Value for Money
While a full day of filming may seem like a significant investment, it can offer better value for money than hourly rates. Many photographers and videographers offer full-day packages that are more cost-effective than booking multiple hourly sessions.
These packages often include various services and benefits, such as extended coverage, additional editing, and more comprehensive deliverables. By choosing a full-day option, you’ll likely get more for your money, including a richer and more detailed portrayal of your family’s experience.
8. Discovering More During Pre-Production Planning
A full day of filming allows for more extensive pre-production planning. This additional time enables the photographer or videographer to explore creative ideas and tailor their approach to fit your family’s unique needs and preferences.
During the planning phase, you can discuss different scenarios, locations, and activities you want to include. This thorough preparation ensures that no important moments are overlooked and that the final product aligns with your vision.
9. Capturing the Little Things
Extended filming time allows for capturing the small, often overlooked details, contributing to a richer narrative. From close-ups of meaningful objects to subtle interactions between family members, these little elements add depth and emotion to the final film.
A full day allows you to include these finer points, resulting in a more complete and heartfelt representation of your family’s day. The cumulative effect of these details enhances the film's overall quality and emotional impact.
Conclusion: Embrace the Flow of the Day
Rushing the process is rarely beneficial when it comes to capturing candid moments and raw emotions. A full day of filming allows you to embrace the natural flow of events, providing the time needed to document both planned activities and spontaneous moments.
This extended approach ensures a more comprehensive and emotionally driven film and creates a more enjoyable and stress-free experience for everyone involved. By allowing the day to unfold at its own pace, you’re more likely to capture genuine interactions and memories that will be cherished for years.
Ultimately, investing in a full day of filming is about more than just getting more footage—it's about ensuring that the essence of your family’s experience is captured meaningfully and authentically.
Hello, thanks for reading.
I’m Alfred, a family photographer and filmmaker based in Singapore.
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