I see we have a videography thread here. So let's share some tips that i think we cant see in textbooks anywhere:

Rule #1 - Never switch off the mic when in location. Never! Let it run. Only switch it off when you are in the car on the way back home.

Rule #2 - Always check Rule #1 every 15 minutes. Green is good. Red is not good.

Audio is the most important thing in cinematography. Have backups. Invest in a good directional mic. A wireless lav. An external audio recorder. Got extra money lying around? Buy a boom mic and a pre-amp. Best setup for recording voice.

Next tip.

Don't do DIY stuffs if you are going to make this as an income. Or side income. Why? I have been there once and just my 2 cents, it is better to save a little more to buy the 'industry standard' gears. Dont waste your money 'upgrading'. Buy with a mental note that you gonna use this stuff for years not months. This is the best investment for your business.

For newbie/noobs. what to buy first after getting a DSLR with a HD video recording capabilities? Here are the list (in order of priority:

- directional mic
recommended - Rode Videomic

- tripod with fluid video head
recommended - Manfrotto 701HDV + 190XPROB

- video monopod
recommended - Manfrotto 561BHDV

- slider/dolly
recommended - Konova 80cm + Manfrotto 701HDV

- Camera stabiliser
recommended - Glidecam 2000HD + Manfrotto 577

- Clapper
recommended - Any hardware. Dont use those Apple apps on iPads

- Audio recorder
recommended - Zoom H4n

- Jib arm
recommended - Kessler Lite 8.0 + Any heavy duty tripod and video head + LCD monitor

- Boom Mic
recommended - Rode Boompole + Rode Videomic + Deadcat + JuicedLink DT454

- Video light
recommended - Redhead 800W Studio light

Condenser microphone
recommended - Rode NT1A

Next tip:

Shoot like you are the editor. Dont take 5 seconds footage that confuses the editor. Most of the 'short footages' are deleted instantly by editors cause they are lost in sequence. Continuity is important. Dont cut the speeches. Just let it run. Easier to sync the audio with MCP editing.

Next tip:

Invest in good prime lens.

Next tip:

Buy extra batteries and cards. 8,16 or 32GB. I dont really care about speed but let it be class 10. Dont buy anything less.

Next tip:

Importantly, shoot in sequence. Dont jump. In order:

- Exterior shot (opening)
- Interior shot
- production value shots of anything related
- Makeup/preparation
- Guess coming
- Main ceremony (in sequence)
- Singing (VVIP take full, others just take beginning or end)
- Guess leaving
- Exterior shot (ending)

Next tip:

Dont be lazy. Move around if your shot got blocked by bystanders/relatives/photographers. Push their heads if you need to. Especially kids.

Next tip:

Get to know others. Tell the photographer that they dont need to crouch down whenever they pass in front of your camera. Tell them just walk casually but never stands too long in front of the camera. Much better this way because it is more natural. Give way to Live feed video cause people are watching them on the big screen. You can edit those later plus you have a 2nd camera to cover your other angles.

Next tip:

Don't ever ever shoot solo with one camera. If you have two, tell tour client that your footage will be as dull as it gets because they are too poor to afford a 2nd camera man

Next tip:

Work hard. Don't be lazy. Get enough rest before a job. After a long day on location, pamper yourself with a good foot massage or even a body massage.