The Essentials Every Legal Videographer Should Know
When it comes to capturing legal proceedings on video, there are a few essential things every legal videographer needs to know. From the type of camera and audio equipment needed to capture clear and accurate evidence, to the common issues a legal videographer may encounter, we'll cover everything you need to know before recording your next deposition. So whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, read on for essential tips from the pros!
What is a legal videographer? A legal videographer is a professional who specializes in recording and preserving video evidence for use in legal proceedings. Unlike traditional videographers, legal videographers must adhere to strict guidelines regarding the capture and preservation of video evidence. This often requires the use of specialized equipment, such as high-definition cameras and digital recorders. In addition, legal videographers must have a thorough understanding of the law surrounding video evidence. This includes knowing how to properly authenticate and store recordings. As a result, legal videographers play an essential role in ensuring that video evidence is admissible in court.
Legal proceedings can be complex and fast-paced, making it difficult to capture all the important details in writing. That's where legal videographers come in. Using specialized video and audio equipment, legal videographers are able to provide a complete record of everything that happens in a deposition or other legal proceeding. This footage can be used by attorneys to prepare for cases, by judges to review key moments, or by the jury to come to a verdict. Lets talk more about essencial video and audio equipment.
First and foremost, you will need a high-quality video camera. This can be either a traditional camcorder or a DSLR camera with video capabilities. Whichever type of camera you use, make sure it is capable of capturing accurate, clear footage.
In addition to a camera, you will also need a tripod. A tripod is essential for keeping the camera steady during long periods of recording. It is also helpful for framing shots and ensuring that the camera is at the proper height relative to the subject. The standard tripod for this line of work is a fluid head tripod. A fluid head tripod contains a fluid chamber within its design. This is used to dampen the sudden movements and vibrations of the camera, in order to get smooth video pans and smooth tracking.
Finally, and most importantly, you will need audio equipment. This will include a microphone and audio recorder, or simply a microphone that plugs directly into your camera. In either case, make sure you have high-quality audio gear that can pick up sound clearly and without interference. The audio is just as important, if not more important than the video itself. With these basic pieces of equipment, you will be able to capture high-quality video and audio footage of any deposition.
Last, let’s talk about some of the common mistakes legal videographers make. If you're new to the world of legal videography, there are a few mistakes you'll want to avoid.
First, make sure you arrive early to set up your equipment and test the audio and video quality. Nothing is worse than trying to troubleshoot issues in the middle of a deposition. Arriving early can ensure you not only have time to set up before everyone arrives, but it also gives you enough time to test your equipment and make sure everything is set up correctly for the deposition.
Second, be prepared to shoot in a wide variety of settings, from dark conference rooms to busy courthouses. Practice adjusting your camera settings and get familiar with your gear prior to shooting your depositions. You'll need to be able to adjust your camera accordingly to get the best possible footage.
Third, pay attention to the details. Depositions can be long and tedious, but it is important to stay focused and capture every key moment. This can include zooming out to capture the deponent reading or signing documents, zooming in on documents that the deponent uses as part of their testimony, or even just tracking a deponent that moves around a lot during the deposition.
Finally, and what I consider most important, make sure you have a backup for everything! Be prepared. When I say backup, I mean more than just a backup recording of the deposition. In addition to that, a backup of your equipment as well. It’s a good rule of thumb to have at least two of every cable you use, extra microphones, extra batteries, even extra media storage. You never know when one of these pieces of equipment will malfunction on you, and you always want to be prepared for the worst case scenario.
As you can see, legal videography is a complex process that requires a great deal of knowledge and expertise. At VCE Legal Tech, we are committed to providing our clients with the best possible service and support. If you’re looking for a legal videographer who understands the essentials and will work with you every step of the way, contact us today. We would be happy to discuss your project and answer any questions you may have.