21 January 2025

Wedding filmmaking with Shinobi II

UK-based wedding filmmaker Greg Burnett shares his insights into the profession and highlights the crucial role Atomos Shinobi monitors play in enhancing his work.

By Atomos

Greg’s journey into wedding filmmaking began unexpectedly, transforming a casual hobby into a full-time passion. “My filmmaking adventure started by accident. I always had a decent camera for social media content and taking pictures of my children. To be honest, it never really crossed my mind to use my camera in any other capacity. But when a friend asked me to shoot a gig that he was DJing at, I thought ‘Why not? Let’s give it a go.’

Eighteen months later, another friend invited Greg to film their wedding. That event became the turning point, sparking his decision to pursue a new career. “The penny dropped, and I knew what I wanted to do. I ended up walking away from my previous businesses and going full-time into wedding filmmaking. Six years in, I love it more than I ever imagined!”

However, Greg’s newfound passion came with its own set of challenges. “Shooting weddings isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Like any industry, we have clients to please. These events come with a lot of pressure, as you only get one chance to capture those ‘one shot’ moments,” he explains.

As an ardent user of Sony cameras, Greg’s go-to setup includes the FX3, A7S III and A7C II models, paired with a diverse range of Sony Alpha lenses. Utilizing Atomos’ Shinobi and Shinobi II monitors, he expertly captures a thorough overview of the day. “In these situations, having reliable equipment is essential. Being aware of your timings and the running order of the day can also make a huge difference. Honestly, I quite enjoy the challenge,” he admits.

The Shinobi II’s new Touch to Focus feature, recently extended by the 11.03.00 firmware update to support Burnett’s FX3 camera, significantly reduces setup time and allows him to quickly capture those crucial shots. “Shooting weddings can be incredibly fast-paced, and every second counts. With the original Shinobi, switching between auto and manual focus, or using Touch to Focus on the small display on the back of the camera might only take a few seconds, but in those moments, you could miss the perfect shot,” Greg explains. “Shinobi II’s Touch To Focus has saved me those invaluable seconds, allowing me to be more present in the moment, and that’s priceless!”

“Shinobi II’s Touch To Focus has saved me invaluable seconds, allowing me to be more present in the moment.”

Greg’s rig is now more compact and portable, reducing the need for multiple cables. “When Atomos released the update, I didn’t expect it to be this effective – it’s been a game-changer. Now that I can power my entire rig with just two cables, my setup looks much tidier and is easier to carry.”

While both monitors feature HDR displays, Greg emphasizes how the Shinobi II’s significantly brighter screen has improved his ability to shoot in varying lighting conditions, making it an indispensable tool in his setup. “The original Shinobi’s high-definition display is still fine for shooting in well-lit environments,” he adds.

Greg offers invaluable advice for those looking to make their mark in the wedding filmmaking industry: “Understanding your market and mastering your gear is key. People tend to buy from people, so promoting your personal brand is vital to stay ahead of the competition. Also, remember that couples have chosen you for your unique vision, so don’t hesitate to express your ideas to capture every moment of the wedding day.”

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