- Why should I have my Wedding Day professionally videotaped and photographed?
- Why shouldn’t I just have a friend or relative video it for free?
- Is the equipment you use, professional and up to date?
- Are you inconspicuous when shooting?
- How long are the finished videos?
- Is music important to my wedding video?
- How long will it take to finish editing the video?
- Is a retaining fee required for your services?
- How soon before my wedding should I reserve the date?
Answers:
1. Why should I have my Wedding Day professionally videotaped
and photographed?
One of the biggest regrets married couples have is not getting a quality
record to look back on. Most couples say they can hardly remember their
wedding day and that it went by too quickly to appreciate. When you have
professional photos and high quality videos, you can look back on your
wedding day for years to come with future generations. Couples say there
is no substitute for professionally captured and edited video and photos.
2. Why shouldn’t I just have a friend or relative video
it for free?
There is a huge difference between home videos and professionally produced
and edited videos. The quality of the cameras, sound and post production
equipment are not even close to your average home movie. Unless your friend
works in production for a living, they're not going to have a professional
editing suite or know how to use one. The best question to ask yourself
is, "Do I want to risk my special day in the hands of an amateur?"
3. Is the equipment you use, professional and up to date?
The cameras used are digital three-chip DV video cameras. I use wireless
diversity as well as on camera microphones. The footage is edited digitally
and cinematically and artistically blended in a multi-computer based editing
suite using professional software.
4. Are you inconspicuous when shooting?
My videos are in the style of documenting the emotion and feeling, not
directing. However, much of this is up to you. Whether you want me on
the altar with you, or hidden in the balcony, it’s your call. I work with
you to figure out the approach that best suits your style. Always, my
primary concern is making you and your guests feel comfortable. It may
be necessary to use an on-camera light during the reception because of
the low available light in most halls, but I use lights only when absolutely
necessary.
5. How long are the finished videos?
Generally, the finished videos will last up to 45 minutes or more, but
sometimes longer, depending on the length of the ceremony and the amount
of other activities. One thing to be cautious of is thinking a long video
is a better video. Instead, a longer video usually means a lot more fast
forwarding through the dull or slow parts. We want to accentuate the beauty
of your wedding day.
6. Is music important to my wedding video?
Imagine watching MTV with your TV muted. It would be very boring. So we
recommend using your favorite music to emphasize the emotions of your
wedding. We also prefer to give you creative input into the style of music
in your videos so it will be personalized to your tastes.
7. How long will it take to finish editing the video?
Typically, videos will take between 6-8 weeks to complete depending on
the season. It is not uncommon that I spend upwards of 50 hours editing
a video. If you’ve seen my work you realize that the video footage is
thoughtfully and artistically edited to become a more emotional and meaningful
experience. The only thing I guarantee is that it will be worth the wait.
8. Is a retaining fee required for your services?
Yes, a retainer of one-third of the contracted total is required. That
amount is refundable at our discretion up to 180 days before the ceremony
in case of a change of date or postponement. This retainer will also reserve
the date of your Wedding. Cash or checks are currently accepted.
9. How soon before my wedding should I reserve the date?
Popular summer dates fill up quickly. It is not uncommon to book 6 months
to a year in advance. No dates are guaranteed without a signed agreement.