 Capturing Your Precious Memories on Video
By Abraham Joffe from Abraham Joffe Videographers
A professional wedding videographer can provide you something that even the best wedding album cannot do:
The ability to re-live your wedding experience.
You will hear people say that hiring a top wedding videographer was the best thing they did.
Here, we will help you understand all the ins & outs of what we do, including what to look out for.
Shooting Style
These days a lot of couples are after a very natural style of shooting, some call it documentary. This is where the videographer records events as candidly as possible to avoid influencing proceedings. This doesn’t mean the shooting lacks creativity, but it definitely means avoiding set routines and staged actions.
This style is far less obtrusive and allows people to be themselves.
The other approach that is still used among some videographers is the more staged filming technique. This can be anything from the groomsmen acting out “skits” with the groom in the morning, staging shots on the photo shoot and interviewing guests at the reception.
Whatever your preference, make sure you make it clear to your videographer what approach you desire. Every videographer should be able to provide you with a sample DVD of recent work or show you some clips in their studio. Ensure the footage provided is current, original and consistent with what the videographer currently produces.
Editing Style
Some editing is quite minimalist whereas others use every video-effect known to man. Whatever the approach, it is usually in line with the shooting technique. Videographers who tend to shoot a lot of staged material will often use more effects where as the natural-approach tends to keep the editing less effect-driven.
A wedding video ‘highlights’ is a short edit of the entire wedding and is generally cut to music.
A ‘highlights’ length can vary from 3-4minute ‘one song’ wedding overview to the more widely used 10-20 minute versions. Highlights are a fantastic day to show a visiting friend or relative your wedding without making them sit through the 3 hour full length.
When you receive the finished DVDs, make sure you watch the whole production carefully. If there are any technical problems it is best to let the videographer know promptly.
Some companies supply a first-draft edit for you to review and make necessary changes.
Technology
Video technology is advancing all the time. New cameras are released, video formats update and the media in which your video is delivered is currently changing. A good videographer keeps his finger on the pulse of the latest technology. This ensures you will receive the best overall quality present at the time of your wedding.
On the Day
The average wedding day for a videographer is generally 10 hours. Generally people wish to start coverage at the brides’ home getting ready (usually an hour of coverage) and then continue right through until the farewell at the end of the night.
The extent of the coverage is up to you. Think about what you want captured and allow enough time for set-up times and transport between locations. For example, a videographer will need to be at the church at least 20 minutes prior to the ceremony commencing.
It is imperative that you run through all the details of your day with your videographer and provide him with the full wedding schedule or running sheet. The more prepared you both are, the smoother the day will run.
Photographers and Videographers can work well together. Most are professionals and do respect each other on the day. It is a good idea to let both know who they will be working with. They are both there working for you, so it is important that they help each other get the most out of the day.
Sound
Sound is a huge part of the experience. The speeches, vows, dance floor music may all require different acquisition methods to recording the sound. A good videographer will always use a radio lapel microphone to record your vows. This mic is very small and the same one you see newsreaders wear. It attaches to the grooms jacket only and will record both your vows and ring exchanges no matter how soft you speak.
The speeches should also be recorded using a radio mic attached to your lectern, or by tapping-into the venues’ sound system. The sound quality achieved by such methods is far superior to recording the sound from the camera mic only. Ask your videographer how they approach sound recording.
Lighting
Low lighting creates mood for your wedding reception but can also create problems for filming. Videographers tend to use a camera light and this should be of a wattage that wont blind your guests as they enjoy the night. Some videographers like to erect lights on stands, however this can be hazardous and overwhelming if it is too bright. Discuss the lighting used by your videographer. It should be adequate while respecting the venue’s policies and your guests’ enjoyment.
Finished Product
Currently the most widespread format is DVD. Available in both single and dual layer, your DVD should contain personalised menus, scene selection and a well finished printed label and cover.
You should provide your videographer with some high resolution photographs from your wedding day for the design of the DVD menu and cover. Photographers are usually happy to provide some images when asked politely and credited.
Ask to see some examples of recent completed weddings DVDs to get a feel for the finished result.
Cost
How much? Is often the first question people ask videographers when enquiring on their services. It should be one of the last. To pick a videography based on price alone is a big mistake. The end-product and service you will receive should be of most concern.
When booking any wedding service including videography, you should make sure you clearly understand the package you book and request a copy of the contract. This can avoid being hit with any ‘unknown costs’ later on.
Professional videographers should also carry public liability insurance, and some venues will actually request a copy as a policy.
Finally, costs for videography can vary from city to city. Sydney and Melbourne would on average be a little higher than say Brisbane or Darwin. Currently Sydney prices range from $1800-$4000
You would expect to pay around $2400-$3400 for a full package wedding video with full day coverage, a highlights and full length edit as well as a few extra copies.
Delivery time can vary and there have been horror-stories of people waiting over 12 months.
The standard wait for your completed video should be anywhere from 6 – 12 weeks. Make sure your expected delivery time is stipulated in the contract.
High Definition
Finally, the latest new technology that is beginning to be taken up broadly is High Definition video. The quality of both sound and picture is superior in this new format. The DVD is being replaced by two formats currently struggling for dominance – Blue Ray and HD-DVD.
Ask your videographer for the latest information on this new format. It will require you to have a High Definition player to experience, much like when DVD first hit the scene.
Formats and technology will continue to improve. The key to remember is this: find yourself a top videographer who follows the principals I have described above and you will be ensured a video production containing memories you can enjoy for years to come.
Abraham Joffe Videographers is an industry leader in high quality, natural wedding videography. To read Abraham's reviews and secure him for your wedding day click here.
|
