Archive for the ‘Videography’ Category
Be prepared: Questions to ask your videographer
Thursday, April 14th, 2011Submitted by Janak Anarkat, Movieing Memories
Nothing quite captures the real essence of your wedding day – the sights, sounds and energy – better than a well-done, high quality video. You’ll be able to revisit this important day in your life long after it’s over and share it with children, grandchildren or other special people in the future.
Videography is an important investment and you’ll want to be prepared with a list of questions to ask before you hire a videographer:
- Can I see samples of your work?
- How long have you been doing videography? How many events or weddings productions have you filmed?
- What packages do you offer? What do they include? What is your price range?
- Are you able to accommodate any restrictions with lights and tripods at the ceremony location?
- How long will it take to receive our completed video after the wedding?
- Do you offer DVD and Blu-ray? What is the charge per extra copy made?
- Will you be able to film while a photographer is present?
- Do you attend the wedding rehearsal?
- What types of cameras and microphones will you use? How new is the equipment? Where will they be placed?
- Will you be the one filming my wedding? If not, can I speak with that person?
- Can I keep the raw, unedited footage as well as the finished product? Is there an added fee for this?
- Will a backup camera be on hand for the event?
- How far in advance must I book your services? What is your cancellation policy?
- Is a deposit required? If so, when and how much?
- Do you charge for traveling?
- What kind of camera do you use?
- What kind of lights do you use?
- How do you record the sound of people speaking?
- How do you record the sound of music playing and can I choose my own music?
- What is the length of the final video?
Visit austinweddings.com to find videographers in Austin or visit saweddings.com to find videographers in San Antonio.
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No second chances: Hire a professional the first time
Thursday, March 24th, 2011Submitted by Eric Adam, Micha-Angel Productions
Micha-Angel Productions
Many feature films on DVD, include extra features such as outtakes where a perfectly serious scene is turned into something so comedic, it makes everyone laugh out loud.
Bloopers in major motion pictures are acceptable because filmmakers can always retake the scene. That is a luxury that major movie studios have, but unfortunately, wedding videographers do not have that luxury. In wedding video, there is no second take.
Micha-Angel Productions
Wedding video is the ultimate reality show. It is an absolutely unscripted portrayal of the most special day in your life, and there is only one episode. Wedding videographers are charged with a difficult duty: capture every detail and moment of a wedding with no script and not be obtrusive.
A wedding videographer should get to know his clients before the wedding because you do not want to be bothered with questions about certain details on the wedding day that could have easily been answered weeks before. A professional videographer prepares for the day with a good plan, or in film making terms, a storyboard.
The best wedding videos happen when there is communication between the videographer and the bride. Brides have the responsibility of sending the videographer information to help with the wedding day plan such as an itinerary, locations, special details, etc. Pre-planning and communication about wedding day events ensures the videographer is in the right place at the right time to capture all of the details you want.
Micha-Angel Productions
Changes to the planned itinerary on the wedding day should be communicated to the videographer as soon as possible. Whereas a photographer basically just have to pick up their camera and move to the location, a videographer needs a bit more time because he might have to move two cameras on tripods, make sure lighting is correct for the scene and make sure everyone is in frame. Be sure to have your wedding coordinator or another designated person be in communication with your vendors to allow them time to adjust to new plans.
Without planning ahead, a video will look rather blah, “cookie cutter” and even “cheesy”. A lack of pre-planning could also lead to missing some special elements that are unique to your day. Almost 100% of the time, a videographer will capture what you want, as long as there is enough pre-planning. Often the main reason for not capturing a special moment on video is that the videographer had no prior warning.
Micha-Angel Productions
Couples should voice their wants and desires to their videographer before the wedding, and a professional videographer should not set rules and limitations on what they will and will not cover. You – the bride– should set those guidelines. A videographer might have certain logistical concerns and those should be discussed and resolved prior to the wedding.
The bottom line is that you should plan with your wedding videographer just as much as you plan with any other vendor, and the videographer should do the same in turn. There is no chance for a second take when it comes to wedding video.
After all – it’s your day… how do you want it remembered?
Tags: Micha-Angel Productions, San Antonio, wedding advice, wedding videography
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Behind the scenes wedding video
Thursday, March 10th, 2011From the engagement to walking down the aisle, you as the bride will be involved in every aspect of your wedding planning. But are you wondering what will happen on the wedding day while you are getting your hair and makeup done and prepping for the big day?
You’re team of wedding professionals will be transforming your wedding venue from a blank canvas to your perfect fairytale setting. We love this video by Mark Thomas Pro Photo that shows just how much work goes into creating a beautiful wedding!
Posted in Reception, Videography | No Comments »
Precious memories: Why to hire a professional videographer
Monday, March 7th, 2011Submitted by Janak Anarkat, Movieing Memories
Are you still not sure if/which videographer to hire and would like some help? Here is some information on what to look for and what questions to ask before you hire a videographer.
Nothing quite captures the real essence of your wedding day – the sights, sounds and energy – better than a well-done, high quality video. You’ll be able to revisit this important day in your life long after it’s over and share it with children, grandchildren or other special people in the future.
The most important element when searching for a videographer is a comprehensive sample of their wedding work. Ask to see a recent, completed video from a wedding – not just a highlights tape – so that you know exactly what you would receive from them if you decide to hire them. Consider the quality of the picture, the sound and the editing. A bad, poor quality video is a waste of money, but a good, high quality video is priceless.
It is very easy to claim years of experience and hundreds of productions but very difficult to verify those claims. But there is no experience like work experience and the best way to gauge someone’s abilities is to see their previous work and ask for references.
Answers to some frequent questions and concerns:
Q. Why should I hire a videographer, when all I want are photos?
A. Do you wish you could watch your parents’ wedding in flashback? Do you want your kids to be able to watch your wedding in flashback? Pictures cannot capture audio and movement and these are the first memories to fade over time; the human mind has good long-term photographic memory. A good professional videographer knows this an is looking to capture the essence (sight, sound, motion and emotion) of the occasion so that you can re-live its memory for decades to come.
Q. Why should I hire a “professional” videographer, when I (or someone I know) can take videos on a hand-held camcorder?
A. Just as there are reasons to hire a “professional” photographer, here are some reasons to hire a “professional” videographer: professional attitude and steady camera movements, professional video camera (with the choice of multiple camera angles), professional video tripod & lights, professional sound recording & microphones (plus wireless wearable mics), professional audio & video editing tools, professional grade recording format & post-production of your video, special effects and options, etc…..the list goes on. In short, a professional knows how to capture wedding video, what to do and not do.
Q. I do not think I have the budget for hiring a videographer, what should I do?
A1. Beg, borrow or steal! Just kidding. Look for ways to fit the videographer into your budget as a necessity and not as an afterthought. If you plan on including the videographer from the beginning, you’ll be able to adjust the remainder of your budget accordingly.
To find professional videographers in Austin, visit the videographers section of our Austin website.
To find professional videographers in San Antonio, visit the videographers section of our San Antonio website.
Tags: Advice, Austin, Movieing Memories, planning, Videographer, videography, wedding, wedding budget, wedding planning, wedding video, wedding videoography, weddings
Posted in Advice, Videography | No Comments »
I'm a believer- in fun wedding videos!
Wednesday, October 13th, 2010Check out these fun wedding videos by Mark Thomas Pro Photo.
Brides take note on how to relax before your wedding ceremony-have a dance party!
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Why should you have a video of your wedding?
Friday, June 25th, 2010Submitted by Mark Thomas Pro Photo
In the past, wedding video has been something that were not easily justified for a wedding. Most wedding videos were shot with one camera and very basic editing was applied. The result was a video that most people could only sit through once and most friends and family would squirm uncomfortably waiting for it to be over.
Wow how times have changed! Wedding video has become an art form that ranks right up there with beautiful wedding photos. Professional videographers have many more resources available today to produce cinematic quality productions.
Multiple cameras can offer many different angles and cover much more detail. When the footage from multiple cameras is edited together you can see just how dramatic video can be. With multiple perspectives you can see reactions from the bride, the groom and also the guests. As with movies, video is much easier to watch if the shots are steady and move smoothly. Steady cam devices and tripods are crucial to a cinematic video.
Nicole&Luke from Mark Thomas Pro Photo and Video on Vimeo.
Story telling makes a huge difference in video production from years past. Rather than a straight forward coverage of your event you get an artistic adaptation of your entire day. Incorporating detail shots and artistic angles and movement make the story move more fluidly. Effects and music bring out the emotional feel of the day and also drive the story forward.
How does video differ from photos? With photos you get a visual representation of a moment in time. With video there are many elements that impact emotion, including:
- Movement: The way a videographer can use the camera to reveal or pan across a scene or slow zoom to direct your eyes to the subject.
- Sound: A musical score can be edited with the video footage to invoke the desired emotion. Actually hearing and reliving your vows, toasts and speeches and loved ones narrating moments that impacted them during the day along with special effects, color effects, B&W effects, slow motion are a few tools used to also draw on your emotions.
We live in a visual world. With technology video has become one of the most popular trends on the internet. Sites like YouTube and Vimeo allow people to share their special day with friends and family around the world and with the right kind of video editing they won’t be squirming wishing it was over.
Tags: Advice, videography, weddingsPosted in Advice, Videography | No Comments »
