Videography FAQ & Philosophy

Why include videography?

Videography is a living memory. Our goal as videographers and editors is to allow you to be in the moment while we work to capture them all. Your final product will be one such that you can relive the memories and the feelings, the people and the love. Photography reminds you, and to add videography brings you back to the day.

What can I expect on the day of?

Our packages are created to fit your needs, and on the day of, they will do just that. No matter what package you choose, these things will never change:

1. I will personally film your wedding along with a skilled second videographer when included.

2. Two cameras will be used for your ceremony. The Elopement Package and Package I will consist of: one moving camera and one stationary/unmanned. Prior to your ceremony's beginning, I will set up one camera (probably somewhere in the back) to capture the overall events and setting. The second camera will be with me at all times as I float unobtrusively from place to place capturing close-ups and all the details. Packages II and III will obviously utilize 2 cameras each with a videographer. The two cameras combine to provide all the footage I need to create your perfect wedding video. I don't offer one camera packages simply because the addition of the second camera offers such a dramatic upgrade in production value that I feel like it would hinder your product to offer anything less than the best.

3. I will again be unobtrusively floating around during your reception, capturing it all. 1 camera will be used for Elopement and Package I. Packages II and III will get 2 cameras/videographers for the reception.

Can a second videographer be provided?

Packages II and III include a second videographer, but one can be added to Elopement or Package I as well. This will make your stationary unmanned ceremony camera both manned and moveable if necessary. It will also allow for a second camera during the reception. A second videographer provides valuable extra perspective and footage to work with in the editing stage.

Why does my video need to be edited?

Editing is absolutely essential to creating your living memory. Weve all seen the standard graduation video you buy through the school or someone elses home video camera footage on their TV. Its boring and full of non-cohesive jumps and breaks. Think of your favorite Hollywood film. Its made with millions of dollars of equipment and the best actors, director, and crew. Yet, theres no way anyone could watch the movie if all the footage shot were thrown onto a DVD or up on the big screen. It would be days long and miserable to watch. Editing provides a natural flow and keeps your eyes focused on every moment. Eliciting emotion is the #1 goal in any sort of videography or filmmaking, and editing is a key component in achieving this.

What editing style do you use? What will I be watching?

Your wedding ceremony will be shown in full with cohesive editing and live sound. After that, I edit your footage into montages accompanied by music of your choosing. The most common examples of montage editing are music videos we see on MTV, VH1, etc. I choose this style because I believe it is the most effective in gathering all the highlights and special moments of your day and compiling them into an emotionally inspiring video. Music helps keeps the rhythm of the piece and brings to light your own personal memories and feelings. Each montage will last at least about the average length of a song.

Whats the final product? What do I get when its all said and done?

Within 8 weeks of your wedding day, we will mail you the number of DVD copies of the final product that you have requested. Each will be packaged in DVD casing with a graphically designed labeled DVD. The DVD itself opens to a graphically designed menu screen with chapter options. Upon request, miniDV tape copies of all footage can be included for archiving purposes. If music is not received on or before your wedding date, expect your final copies 8 weeks from the day we receive your music.

How do I book a date? Is a contract involved and what are your payment policies?

To officially book a date and my services, a contract is involved. We will mail or email (whichever you prefer) a very simple contract consisting of necessary contact information, the package and add-ons you choose, and my policies. You must sign and mail this back to me along with a deposit of 50% of the total cost you are requesting. The remainder of the balance must be paid two weeks prior to the booked date.