Getting Started

Your wedding day is a once in a lifetime event. After months of planning to make your celebration perfect, emotions will fly by in a heartbeat. Wedding is a live event and does not allow retakes. It must be done right the first time. Hiring the right vendor does make a difference. It is a good idea to interview vendors at least nine to twelve months prior to your wedding. Visit several studios, review portfolios, and talk about how you would like to see the videos/pictures of your wedding.

Here are some pointers to consider.

Videography

Videography is a specialized line of work, be sure to use a competent videographer. Well produced, professional video cost money, but the results can far outweigh the price. If you don't get the video right, you may regret it for the rest of your life.

Things to consider:

• Location Scout: Some videographers will scout out locations prior to the scheduled event. This is usually done during the wedding rehearsal. They check on ambiance and electrical illumination. They also watch the rehearsal to familiarize on how the event will flow to avoid chaos on your wedding day.
• Multi-Camera Coverage: Use of a multi camera allows for reaction shots, different angles, and a additional view of the wedding and reception "scene." It also covers any unexpected disaster to the first camera, in that no significant moments from the event will be lost.
• Shot List: Make certain that the videographer has a clear understanding of what is expected of them in writing. This listing should include all events they are to cover, special spots they should take, who owns the footage, and a relative time-frame for delivering the finished product.
• Unobtrusive Coverage: Videographer should be unobtrusive part of your wedding celebration and concern themselves principally with capturing footage and producing the video you've requested.
• Lighting Condition: Find out what your prospective videographer do to insure proper lighting? Make sure those harsh lights are avoided, as they are often disruptive to guests being videotaped.
• Sound: Make sure your videographer is especially conscious of sound - an important, but often overlooked element of recording. Ask videographer how they plan to capture audio. On-camera microphones are often acceptable for group shots, but more personal events (such as the exchanging of the vows, the giving of the rings, and the marriage pronouncement) are highlighted through the use of lapel microphones.
• Post-Production: The actual piecing together of the RAW footage taken from the wedding and reception, raises the question of video effects - the dissolves, wipes, and other transitions and enhancements which can add to your final product (and sometimes your bill). Most professional videographers have equipment that allow for special effects such as a slow motion, and on-screen graphics. Let your videographer be your guide on the use of these effects.
• Music Selection: Good music selection is an important part of the overall production. The videographer should use a blend of background music, music from your event and possible selected works, such as romantic ballad or group of songs that will enhance your video.

Hiring a professional videographer will enable you to relive those memories any time you desire.

Photography

When contracting a photographer, be sure that they have a thorough understanding of lighting techniques and a professional portfolio showing creatively captured tender, joyous, candid and humorous moments of other weddings and receptions.

A professional photographer will subtly control the formal posing, unobtrusively capture the candid moments, and produce an album that genuinely reflects the love and happiness you and your spouse share with your families and friends on your wedding day.

The images by your photographer may be one of the only means to remember this special day, so consider your options carefully.

Things to consider:

• Location Scout: Some photographers will scout out locations prior to the scheduled event. This is usually done during the wedding rehearsal. They check on ambiance and electrical illumination. They also watch the rehearsal to familiarize on how the event will flow to avoid chaos on your wedding day. Don't forget to inform your photographer of any sensitive situations in your families, such as recently deceased grandparents or divorced parents, step parents, etc.
• Multi-Camera Coverage: Use of a multi camera allows for reaction shots, different angles, and a additional view of the wedding and reception "scene." It also covers any unexpected disaster to the first camera, in that no significant moments from the event will be lost.
• Shot List: Make certain that the photographer has a clear understanding of what is expected of them in writing. Remember to discuss where and when you would like your formal portraits taken. A traditional time for theses portraits is after the ceremony, after the receiving line and before leaving for the reception. However, some photographers suggest that taking formal portraits before the ceremony may relieve much of the tension and pressure that would be experienced in the rush afterwards, giving you more time to spend with your guests. Allow your photographer's experience to guide you in deciding the best time for theses important photographs.
• Unobtrusive Coverage: Photographer should be unobtrusive part of your wedding celebration and concern themselves principally with capturing footage and producing the photos you've requested.
• Lighting Condition: Be sure the photographer is aware of any restrictions regarding lighting by the facilities you are using.
• Photo Negatives:   Find out how long they keep the negatives; if you can buy the negatives from the studio, and if the studio will use them for their own advertising.

Once you're satisfied that your photographer understands your desires, relax and let them do their job.

Questions to ask the photographer or videographer

• What styles of wedding photography/videography do you shoot?
• What type of coverage/footage do you offer?
• Do you offer packages, or can we choose services A' la carte?
• Do you work alone?
• What will you wear to our wedding?
• How long will it take for you to produce my album/video?
• What kind of equipments will you be bringing at my wedding?

Summary

All-in-all, video and photographer vendors should be unobtrusive part of your wedding celebration and concern themselves principally with capturing footages and producing the video and photos you've requested. Even so, don't hesitate to ask if they have any ideas that could make your wedding (and your wedding video and album) much more memorable.

Events Studio is a proud member of