reel memories

MODERN VIDEO TECHNOLOGY ALLOWS YOU TO PRESERVE THE JOY, HAPPINESS, AND THE RELIEF YOU FELT ON YOUR SPECIAL DAY -- FOREVER

Your wedding day is such a monumental event in your life, but it’s nearly impossible to take it all in as the day unfolds with the heightened emotion and fanfare that goes along with such a remarkable occasion.

That’s where your wedding video steps in. Nothing can bring you back to the sights and sounds of your wedding day more than a professionally recorded video. When it's all said and done, you can linger over all the delightful moments again, and get a glimpse at a few special moments you may have never seen at all.

Not so long ago, photography was the only choice for preserving special memories. Then came an explosion of innovative technology that presented couples with fresh new options for preserving every moment of their wedding day. Now, couples can flip on a videotape or, most recently, a DVD, and marvel in the sights, sounds and emotion of that special time. They can hear their prelude music, relive cutting the cake, and cry all over again as they watch themselves say their vows.

Today, videotapes and DVDs are as common to us as books. And more than ever videographers are popping up at most weddings not as a replacement for traditional wedding photography, but as a supplement to catch every moment exactly as it happened.

If you're trying to decide whether to hire a videographer in addition to a photographer for your wedding, you should consider these important points. Although you'll cherish the photographs of your special day forever, still photography can only capture particular moments in time. Videography, on the other hand, will show the bride walking down the aisle, and the smiles shared by the newly married couple during their first dance.

Having your event professionally recorded allows you to slice out a moment in time and preserve it forever.

Because the wedding day tends to be a whirlwind, brides and grooms often forget much of what went on. Through video, you can relive the occasion time and time again.

If you're worried that all the lights and lenses will turn your intimate affair into an over-the-top spectacle, have no fear. Capturing a wedding on video used to mean bright lights, cables, and microphones. But technological advances have resulted in smaller, less obtrusive equipment that works better in a variety of lighting situations. Most videographers also strive to be as discreet as possible. And the freedom to move about unnoticed has also allowed videographers to develop their own distinctive styles, which means couples have plenty of variety to choose from.

                              LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

Begin the search for a videographer as early as you can - even a year ahead of time - by searching your local bridal resources including publications and bridal shows. Then set up appointments to see the work of promising candidates.

Because videography is a creative process, you'll want to take the time to find a professional whose style you admire. A great wedding video is created when your videographer combines strong technical skills, artistic shot composition, sensitivity in editing, and most importantly, an understanding of your wishes and ideas for your video. You should feel comfortable with your videographer and be assured that he or she will meet with you in advance to go over all the details of your special day and, if requested, will attend your rehearsal.

Make sure you get a sense of how a videographer captures a whole wedding don't just watch a tape with clips from many weddings. Ask to see tapes of weddings similar to the one you're planning: If it's going to be a candlelight ceremony, for instance, review his work in low light. Professionals know how to account for lighting and to capture the emotions and facial expressions that an amateur will miss. And if the videographer has shot at your wedding site previously, ask to see that tape.

You don't need to be a professional film critic to know if a video is well shot or not. Trust your instincts. There shouldn't be repeated blurriness, muddy colors, or poor framing. The picture shouldn't be shaky and the camera movement and angles should feel natural and comfortable. The scenes shouldn't drag, and transitions from scene to scene should not be noticeable. How well does the emotion of the day come across? Do you feel like you were actually there? Is the sound quality good -- how clearly can you hear the vows?

If you review tapes in the studio rather than having them sent to you, be sure that the picture quality, or resolution, is identical to that of a home VCR or DVD player. If you're meeting with a group of videographers, ask to see the tapes shot by the person who will cover your wedding. Discuss your options and ideas, and be as open and explicit as possible. Even if you like what you see, request a list of the videographer's last three or four clients to use as references.

                              TAKE TWO

Most professionals will offer the choice between one camera or two, to provide the coverage that you like best. Two or more may seem obtrusive, but one cameraman can't be everywhere at once. Many brides like the choice of perspectives. For example, with two cameras you can shoot the father/daughter dance and the expression on Mom's face. Or you can have one camera covering the bride getting ready and one covering the groom. The cost of additional cameramen is generally either a flat fee or pro-rated according to how long the extra coverage is needed - pre-wedding prep only, ceremony only, and so on.

The number of cameras used doesn't affect the editing or quality of the video. View tapes filmed with one and two cameras to see which type of coverage you like best. The two-camera coverage is more like today's television shows, and many brides prefer the professionalism this lends to the overall product. Although many weddings are shot with only one camera, skilled videographers can make it appear as though multiple cameras were used.

It's standard for a videographer to cover the ceremony, the first dance, and the cake cutting cake, but there are many moments that might go unrecorded unless he is instructed to capture them on tape. Some ideas you may want to consider include: an interview before the wedding with the bride and groom about how they met and fell in love, the couple’s plans for the future, preparing for the ceremony the moment when the bride's parents first see her in her wedding gown, the look on the groom's face as he watches the bride come down the aisle, and candids of close friends and family. Assign a bridesmaid, groomsman or a close friend to point out important people to the videographer.

                              FINAL CUT

Once you have decided on a videographer to capture your day, draft a contract that will be signed by the bride and groom and the videographer stipulating the specifics. Before you put pen to paper, double-check your contract for inclusion of the following points: Name and contact information for you and the videographer, correct date, exact number of hours, starting time, and locations (rehearsal dinner, home, ceremony, reception) where the videographer will work (with exact addresses), name of the videographer who will shoot your wedding and the number of assistants, as well as the number and kind of cameras to be used.

When you and your fiance decide on a company, make an appointment to meet with the specific person who will be filming your wedding. Discuss your options and ideas, and be as open and explicit as possible.

Also note the date your unedited video will be ready. In addition, know the date you'll receive your finished, edited video and its approximate length. Be sure to ask about reorder prices, in case you decide to order additional videos later, deposit amount due, balance and date due, and the cancellation and refund policy.

Inquire about various package deals the videographer may offer. If one does not appeal to your needs, see if you can create your own. Check out the price you get for the type of coverage. Standard coverage usually includes the ceremony and reception, but be sure to ask questions anyway.

You will also want to check on the availability of back-up equipment, including lighting, in case something should break. 

Once you receive your video you may want to find out if the master (the original version used by the videographer) is also available for purchase. Store this in a safe place in the event that your final video becomes damaged you will be able to have another copy made.

In the end, nothing will bring you back to the sights and sounds of your wedding day more than a professionally recorded video. When it’s all said and done, you can linger over all the delightful moments again - and rewind them as many times as you want!