Frequently Asked Questions
Below are are some of the main questions we get:
Q: How do I choose a videographer?
A: Since the quality of recorders and video equipment has improved
dramatically in recent years, it should come as no surprise that
video taping is becoming as traditional as photography. Video taping
the wedding helps to preserve a very precious memory that the bride
and groom can review- enjoy- and share with family and friends for
many years to come.
Quality is what matters.... Price is secondary
Find a good personable and experienced videographer, then pick the package you can afford.
Ask to see a sample video/DVD and ask what types of cameras are being used.
Things to look for...
- Professional video equipment.
- Smooth and steady camera work.
- Spontaneous and natural shots.
- Seamless editing techniques.
- Good coverage of the ceremony.
- All the important parts included.
- Clean titles not too many flashy graphics.
- Good color and a sharp picture.
- Good Audio.
Professional video equipment.
Good color and a sharp picture.
Consumer level cameras available at the local department store can't produce the quality needed to video, edit, and make copies. Above this level are many variations. Some 'so-called' professional videographers use a standard video format and provide the original to the bride and groom. Copies made from this video will be of sub-standard quality. A true professional uses a hi quality format. (HD or DV, etc.) Highest quality format today takes advantage of digital technology with high-resolution 3 CCD cameras. Copies made from this type or video will be better quality and every copy will be the same. The generation of DVD provides the best overall long-lasting solution.
Smooth and steady camera work.
Spontaneous and natural shots.
No matter how good his cameras are, a videographer must have good camera skills. If you get seasick watching the demo, it's time to move on. Look for that special shots that 'make' the moment.
Coverage
You'll have to do your homework. Many videographers have different packages based on what you want included in the video. Remember, the more he videos, the more he has to edit onto the master copy. Extras may cost you so ask up-front.
Clean titles not too many flashy graphics.
Flashy graphics may be great for MTV, but you want the focus to be on you. If you notice the effect, it takes the attention off of you!
Good Audio.
Most 'on-camera' mics are not enough to capture good audio. Wireless mics and wired hand held mics are the best way to achieve good sound.
TYPES OF WEDDING VIDEOS
There are various types and qualities of wedding videos, along with a wide range of prices. Personal preference and budget will determine the best type of video to use. Rules and regulations concerning videotaping vary according to the ceremony site used and may affect the way your video will come out. ? This article is provided compliments of Choice One Productions. Please contact Luis Govantes at 321-574-5596 or visit their web site at www.choice1productions.com for more details to plan your wedding.
Q: What precautions are needed with
DVDs?
A:
SOME
INFORMATION ON THE USE AND STORAGE OF DVDs
DVD+R discs are expected to last anywhere from 40 to 250 years.
For comparison, magnetic media (videos) lasts 10 to 30
years. DVDs are:
·
Durable (no wear from playing, only from physical damage-see #3 below).
·
Not susceptible to magnetic fields. Resistant to heat.
1.
Choice One Productions only uses high-grade DVD+R media.
This is the latests state-of-the-art for quality, durability
and format. This media
should play on all new DVD players and most older models.
2.
C1P videos are made according to industry standards for color.
However, your TV set may not be precisely adjusted to these
standards. If, as you play the DVD, the colors (particularly skin
tones) don't appear correct, simply adjust your tint and color
knobs. There is a
"leader" at the start of the first DVD chapter that goes from black
to white. Your TV
should be adjusted to these true black and white colors.
3.
Although DVDs are very durable, physical scratches and/or deep
fingerprints on the surface (opposite label) will potentially result
in a damaged disc.
Please handle by holding along the outside edge.
Store in it’s protective case when not in use. Do not bend the disc
when taking it out of the case, and be careful not to scratch the
disc when placing it in the case or in the player tray.
Make certain the disc is properly seated in the player tray
before you close it.
Magnetic fields have no effect on DVDs.
The DVD specification recommends that discs be stored at a
temperature between -20 to 50 °C (-4 to 122 °F) with less than 15 °C
(27 °F) variation per hour, at relative humidity of 5% to 90%.
Avoid exposing the DVD to direct sunlight and other heat sources;
dust; humidity; and vibrations.
4.
If you notice problems when playing a disc, you may be able to
correct them with a simple cleaning. Do not use strong cleaners,
abrasives, solvents, or acids. With a soft, lint-free cloth, wipe
gently in only a radial direction (a straight line between the hub
and the rim). Since the data is arranged circularly on the disc, the
micro scratches you create when cleaning the disc (or the nasty
gouge you make with the dirt you didn't see on your cleaning cloth)
will cross more error correction blocks and be less likely to cause
unrecoverable errors). Don't use canned or compressed air, which can
be very cold and may thermally stress the disc.
For stubborn dirt or gummy adhesive, use water, water with
mild soap, or isopropyl alcohol.
There are commercial products that clean discs and provide
some protection from dust, fingerprints, and scratches. Cleaning
products labeled for use on CDs work as well as those that say they
are for DVDs.
5.
Please remember that Choice One Productions
may keep the original of
clients' DVD. Although
this is not guaranteed, it
may be available to make other copies.
Other Common Questions for Videographers:
Answers to some
of the most common questions asked of videographers.
You may have heard horror stories of bright lights during the ceremony and videographers being pushy and dressed inappropriately. The kindest compliment anyone ever gives a videographer is "I never even saw you all day". A videographer (or photographer) should make every effort to record your wedding unobtrusively, remaining stationary at the ceremony and using a storytelling style in all of the taping. Except for rare occasions, a videographer should never set up shots or ask you to do something for the camera.
Wedding videographers use a very high quality
lavaliere "clip-on" wireless microphone and it is usually the groom
who is chosen to wear it. The microphone picks up sound within 5-10
ft.
This should not be use to record your personal conversations through
the course of the ceremony. The videographer should only enable the
mike for the vows and ring exchange.
It is the client’s responsibility to find out if there are any restrictions on videography wherever the event takes place, and to notify the videographer well in advance. Many churches and synagogues have guidelines, such as no flash photography and no moving around during the ceremony, and understandably so. The place of worship is not a television studio. Videographers should strive to place a camera in a position that affords a clear view of your faces during the ceremony. This is not always possible, because some churches restrict the camera position to a limited area. And it is not always the best position from a cameraman point of view. Be sure to find out what is allowed before the day of the event and let your videographer know, so that there is a discussion of your particular situation. Videographers should ask for access to the site of the ceremony 1-hour prior to the scheduled starting time in order to set up and test equipment.
Videographers typically turn the cameras on 30-45 min. before the beginning of the ceremony.
Prices start at $500 for a typical event. Videographers with many years of video production experience use high-quality professional equipment. A selection of several packages is usually available to you, as well as a custom designed production. The price is affected to some degree by how elaborate postproduction editing is. We encourage you to shop around and compare, but please LOOK at the actual work, don’t just shop by phone.
Typically a complete production lasts up to 1 hour 30 minutes depending on the package. A videographer may shoot up to 3-4 hours of raw, unedited media, so it can take over 40 hours to put the edited version together. A videographer can supply a DVD copy of all the raw footage for your archival records. DVDs are also part of today's technology that you should consider when hiring a videographer.
Yes, you are encouraged to select your music. Typically, you provide all music to be used (preferably on CD) and assume all responsibility in respect to copyright laws. A videographer should help you with the music selection as needed.
It is illegal to copy a video that has a copyright. Furthermore, note that any copies that you make will suffer serious degradation. The colors will not be as vibrant and in overall there will be a loss in sharpness. Videographers can provide copies that are made either from high resolution digital editing system, mini DV edit master, DVD, edit master to provide for the best picture quality.
Videographers are on the job for sometimes up
to 10 hours between the time they arrive at the event and the time
they leave. It is a welcome courtesy if you provide a meal for your
videographers, and to provide it quickly so that they are ready to
work again at a moment’s notice.
It is very important to do this the same time as when the main
course is being served.
Videographers should not go around from table to table putting people on the spot to, "say something for the bride and groom". Rather, they should set up a camera somewhere in adjacent room or in a lobby and invite people to come up and say a few words voluntarily. This puts your guests at ease, and they are more willing to participate. Be sure to let them know if you want interviews and if anybody in particular.
When will I get my finished video?
Normal production time is 1-2 months after the event. Videographers should encourage everyone to gather all photos as well as all musical selections, and provide them weeks prior to the event. Otherwise if you wait until after the event to get these materials to the videographers, it results in unnecessary delays.
Some videographers will do this. Some prefer meeting their prospective clients in person and to show several samples of their work. This allows them to get to know you and for you to get to know them. This is a very personal service that they can provide and the best videographers feel that they cannot deliver their best work if they do not meet the principal people involved in the event. The great majority of their work is done by referral.
Questions asked of DJ's.
What staff will be at my event?
- Choosing Choice One Productions means you will see me, not a replacement or employee at your event. It is my name and business on the line, I can't afford poor performance since many of my clients are through referrals.
How will the staff dress?
- Standard attire at wedding receptions is a Tuxedo. I have various combinations of jackets, ties, vests, cumber buns, and colors for you to choose from. Other outfits are available, depending on the type of event. The choice will be yours. I will present myself professionally, not flashy.
Will you invite prospective clients to my event?
- No...Inviting prospective clients to someone else's event can lead to inappropriate, if not embarrassing situations for you, them, and myself. I believe in giving the performance at hand my undivided attention.
Will the DJ appearing be experienced with weddings?
- I have been a DJ since 1990 and in business for myself since 1999. I have performed at weddings, dance clubs, hotels, and even on radio. I have found that - of all the events I have ever performed, none is more demanding, challenging, or rewarding than a wedding reception.
Will you display banners or pass out business cards at my party or reception?
- I do not use any event as an opportunity to advertise my services. My equipment and my table drapes are unobtrusive. Your event is my focus, not promoting my services. Satisfied clients and guests do a much better job of marketing my services than any gaudy banner or sign could ever do. Business cards will be available only at the DJ table for any guests who request them.
What music and activities will be played at my event?
-
I will only play music YOU want to hear, and will not play the music you don't want to hear. Music selection is made by you ahead of time. Special requests the day/evening of the event will be handled with respect to your wishes. I will meet with you to discuss what music you feel is appropriate and what activities (hokey pokey, chicken dance, dollar dance) you would like and those you do not. The music and activities will fit these guidelines. If necessary, I will adjust accordingly to the styles your crowd dictates, while still staying within your guidelines. I have a huge collection of music and can get additional selections with my online professional music service.
Are there any extra or hidden costs?
- Any additional costs above my base price will be discussed before your event. There will be no "sticker shock"