As we mentioned, there is no standard for wedding videography and there are many different production methods. There is no "right" or "wrong" method. We would like to review for you some common methods, options and possibilities you may encounter as you shop for a videographer.

I. UNCLE CHARLIE:

We've already talked about him or her. If you have never seen a truly professional video, please call us and we will be happy to show what Uncle Charlie cannot come close to doing. When you consider the cost of professional video equipment, the experience and skill necessary, the amount of time it takes to create a professional wedding video and think about a video's lasting value, you may find that a professional video offers the most value of any of the services you are spending money on. Don't take chances with Uncle Charlie.

II. SINGLE CAMERA:

One videographer shoots with a single camera. Editing is done in the camera (the tape in the camera is the final product). A variation is to use a second camera as a back up and do some touch up, insert editing afterwards. Advantages include quick delivery and a minimum amount of the videographer's time, since there is little or no post-production or editing. Clients usually receive the original, master tape. Commonly, this master tape is regular VHS and any additional copies will look noticeably inferior to the original. If this method is used, we recommend that the master be shot in S-VHS or another high quality format so that copies will be high quality. Also, check how the audio will be recorded. If only a single microphone is being used, the sound may not be ideal. A skilled videographer can create a quality wedding video using this method. The finished tape will almost always look rougher than an edited video, however. The videographer's skill and experience are especially important if this method is being employed.

III. MULTIPLE CAMERAS WITH SWITCHER (OR MIXER):

Another method is to set up multiple cameras in various locations and connect them with cables to a video switcher or mixer. For instance, one or more cameras might be located on or near the altar and another might be in the back of the church or in the balcony. The cameras might be operated by remote control, by camera operators at each camera, may be stationary or a combination of the above. The videographer at the mixer or switcher watches what each camera is seeing via a bank of video monitors, one for each camera, and makes all of the camera decisions on the spot. This is how many TV programs are produced, such as football or other sports coverage. Advantages are: a high quality master tape that is the original, or first generation. Quick delivery, as the final tape is being produced on the spot (sometimes some minor "touch up" editing is required to correct mistakes). Similar to method number II above (single camera), less time is involved than if all the editing and camera switching is done in post production. Additional set up time at the church is required. Also, there needs to be a place where the switcher/mixer and monitors can be located. Long cables need to be run and some churches will not permit this, so be sure you check with your church if this method is to be used. Obviously, the videographer doing the mixing needs to be very experienced. Videos made this way can be wonderful. We recommend that the master be S-VHS or another high quality format, instead of VHS so that additional copies will look better. We recommend that the master is a digital format such as DV, DVCAM, DVCPRO or Digital S. Be sure to check on the quality and details of reception coverage and how long it takes to take all the equipment down.

IV. MULTIPLE CAMERAS COMBINED IN POST PRODUCTION:

This is the method we use. All of the edit decisions can be made afterwards, for the smoothest possible product. Graphics can be put in. Audio can be mixed and music and other effects added. We believe this is the method of choice for a quality video. Delivery is slower, as it takes many hours in post production to complete the video, but the quality is worth waiting for. This method is similar to how motion pictures are created: scenes are shot and combined into a smooth-flowing production later, in a studio (except, as we mentioned earlier, the luxury of "re-takes" doesn't exist). If this type of video is done well, it not only documents the day, but tells a story and is a joy to watch now, and in the years to come.

V. FREE VIDEO WITH OUR PHOTOGRAPHY:

This is a marketing gimmick offered by professional photographers who are afraid they will lose income if you spend money on a wedding video. Please don't misunderstand; there ARE photographers who are also serious about video and offer very high quality video services. Our warning to you is to be very hesitant to deal with anyone who advertises a "free" video or an extremely low priced video. Unfortunately there is no free lunch. We recommend that you simply not deal with a photographer who advertises a free video with their photography. We could do the same thing: offer a free photography/album package with our video packages. But it's not really honest. We'd have to raise prices to cover the "free" photography and we respect the value of professional photography. Check the quality of the free video being offered. Ask about production methods which we've talked about in this kit. Remember, the video is NOT free. Its cost has simply been added into the photography prices. Do you really want to pay inflated prices for this person's photography so that you can get a low quality video? Insist on getting photography prices WITHOUT the video so that you can see how much they are supposedly charging for the video. Ask to meet with the videographer, look at samples and call references. Many photographers get started in video because they feel it is a natural fit. They soon learn that the art of wedding videography and photography have a lot of differences. One difference is sound. It can take years of experience just to learn what types of microphones work best for different situations. Sound mixing and recording is an art in itself.

Some photographers become excellent videographers but for many, video is a sideline secondary to their photography. It is very difficult to be at the top of the game (skills, equipment, experience, creativity) in BOTH wedding video and wedding photography. Be sure you are absolutely satisfied with both, if you decide to let one studio do both.

Occasionally we are asked, "If I'm having such a high quality video made, do I even need professional still photographs?" Only you can answer this for yourself, but our recommendation is: yes, a thousand times yes: you need photographs. Get the best professional wedding photographer you can. Videography and photography capture different things. Unfortunately, there is no short cut. There are exceptions, but generally the BEST wedding photographers concentrate mostly (or totally) on photography and the BEST wedding videographers concentrate on video.

VI. VIDEO WITH OUR D.J. SERVICE:

There are some D.J. companies offering wedding videos as an option when you book their D.J. service. We hope that we've given you enough information to ask the proper questions. D.J. type videos are usually done by freelancers. Skill and style vary as does equipment used. Sometimes the video equipment is owned by the D.J. company and sometimes the freelancers provide their own equipment. Check to see what and who you are getting.

VII. THE VIDEO BY THE FRIEND AT THE TV STATION/HIGH SCHOOL/INDUSTRIAL VIDEO COMPANY:

(Also known as the "high end Uncle Charlie"). Check to see how much WEDDING experience the person has. Many of the cautions pertaining to Uncle Charlie hold true: will the person want to socialize? Will they concentrate on certain groups of people?