" I don’t understand my Wedding Video options. What should I look for and how much should I pay for videographers?"
If you find yourself asking yourself this question, you are not alone. The truth is that there is no way to know because each videographer and videography company is different. This is a list of the various factors that determine the type of coverage that you receive:
Style of Cameraman
This is the most important aspect of determining the quality and quantity of your wedding footage. As you watch one sample wedding video to another, pay attention to the aspects below to see that style they have and which style you are willing to pay for (note that the negative and critical connotations are for humour and a more human understanding):
Tripod
One thing that I feel has been a problem over the years is the multitude of videographers that only capture their footage using a tripod. Tripod use (or abuse) definitely has its purposes, which includes steady shots and smooth horizontal panning during the ceremony. However some untrained and inexperienced videographers may only use tripod shots. This can lead to very boring and unemotional footage being captured. The best videographers will use a tripod and remove the camera from its anchor and get quality footage that is only attainable on foot. At Kliq Weddings we always supply two camera operators for every wedding. One operator is on the tripod camera and the other uses the camera off the shoulder.
The Running Man
So why use a second camera? As stated earlier, one static camera can lead to boring unemotional footage, not want you want on your wedding day! A second camera used off the shoulder will be able to pick up the emotion of the guests, the intricate details of your wedding venue, the details such as flowers and decorations, reportage and candid shots and importantly as they are not fixed to a position the second camera has the ability to move with the action and pick the best angles for shooting so nothing will be missed. The second camera operator often has to move quickly around the venue back and forth to get other shots. If this operator is inexperienced or poorly trained this could be distracting to the ambiance of the ceremony or reception. However, a trained and experienced second camera operator will be able to move around the venue quietly and virtually unnoticed. At Kliq Weddings we only use trained and qualified camera operators.
Sound
One option or feature that you may see on a wedding videography package list or brochure is the use of "wireless microphones." This brings sound into the picture. Many people do not realise how important audio can be to the video, since what good is it having your best man speak words from the heart to the camera with "YMCA" peaking the audio. Again, see actual footage of actual weddings to see what you will get, especially in loud situations such as the reception and important situations such as your vows. Ask the videographer if he is prepared.
One example involved a wedding in a huge hall where there was a full brass band in the ceremony. My audio was peaking and distorting with the sound of the band and the layout was not ideal to pick up the ceremony from the camera mounted microphone. However, we were able to master the audio with effective sound editing and we had also given the Groom a wireless lavalier mic to wear. This made sure that everything could be heard crystal clear. A lavalier microphone is the type of microphone used in interviews, usually attached to the lapel. This also provides two audio streams where we, as the editors, have the option of choosing a mix of the two signals.
Editing
Many videography studios will charge extra for special effects, slide shows, and highlight reels. Again, take a look at final products to see what you are buying. Many editors are not professional editors, using purchased templates to make their final product. This often results in a "cheesy" feel (I have permission to use that word because my clientele prefer to avoid "cheesiness" and use that word commonly). Be wary of paying for special effects where it takes 20 minutes of work to plug in footage into a template. At Kliq Weddings we never use templates. All our weddings are edited from scratch on an individual basis. Every wedding is different and unique, your wedding video should be unique too! We also never have hidden charges, what our packages say you will get!
The final edit should be flowing, emotional and pleasing to the eye. The choice of appropriate transitions is crucial to this (A transition is how a clip moves into another clip). Remember the box and flying transitions from ‘Top of the Pops’ in the 70’s and 80’s? We won’t be using those! Many editors get plug-in packages that include wedding video transitions, for example the video clip morphs into a wedding ring and zooms off. This can cause what I call "effect overkill" and is the result of the person trying to let the editing program's options make the video good by including every possible feature. Here and there you will see photographers do the same, though it is generally tolerated less. A real, professional editor can make the footage look good with simple cuts and then adds special effects to carefully add emphasis to certain moments. Look at any movie that is done well. Most of the cuts and transitions are straight cuts or fade transitions that are well-placed.
Finished Product
The style of a DVD case is often representative of the dedication and style that the company has for its videos, though I would always say to not judge a book. However, the printing of the DVD is important. Adhesive labels will peel off in the years to come and may damage DVD players. At Kliq Weddings we print directly on the DVD.
Make sure that you know how many videos you will receive and how much it will cost to get any extra copies beyond that. If you have the option of getting the video hosted on a website, find out if there are any extra costs and for how long the video will be hosted for (some places only offer this service for six months).
Extras
Extras, like a love story option or slide shows, are great. Just remember that some places offer extras to make easy extra money, while the true purpose should be to give the client flexibility and options to satisfy personal preferences. See if the price justifies the service. Explore the options and flexibility of a videographer, it shows skill and talent to be able to cater to each unique client.
Pricing
The truth: Many studios take advantage of the insane markup on wedding services and price accordingly. The best advice I can give is to pay for talent and skill. Expensive video equipment and pre-paid editing templates do not always justify a budget-tightening price.
So when you are looking at wedding videography package options, try to see what they actually offer beyond flashy terms and "fluff." Many things should come by default with a wedding video package. Be wary of when things are waved around like a banner (like "including 20 special effects") when they have little bearing on the calibre of the production. The best advice I could give is to look around and weigh the price for the end product. Always see actual weddings, instead of flashy promo clips that do not reflect what you will show your loved ones in the years to come.
If you would like to talk to Kliq Weddings about your Video or Photography needs then please visit our website or call us on 07549 591069 or alternatively email us.
http://www.wedding-film.co.uk
http://www.markammonphotography.co.uk
http://www.markammonphotography.co.uk
– Leading Essex/UK Wedding Photographer
http://www.vintagethemewedding.co.uk/
- Everything you need to organise and plan your Vintage or Theme Wedding!
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