FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I feel self-conscious about being filmed?
Because we are aware that some people do become self-conscious when a camera is focused on them, we make a great effort to be as unobtrusive as possible while we are filming. As professional wedding videographers we find that using top-quality cameras and professional microphones helps us to film from a reasonable distance away and still get great footage. This way we get natural, spontaneous footage.
Unlike some people, we do not use huge shoulder-mounted cameras. Instead we use smaller high-quality cameras which are less intrusive and also give us greater mobility.
Can I have my own choice of music?
Absolutely. This is your film and we want it to be as personal as possible. We ask you to supply 10 - 12 tracks on a CD which we will then use at certain points throughout your video. Music is an important part of wedding videos, helping to create mood and atmosphere.
However, virtually all music is covered by copyright and it is illegal to copy music from CDs etc. without the required licenses.
If you want to choose your own favourite music we will arrange the necessary music copyright licenses so that there is no legal risk to yourselves or us.
How long will my wedding video be?
As long as you want it to be, although we believe that a good wedding video should be entertaining and watchable, not slow and plodding. The finished length will depend on how much of the day you have filmed and the editing style. On average our wedding videos run between 50 - 80 minutes.
How many cameras do I need?
Let me start by saying that it is possible to make a high quality wedding video using a single camera. Indeed, many of our weddings are filmed using one camera.
However, using more than one camera does offer advantages. Using two cameras allows us to film two different events simultaneously. For example, it allows us to film both the bride and groom's morning preparations or your guest's reactions during the speeches.
It also allows us to capture different viewpoints of the same scene. For example during the ceremony we can have both a frontal view of you as well as a view from the rear / side / balcony of the church. This is particularly useful when there is a restricted view of the readers during church ceremonies.
The size and type of wedding is another important consideration. One camera is often ample at a simpler, small to medium wedding. However, larger, more complex weddings and those with lots of things going on throughout the day will usually benefit from two experienced cameramen. This allows us to give full coverage throughout the day.
Do you have any professional qualifications?
Filming any live event requires a very high level of skill and experience and therefore it is important to check that your wedding videographer is qualified and not just a weekend cowboy or inexperienced amateur. We are full-time wedding and event videographers and qualified Master Members of The Institute of Videography.
Will we be able to meet you before the wedding?
We will be happy to arrange a meeting at our studio to discuss your wedding video in detail.
How long will we have to wait for our DVD?
In most cases we try to have your video ready for when you return from honeymoon. However, at busy times of the year it may take a little longer. We aim to have all wedding videos finished within 6-8 weeks of the wedding.
Are you insured if there was an accident while you were filming?
We take our responsibilities seriously and are fully covered by Public and Professional Liability Insurance.
We have had a quote that is a lot cheaper than yours?
We understand that with all the other expenses involved with planning a wedding, it is tempting to look around for a cheaper wedding video. After all, how difficult can it be to film a wedding? Surely all wedding videographers are much of a muchness, after all they are all claiming to use the latest cameras etc.
However, after a little thought it probably won't come as too much of a surprise to be told that there is a lot more to it than meets the eye!
Wedding videos can be divided into two basic types. At one end of the market are those people who concentrate on offering low prices to attract clients. At the other end are companies who concentrate on the quality of the finished video rather than how cheaply they can make it.
Charges for high-quality wedding videos are actually quite modest when compared to the charges made by other wedding service suppliers, ie. photographers, toastmaster etc. Unlike many wedding service providers whose job finishes when the wedding is over, your wedding videographer will have several days work after the wedding as well as filming the wedding itself.
Low priced wedding videos are generally achieved at the expense of quality by either using less expensive equipment, employing less qualified videographers and editors or spending less time on the edit. Generally, budget videos are produced by:
a) people just starting in wedding videos who lack experience and need to attract work and perhaps don't feel confident enough to charge proper prices.
b) people producing wedding videos as a part-time job to earn some extra pocket-money
c) people who simply do not have the skill or experience to produce good quality work.
If you have any other questions about wedding videos or our services please email us and we will do our best to answer your question.
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