281 Turkey Hill Road Belchertown, Ma 01007 (413) 323-9730 		   


 
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Will the video equipment be distracting during the ceremony?
  • Because portable video equipment is compact and silent, the most important consideration here is whether or not the videographer has the skill to avoid intruding on the ceremony. I feel strongly that both the ceremony and reception should be taped in as unobtrusive a manner as possible. For example, the videographer should not move about during the ceremony - the camera should remain stationary on the tripod.
    Most people are concerned about the use of lights during the wedding service, and I agree that use of such lighting is not appropriate during the ceremony. I use low-light professional cameras which can produce images in all but the most dimly-lit interiors without video lights.
  • We want to be sure that our vows can be heard on the tape, will this be possible if the camera is placed away from the altar?
  • If the ceremony were to be recorded using the camera's built-in microphone, your vows would most likely be inaudible; these microphones lose clarity at distances beyond 7-10 feet. I utilize broadcast-quality wireless microphones, these provide excellent quality.
  • How important is it for the videographer to attend the rehearsal?
  • Unless I've taped a ceremony at your wedding site before, I feel it is very important to attend the rehearsal. This enables me to avoid such unpleasant surprises as having an attendant block my view of the couple during the vows.
  • You offer an edited tape, why would we need editing, since we want to see all the scenes that were recorded?
  • As I use the term, editing does not mean the removal of usable scenes from the tape. Rather, editing a wedding videotape involves the following:
    • The addition of titles, music, still photos, etc.
    • The elimination of "glitches" which would detract from the tape. For example, I must sometimes leave the tape running while rushing to capture a spontaneous scene at the reception; this footage is edited out.
    • Editing can be used creatively to give a tape better pacing. For example, a lengthy scene of guests dancing can be "broken up" and made more interesting by editing in interviews with guests every few minutes.
A well-edited tape looks far more polished and thus will be more enjoyable to watch; unedited tapes always have an amateurish quality.
  • What other technical factors should we be aware of when choosing a wedding video service?
  • First, a professional video company will use "industrial" (also called "commercial") equipment, as opposed to consumer-level equipment. This includes cameras, recorders, tripods, and editing/duplicating systems.
    The ceremony should always be recorded using a fluid head tripod, which allows the camera to move smoothly and eliminates the distracting jitters and jumps seen on amateur tapes.
    The videographer should have available a camera-mounted video light for use at the reception if necessary. (This can make a significant difference in video quality.)
  • Is there really that much difference between video services? Why shouldn't we just choose the company with the lowest price?
  • You should be aware that many people in the business of videotaping weddings are amateurs using non-professional equipment. Such individuals often do not have the technical background and experience required to do the job well. A wedding can't be re-staged for the camera if the sound on the tape is inaudible, the colors are distorted, a battery runs out of power, or the videographer hasn't planned his camera placement and misses key parts of the ceremony. The individual you hire should also be skilled in working with people; you, your family, the presiding official, and your still photographer.
    When looking for a professional wedding video service, we strongly suggest that you view sample tapes. If your ceremony will be held in a low-light situation, ask to see a sample of the company's work made under similar conditions. Also, don't hesitate to ask for two or three references.