Posts Tagged ‘Videographer’

Be prepared: Questions to ask your videographer

Thursday, April 14th, 2011

Submitted by Janak Anarkat, Movieing Memories

Nothing quite captures the real essence of your wedding day – the sights, sounds and energy – better than a well-done, high quality video. You’ll be able to revisit this important day in your life long after it’s over and share it with children, grandchildren or other special people in the future.

Videography is an important investment and you’ll want to be prepared with a  list of  questions to ask before you hire a videographer:

  • Can I see samples of your work?
  • How long have you been doing videography? How many events or weddings productions have you filmed?
  • What packages do you offer? What do they include? What is your price range?
  • Are you able to accommodate any restrictions with lights and tripods at the ceremony location?
  • How long will it take to receive our completed video after the wedding?
  • Do you offer DVD and Blu-ray? What is the charge per extra copy made?
  • Will you be able to film while a photographer is present?
  • Do you attend the wedding rehearsal?
  • What types of cameras and microphones will you use? How new is the equipment? Where will they be placed?
  • Will you be the one filming my wedding? If not, can I speak with that person?
  • Can I keep the raw, unedited footage as well as the finished product? Is there an added fee for this?
  • Will a backup camera be on hand for the event?
  • How far in advance must I book your services? What is your cancellation policy?
  • Is a deposit required? If so, when and how much?
  • Do you charge for traveling?
  • What kind of camera do you use?
  • What kind of lights do you use?
  • How do you record the sound of people speaking?
  • How do you record the sound of music playing and can I choose my own music?
  • What is the length of the final video?

Visit austinweddings.com to find videographers in Austin or visit saweddings.com to find videographers in San Antonio.

 

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Precious memories: Why to hire a professional videographer

Monday, March 7th, 2011

Submitted by Janak Anarkat, Movieing Memories

Are you still not sure if/which videographer to hire and would like some help? Here is some information on what to look for and what questions to ask before you hire a videographer.

Nothing quite captures the real essence of your wedding day – the sights, sounds and energy – better than a well-done, high quality video. You’ll be able to revisit this important day in your life long after it’s over and share it with children, grandchildren or other special people in the future.

The most important element when searching for a videographer is a comprehensive sample of their wedding work. Ask to see a recent, completed video from a wedding – not just a highlights tape – so that you know exactly what you would receive from them if you decide to hire them. Consider the quality of the picture, the sound and the editing. A bad, poor quality video is a waste of money, but a good, high quality video is priceless.

It is very easy to claim years of experience and hundreds of productions but very difficult to verify those claims. But there is no experience like work experience and the best way to gauge someone’s abilities is to see their previous work and ask for references.

 

Answers to some frequent questions and concerns:

 

Q. Why should I hire a videographer, when all I want are photos?

A. Do you wish you could watch your parents’ wedding in flashback? Do you want your kids to be able to watch your wedding in flashback? Pictures cannot capture audio and movement and these are the first memories to fade over time; the human mind has good long-term photographic memory. A good professional videographer knows this an is looking to capture the essence (sight, sound, motion and emotion) of the occasion so that you can re-live its memory for decades to come.

Q. Why should I hire a “professional” videographer, when I (or someone I know) can take videos on a hand-held camcorder?

A. Just as there are reasons to hire a “professional” photographer, here are some reasons to hire a “professional” videographer: professional attitude and steady camera movements, professional video camera (with the choice of multiple camera angles), professional video tripod & lights, professional sound recording & microphones (plus wireless wearable mics), professional audio & video editing tools, professional grade recording format & post-production of your video, special effects and options, etc…..the list goes on. In short, a professional knows how to capture wedding video, what to do and not do.

Q. I do not think I have the budget for hiring a videographer, what should I do?

A1. Beg, borrow or steal! Just kidding. Look for ways to fit the videographer into your budget as a necessity and not as an afterthought. If you plan on including the videographer from the beginning, you’ll be able to adjust the remainder of your budget accordingly.

To find professional videographers in Austin, visit the videographers section of our Austin website.

To find professional videographers in San Antonio, visit the videographers section of our San Antonio website.

 

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I’m a believer- in fun wedding videos!

Wednesday, October 13th, 2010

Check out these fun wedding videos by Mark Thomas Pro Photo.

Brides take note on how to relax before your wedding ceremony-have a dance party!

San Antonio Wedding Videographer Mark Thomas Presents I’m a Believer from Mark Thomas Pro Photo and Video on Vimeo.

 

San Antonio Wedding Photographer presents Respect from Mark Thomas Pro Photo and Video on Vimeo.

 

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Choosing a Videographer

Friday, May 7th, 2010

If you haven’t chosen to have professional video coverage of your wedding, you should seriously rethink that decision. Once you’ve made the decision to hire a professional, hold interviews with several. Observe and ask questions.

- Has the video you are viewing been done with more than one camera? Your demonstration should include examples which help you to understand the difference between one and two camera coverage. Is the video you are viewing taken by the videographer who would cover your wedding?

- Observe how the camera covered the ceremony and reception. Coverage should flow with the proceedings, interacting with guests, not intruding. The technique should be smooth, not jerky – the scenes should not look contrived. Poor scenes should have been edited out.

- Experience and training: Ask how many years this person has been producing videos. How many weddings has he/she done (for payment – not family or friends) in the past year? Does he/she earn a significant portion of his income from this profession?

- Be sure there is a contract outlining all the responsibilities and costs. It should include, in writing, specific coverage that you want on the video. Expect to pay a deposit when you reserve the date; expect to be charged if you cancel.

- Ask what happens if a personal emergency arises for the videographer you’ve contracted. Most professionals network with others of comparable experience, so they will be able to assure you that their contract will be fulfilled.

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