VLVideo Studio Production

Things To Consider:

Look at previous weddings the videographer has videotaped. Notice the color and brightness of the screen, as well as the quality of the sound. This will indicate the quality of his/her equipment. Notice the picture -- is it smooth or jerky? This will indicate the videographer's level of skill. Notice any special effects such as titles, dissolve, and multiple screens.

Make sure you hire someone who specializes in weddings. Just like your photographer, your videographer should be experienced in wedding procedures and, ideally, should be familiar with the layout of your ceremony and reception sites. This will allow him/her to anticipate your next move and be in the proper place at the right time to capture all the special moments. Remember to ask your videographer to interview your wedding party, close friends and family members, asking them to make a wish or toast to both of you as a married couple, or to tell any "wild" stories they may want to share for the record. This personalizes your video and is a wonderful memento. Consider both personality and professionalism when hiring your videographer.

Find out what is included in each package you are considering: hours of coverage, titling, in-camera editing or post-editing. If you will be getting married in a church, find out the church's policies regarding videography. Some churches do not allow a videographer to be close to the ceremony.

To preserve your wedding video for many years to come, store it in a cool, dark place.

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TITLES

Titles and subtitles can be edited into your video before or after the filming. Titles are important since twenty years from now you might not remember the exact time of your wedding or the names of your wedding party members. Some videographers charge more for titling. Make sure you discuss this with your videographer and get in writing exactly what titles will be included.

Options: Titles may include the date, time and location of the wedding, the bride and groom's names, and names of special family members and/or the wedding party. Titles may also include special thanks to those who helped with the wedding. You can send these people a copy of your video after the wedding. This is a very appropriate and inexpensive gift!

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EXTRA HOURS

Find out how much your videographer would charge to stay longer than contracted for in your original package. Don't forget to get this in writing.

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PHOTO MONTAGE

A photo montage is a series of photographs set to music on video. The number of photographs depends on the length of the song and the amount of time allotted for each photograph. A typical song usually allows for approximately 40 to 50 photographs. Photo montages are a great way to display and reproduce your photographs. Copies of this video can be made for considerably less than the cost of reproducing photographs.

Options: Photo montages can include photos of you and your fianc? growing up, the rehearsal, the wedding day, the honeymoon, or any combination thereof.

Things To Consider: Send copies of your photo montage video to close friends and family members as mementos of your wedding.

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EXTRA COPIES

A professional videographer can reproduce your video much better than you can. Ask your videographer how much s/he charges. You'll certainly want to give your parents a copy!

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QUESTIONS TO ASK VIDEOGRAPHER

• " What is the name & phone number of the videographer?
• " What is the address of the videographer?
• " How many years of experience do you have as a videographer?
• " Approximately how many weddings have you videotaped?
• " Are you the person who will videotape my wedding?
• " Will you bring an assistant with you to my wedding?
• " What type of equipment do you use?
• " Do you have a wireless microphone?
• " What format do you use (VHS, Super VHS, 8mm)?
• " Do you bring backup equipment with you?
• " Do you visit the ceremony and reception sites before the wedding?
• " Do you edit the tape after the event? Who keeps the raw footage?
• " When will I receive the final product?
• " Cost of the desired package: What does it include?
• " Can you make a photo montage? If so, what is your price?
• " What is your payment policy? What is your cancellation policy?
• " Do you offer a money-back guarantee?

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