Maryland Videographers , Baltimore Videography, Wedding Video, Corporate Video, Web Video

VIDEOTAPING YOUR WEDDING:

SOME TECHNICAL QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Many bridal couples and their families have questions and concerns about how the wedding will be taped. Below are some of the questions I'm most often asked, together with information I hope will be helpful to you when considering video services for your wedding.

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 flood lamps 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 lamps.

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 two broadcast-quality wireless microphones, generally worn by the officiate and the groom; these provide excellent clarity.

WE ARE BEING MARRIED IN AN EVENING CEREMONY AND THE CHURCH LIGHTS AREN'T VERY BRIGHT. HOW WILL THE VIDEO LOOK?

Although video cameras produce their best images when there is ample light, our professional low-light cameras do remarkably well in most churches and synagogues. However, you can expect that the colors on your tape will not be as vivid as those you see on broadcast TV; there is also some loss of picture sharpness.

DO YOU OFFER AN EDITED TAPE. WHY WOULD WE NEED EDITING,

SINCE WE WANT TO SEE ALL THE SCENES THAT WERE RECORDED?

IF YOU NEED EDITING...

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;

***MY BASIC PACKAGES DO NOT INCLUDE EDITING***

WILL THE VIDEO IMAGES FADE OVER TIME?

Because both video and audio information are recorded magnetically, a videotape will last indefinitely with no loss of quality if it is properly stored.

Thank you for your interest in my wedding video services. As you requested, I'm enclosing information about my work, a price list, and answers to some technical questions people often ask about wedding videography.

My services are geared to couples who want a professional approach to wedding video production. Briefly, this means:

I try to be as unobtrusive as possible during both the ceremony and reception: I don't turn the wedding into a Hollywood production.

I thoroughly plan each shoot by reviewing with my clients options for the taping; I also attend the rehearsal to plan camera and microphone placement.

I offer sophisticated equipment which is not often used in wedding videography. This allows me to produce tapes of high technical quality.

After the taping is completed, I custom edit each tape by adding titles, still photos, music, graphics and special effects. Thus, your tape is not just a record of the day but a complete, entertaining story which you'll enjoy a watching year after year.

Because I book up quickly and limit the number of weddings I do, if you're interested in my services I respectfully suggest that you contact me at your earliest convenience.

Best wishes,

Gerald Nelson