Video Village Home Why Should You Video? Why Is Video So Challenging? Comparing Costs w/ Photography How To Shop The Interview: What To Ask Reviewing Videos Videographer's Style & Focus Your Responsibilities Rehearsal & Wedding Day The Completed Tape The Contract What's New In Technology For The Budget Conscious About WEVA International VV Message Board       Who's Getting Married?         search by last name           ABOUT US DebMcCoy.com® is in its infancy, but it's incredible in its scope-and that's just the tip of the iceberg. WEDDING PLAY This is where the fun begins! Contests, Games, Quizzes, Wedd-Pages, MORE, MORE, MORE!!! PLAN YOUR PERFECT WEDDING So... you are getting married? Congratulations!!! This is the place to get started. CAN WE TALK? Need some advice? Or just want to get some ideas from the professionals? This is the place for interaction and discussion. MARRY MALL(TM) Looking for something different? We've got those hard-to-find, unique gifts for every wedding couple! (c) 2000, Deb McCoy		Zip Code:StateCity   Are You a Videographer? Sign Up HERE! THE INTERVIEW: WHAT TO ASK Ask these questions when you interview videographers. (Print out the following questions. Include spaces after each question so that you can log your answers. Take the questions with you when you interview videographers.) 1. How much training have you had? Every college and university today offers classes in TV and movie production. While this training has nothing to do with the videographer's expertise in shooting your wedding, it does teach them the basics of their craft. (You can't learn to read and write unless you know your ABCs.) 2. Are you a full-time videographer? When I wrote my book, The Elegant Wedding and the Budget-Savvy Bride... I confered with Mr. Roy Chapman, head of WEVA International, about the importance of employing a full-time videographer for wedding videography. At the time of that interview, Mr. Chapman commented that a full-timer had more of a vested interest in his clients than someone who only dabbled in the art, part-time. Since then, he's asked me to clarify his perspective further. Many studios hire part-time videographers who assist them with their work load. Other videographers, who are fully trained and experienced, shoot wedding videos to supplement their incomes. It does not mean that the quality of the product suffers. Naturally, you should see samples of their work, and follow the Video Village (TM) guidelines for selecting a videographer, to ensure that you're getting a quality video. 3. What type of equipment do you use? A one-chip camera does not compare to a three-chip (in clarity, sound, or cost). Do not employ a videographer who uses a one-chip camera. You are paying for professionalism--on all accounts. 4. Do you have backup for all your equipment? The answer is obvious :). 5. Will two videographers shoot the ceremony? This is essential. If one camera should break-down during the vows, the other will take over. Think about this critical question: Even if the videographer had back-up for his equipment, how would he switch it during the ceremony? How much would he lose? 6. How many microphones will you be using at the ceremony? To have good, professional video, the officiant and groom must be miked with wireless microphones. The readers (or the pulpit) must also be miked, and the cantor or soloist (if applicable) for the best, most professional results. NOTE: Today, modern technology may enable your videographer to "tap into" or secure an audio feed from a church or temple sound system. This may eliminate the need for some additional mikes. Also available are new audio techniques (including the use of mini-disc recorders) which may overcome other sound difficulties. However, the bottom line remains the same: When you review videos, they must display "even sound presence"; the sound should not fade in and out. Ask if your videographer is employing these high-tech options, but remember: Good sounding audio must be evident from the start. NOTE: When you review videos, they must display even sound presence. The sound should not fade in and out. 7. Are you the videographer who shot the videos I'm previewing? Answer: If not, run! 8. How long will your camera be running? It's essential that you ask the videographer this question! It should run start to finish! (This doesn't mean that the camera is never turned off; it means that all pertinent aspects of the wedding day are captured, from beginning to end. [The complete ceremony must be included as well as toasts, for example, but you would not want the videographer shooting two hours of guests dancing, when a few clips will do.]) WARNING WORDS: Many videoTAPERS (not to be confused with videographers) offer in-camera edits. These people, who are given a list of what to shoot from their employers, turn their cameras on and off at opportune times throughout the ceremony and reception. At the end of the affair, the bride and groom are handed the tape. (There is NO such thing as an in-camera edit. If the videographer you're interviewing offers this option, RUN!)