Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will plan long and hard for. No decision is taken lightly. The wedding video is no exception. The following questions are compiled from numerous client visits. Each is answered truthfully, thoughtfully, and in some cases, exhaustively. You don't want to leave anything to chance, and when you move forward you don't want to look back with any regrets. If your question is not answered by the FAQ's listed below, please contact us! We'll be more than happy to give your question prompt and immediate attention!
Why professional video?
This is a question that doesn't have a simple answer. I have created two separate pages for you to review. While it may be the intention of some to brainwash you into believing that they are the one and only videographer for you, it is my intention to help you make an informed decision on whether to pursue a video, and how to choose the right videographer. See To Video or Not To Video, and Choosing the Right Videographer.
What distinguishes a "high end video"?
Professional videos are just that - they look and sound professional, and have no distracting flaws. There are creative touches that embody the essence of the event. They involve talented, skilled filmers and editors that are using equipment appropriate to the type of production. If you become absorbed in the video, feel you are getting to know the couple, and forget you are watching a video...that's the sign of a good video! There is a misconception that high-end videos have lots of elaborate special effects. Actually, the opposite is true - flaws in poor and low-end videos are usually covered up with effects! For truly professional videos, look for crisp images and clear, distinguishable sound, with good accurate color and smooth camera work. Images that are shaky, too dark, too bright, or audio that is muddy indicates poor cameras, lighting, sound systems, or camera work.
Do you offer photography as part of your package?
I get this question a lot at bridal expos I attend. We offer exclusively videography services. Some larger companies will offer you a "1-stop-shopping" experience, offering photography, video, DJ, etc., all from the same company for a single package price. While this may save you a few bucks, in many cases I've heard back from brides that while photography may have worked out well, the video was just a vanilla add-on item, or the DJ was only mediocre. If your goal is to find the best quality vendor for each service, I would recommend researching each service individually. At TLJ Studios we focus on just videography, and we do it well! We have worked with many mid-to-high end photographers, and would be happy to recommend one to you.
Will I know who is actually videotaping my wedding?
Absolutely! One of the biggest complaints I hear about other companies is that they cannot promise you a specific videographer at the time of your booking, and often you don't know until the day of your wedding who will be filming. At TLJ Studios, the videographer or videographers are reserved for you at the time of your booking.
Do you have any time restrictions?
Never! Your wedding day is your wedding day! When you book TLJ Studios, regardless of which package you choose, you get our services from the very beginning of the first included item in your package, up until the last note is played at your reception.
Do you use all those cheesy graphics in your videos?
I hear these horror stories time and again - many videographers treat each wedding video as an opportunity for them to show off the capabilities of their editing system. Throughout the entire video you are bombarded with canned generic graphics and woeful elevator music. At TLJ Studios we believe that your wedding should be about your wedding - not about how many cool graphics and transitions we can squeeze in. While graphics and flashy transitions are eye candy, ultimately they distract from the video far more than they contribute to it.
What kind of audio do you use?
We use all professional Audio-Technica series wireless microphones. During the ceremony, the groom is fitted with a tiny lav mic clipped to his tux lapel, hidden behind the boutonniere. It is an ultra-sensitive microphone that provides crystal clear audio of the bride, groom, and officiant - even when the camera is on the other side of the room. During the reception, we plug directly into the DJ or band's mixing board, providing CD quality sound of your entertainment. The shotgun mic mounted on the camera also provides ambient sounds of the environment, such as your guests talking and laughing, forks dinging on glasses, etc. For more details, click here.
What kind of lights do you use?
We use on-camera lighting - a small Frezzi light with a diffuser and dimmer control, to provide the perfect level of warm, and not harsh light, for any given lighting conditions. For more details, click here.
Do I need multiple camera coverage?
Personally, I say yes. Many like having 2 cameras for the ceremony - 1 in the front and 1 in the back. The biggest misconception about multiple camera shoots is that it becomes progressively more intrusive. Actually, the opposite is true. The more cameras you have, the less movement is required to get the required shots. A single camera in the back of the church misses out on too many shots. I've shot many weddings where the mothers start to cry during the vows, family members provide priceless reaction shots, and the second camera angle provides a wonderful second vantage point of both the wedding couple and the guests, rather than having to watch from behind the entire time. Too many emotions are lost with only a single camera. When the audience is asked to periodically stand, you lose nearly the entire view for the duration of the time that everyone is standing. A second camera allows for seamless editing - smooth transitions between closeup and wide angle shots. A second camera does not mean the price doubles, either! A second camera can typically be had for only a few hundred dollars more than the package price.
What about clergy restrictions?
Most churches and synagogues place some form of restriction on where photographers and videographers are allowed to be. These balance the decorum of the wedding, but are fair to provide an interesting vantage point for video and photos. In some cases, severe restrictions are adopted as a result of unprofessional and obtrusive behavior by videographers and photographers - usually amateurs! Where possible, arrange for a meeting with your videographer and wedding official. If restrictions are too severe, you may want to seek another wedding venue. It is important for the videographer to respect the rules in a house of worship.
Should I provide a meal for the video crew?
Providing some sort of meal for the video crew is a good gesture that actually benefits you by keeping the crew on site and refreshed. It need not be the regular banquet meal, although often it is easier for the catering facility to simply set out several additional plates. Shooting a wedding video is demanding work, especially with the larger, heavier cameras, and the day often starts out several hours prior to the ceremony.
What about interviewing the guests?
I am against conducting table interviews, because most wedding guests don't like it. It puts them on the spot and embarrasses them. If you insist on having guests talk for the camera, notify them in advance and suggest some relevant topics to avoid redundancy and constant "ummm...." from the participants.
How far in advance should I book?
Churches, reception halls, photographers, and videographers are usually reserved as soon as the wedding date is agreed upon. For many brides, this can be a year or longer in advance. You should book your videographer as soon as you know your wedding date, or you may end up with very little to choose from, or nothing at all!
What kind of equipment do you use?
On standard-def jobs we use Sony DSR-300 and DSR-400 three-chip broadcast cameras. On HD jobs we use Sony HVR-Z1U and JVC GY-HD110U hidef broadcast cameras. On every job we use industry standard frezzi lighting, and audio-technica U100 series wireless mics and lav mics. We use a computerized non-linear editing system to capture, edit, and master your video to DVD. For more details, click here.
Do you bring backup cameras in case of failure?
An excellent question from many of our clients – yes we do! In the unlikely event of primary camera failure, we always bring backups. I am amazed at how many videographers don’t do this.
Will you work with my photographer?
Yes, we will. Provide us their name and phone number, and we’ll be sure to coordinate with them to insure a smooth collaboration on your wedding day. Chances are, we may have already worked with them before!
Can I request music for my video?
Yes, you can! If there is any song you would like to include during the recap, photo shoots, etc, let us know, and we’ll be sure to use it. For copyright reasons, you must be the owner of any special music you wish to include in your video. If you do not own a copy of the song or songs, you must purchase a CD of the song, or we cannot include it.
What do you wear?
We always wear all black outfits - dress pants, long sleeve collared shirts and shoes to blend into the surroundings.
When do you arrive?
Depending on what package you choose, we start our day at the bride’s parents’ house as she gets ready, or we arrive well before the ceremony to get pre-ceremony shots of the ceremony location.
When can we expect our video? How long will it be?
Depending on what package you choose, typical turnaround time is 8-12 weeks. If you choose the Red Carpet Premiere package, it will take a bit longer, as we must wait until you return from your honeymoon before we can interview you. If you choose the “A Wedding Story” package, the documentary must also be produced. We've seen some videographers boast how fast you will get your video. Personally, if it were my wedding, I'd rather it be done well, and not rushed. Depending on package you will received 2 or 3 DVD’s, each typically 60-120 minutes long.
How far do you travel? Are there travel fees beyond your service area?
We travel up to a 1 hour radius around Philadelphia. We do accept jobs further away, but require a $99 travel fee, per videographer.