PUBLISHED ARTICLES

Video / DVD - Your own fairy tale
by Frans du Plessis Video Productions

Most bridal couples underestimate the importance of a good video. It regularly happens that a bridal couple looks at their video and admire their own fairy tale wedding as if it all happened to complete strangers!

Today, the technology makes it possible for the bridal couple to relive all their wonderful memories and emotions at the touch of a button. Hence, it is no wonder that a wedding video/DVD is moving up bridal couples' lists of priorities!

They realise that they should consider actually spending JUST AS MUCH on a well-made video as on their photographs. A question they often ask is whether they will get value for money. A good videographer will give the bridal couple the best possible video - one that has been videographed technically perfectly, and that captures every moment of your magical day - love, happiness and everything that makes the day special for you and those around you.

As in every industry, competition in the videographic industry has led to greater professionalism, creativity and improved techniques, and that is further complemented by improved technology. The cost of a professional videographer's equipment can be anything from R60 000 to R110 000 or even more. The quality of the music and sound on a video/DVD should be as good as that on a music video broadcast on TV.

As with many other professions, wedding videographers' livelihood and professionalism are under threat from amateurs. Hopefully we can provide you with information in this article that will assist you in finding the ideal videographer.

The first step is to make appointments with professional videographers. Recommendations by friends are also very useful. Many videographers will show you a demonstration video. I would recommend that you should look at a wide selection from each videographer's work. That will ensure that the person concerned does not only show you his/her best work.

SOUND

Make sure that the videographer shows you parts of the video where you can hear the sound, for example, where the bride is dressing, the church service and even the sound at the reception. No matter how well a video is shot, it can be ruined by poor sound, whether it is too loud or too soft.

Most professional videographers overcome the problem by using cordless microphones. They are able to pick up the sound during the church service perfectly and allow the person officiating at the service to move around freely. Then the sound can be recorded clearly and without distortion without any risk that the words of your special vows will be lost in background noise.

LIGHTING

These days, when the price of technology has come down and more people can afford it, you can shoot good footage in bright outdoor light even with cheap cameras. But it is a completely different story when it comes to poor lighting conditions. Low light can prove to be a challenge even for the best quality cameras in the world. Although it is true that today's new generation professional video cameras are truly amazing, even in low light, you may sometimes need additional lighting.

Your videographer must master the art of using lights "softly", depending on the changing light conditions. When you look at demonstration videos, look carefully at the picture quality in indoor shots, at the church and reception. Is the video image clear and bright or "snowy" and spotty?

CAMERA

Although the most expensive and newest technology will definitely give you a head start, your videographer must know how to use his/her video equipment. Sudden changes in the circumstances can mean that he/she will have to be able to adapt and adjust settings to the camera within seconds.

The most popular camera for wedding videos is the so-called 3CCD "Chip" camera which records the /images and sound on mini DV cassettes. These cameras ensure that your wedding video's colours are clear and bright.

There are also some cameras that work better under poor light conditions than others. Some of the cameras also have built-in light filters to help to compensate for variable light conditions.

Once your wedding day has been filmed, the video is edited to look like a love story. The video will usually include special effects and background music. A good video editor should have perfected the art of making the /images flow harmoniously from one scene to the next.

SPECIAL EFFECTS

Videographers offer a large range of special effects to a bridal couple. The video editor must see to it that the special effects he chooses and the way in which he uses them are suited to your special day. These effects must be used tastefully and stylishly to enhance creative camera work.

Sometimes the bridal couple can also choose the background music. The type of music that you choose can influence the style in which our wedding is videographed. Therefore it is important to discuss the choice of music with the videographer in advance.

STYLE

Just as photographers have different styles, videographers also have various styles, such as the traditional, creative, artistic, romantic or documentary style. Every videographer has a different style. The bridal couple must choose a style that suits them. They must feel comfortable with the videographer. This is the most important day in your lives, and you do not want to look uncomfortable or stiff. It shows up clearly in your video!

A good videographer and photographer will help you to relax and will ensure that you enjoy the day.

VIDEO / DVD VS PHOTOGRAPHS

Videographers will NEVER discourage a bridal couple from having photographs taken. On the contrary, we would rather encourage you to have them taken. It is great to be able to show everyone at work a couple of prints. However, sometimes a video captures the mood and atmosphere, whether it be a torn wedding dress, a wedding cake that is knocked over, a bride who arrives at the wrong wedding or your three-year old little brother who falls asleep on the train of your wedding dress during the service... It all makes your video unique!

COST OF A VIDEO / DVD

In the past few years DVDs have become enormously popular. The cost of a DVD differs from that of a video. Videographers usually offer various packages. You can sometimes get up to 3 DVDs in your package.

The cost is determined by the videographer's level of experience, the type of equipment that is used, the availability of videographers, the number of videographers who are capturing the wedding, the amount of time the videographer spends at the wedding and the amount of time the editing takes. It can sometimes take more than 35 hours to put together a 3-hour DVD from beginning to end!

A well-made video includes the following: professional viedoetaping, full editing, professional titles, DVDs/Video and background music.

TIPS

• Sound: Inform your videographer if someone will be singing, for example, in church. The videographer must make provision for microphones for an additional sound track.
• Be certain that the demonstration wedding videos you watch have been viedoegraphed by the same person who will be capturing your wedding day.
• The videographer must know your cultural background. So, for example, in some churches, he/she may not enter certain areas.
• Contact your videographer again at least a week before your wedding day. He/she will probably also contact you. If there are to be any changes of plan, let him/her know immediately!
• Pay your deposits as soon as possible once you have decided on a particular videographer. Many videographers work on a first pay first videograph basis.
• Get everything in writing. That cuts out any misunderstandings.
• Do not be scared to ask questions. Most professional videographers are passionate about what they do and would be delighted to answer any questions.
• Clothing is important. Professional videographers will dress suitably for the occasion.
• At the reception, your photographer and videographer should be seated in the same area as your guests to prevent them from missing anything important. It is a long day for them, and they would probably appreciate a break and something to eat and drink.
• Check that any additional copies will not be too expensive. Illegal (pirate) copies that you make at home afterwards may be of poor quality, with the result that they are not much fun to watch. This can create a very poor impression of the videographer's work and can result in legal action being instituted against the bridal couple.
• Ask the person who will perform the ceremony for permission to videotape the wedding.
• Find out how long you will have to wait for the final product. Most bridal couples want to see their video immediately after the honeymoon.
• If you do not want to do something, don't. It is your wedding day. You decide.

REMEMBER THE MOST IMPORTANT THING: ENJOY EVERY MINUTE!

By Frans du Plessis Video Productions & Photographs