Q&A

1. Do I really need video of my wedding?
Even if done by a non-professional, we strongly suggest having the ceremony videotaped. Even though it is YOUR wedding day, there is so much you won’t even see, much less remember after the whirlwind day has passed. Months of planning, preparation and anticipation all converge on one day that passes by in a blur. While photographs freeze moments in time and help conjure up memories of your day, video brings the day to life, capturing in living color the sights and sounds of that one sparkling moment. Besides, it's not all about you, you know. Your grandkids will want a wedding invitation.

2. Why should I hire a professional? I have friends with camcorders.
If all you’re looking for is a video record of your wedding day, a friend or relative with a camcorder can certainly do the job adequately. But be prepared for anything, from distant/dark/shaky footage to a malfunctioning camera or videotape. While accidents can happen to anyone — professionals included — a professional has the knowledge and experience to handle a variety of circumstances and safeguards against the unforeseen. Most professional videographers tend to use high-caliber camera gear and wireless audio equipment, and know how to frame shots in filming and edit them in post-production so your video turns out beautifully. And while the dress, flowers, candles, cake, etc… all take a chunk from your wedding day budget, videography and photography are true investments. What else do you have once the flowers have wilted and the cake is eaten? Video provides a lasting record of all the beautiful things that helped make your wedding a special day.

3. How should I go about choosing a professional videographer?
Wedding coordinators and event planners are often the best sources for brides-to-be looking to hire professionals in any field, video included. Married friends and acquaintances who have had their weddings videotaped professionally can also help steer you toward (or away from) a particular videographer. The quality of work, camera and sound equipment, as well as video style all come into play in the final decision, as does the videographer’s personality and understanding of your unique style.

The camera work, particularly for the ceremony, should be stable and smooth, not shaky, so cameras should be on tripods, at least for the ceremony. Audio should be clear and understandable. Unobtrusive wireless microphones help achieve the best audio quality. While one camera angle is all that is truly necessary, an additional camera or two help spruce up the finished product, capturing elegant creative shots from the balcony, back of the church, the altar or elsewhere while adding visual interest.

4. How much should I expect to pay for professional videography services?
In wedding videography, as with anything in life, you get what you pay for. It isn’t unreasonable to expect to pay $800 or more for a professional quality video of the wedding ceremony. Extras will, of course, cost extra. Additional cameras, photo slideshows, reception coverage, a highlight production and other extras all add to the overall value of the finished product. And of course the better videographers charge a premium price for their premium service. Keeping expenses to a minimum is easy… choose only the services you want, nothing more.

Just remember... a wedding video is an investment - it's value to you increases as time goes on.

5. What kind of package should I choose?
The package you choose should depend upon what you would like to have in your wedding video and how much you’re willing to spend. There are a number of ways to spread your video budget to get the most “bang for your buck” and ensure that your finished video includes what’s important to you. Maybe you’re interested in having a record of how the happy couple met, but you’re really not interested in reception coverage. The interviews (or “Our Story”) segment is a great piece that

  

tells the couple’s story in their own words. Maybe you’re not interested in that, but you want photos from the honeymoon trip included as a photo slideshow. Whatever your desire or price range, your videographer should offer a package that suits your needs. Just consider your options carefully and make your selection with confidence. Don't regret that you didn’t choose something you really wanted or, on the other hand, got some things you really didn’t want at all.

6. How do I go about hiring M. Gibson Digital Imaging? And what can I expect once I do hire them?
It all starts with a call or an e-mail to see if your wedding date is available on their calendar. Popular dates are often booked more than a year in advance, so once you’ve decided you’d like to work with them, don’t wait to make the call.

Once it's determined your wedding date is available, M. Gibson Digital will send you a service agreement and automatically reserve your date for a two-week period. Simply complete the contract and return it along with the retainer within the two weeks to secure their services for your date. If the two-week period expires without receipt of your contract, the date becomes available again. Once your contract and deposit are received, however, the date is permanently reserved. Soon after you will receive an invoice for services that will be due two weeks prior to the wedding date. This ensures that your account is paid in full prior to your wedding day and you won't have to worry about handing checks out on your wedding day! You can simply enjoy the day.

If you decide you would like to have a photo slideshow made from your childhood pictures, send them to M. Gibson Digital at least two months prior to your wedding date. You will receive them back, along with a DVD containing your photo slideshow, at least two weeks prior to your wedding day. We strongly recommend playing the DVD on the same projection system, with the same audio setup, that it will play on the day of your wedding to ensure there are no problems with proper playback.

On the day of your wedding, videographers Mark and Amy Gibson will arrive at the wedding locale between one and four hours prior to the start of the ceremony, depending upon the package you select. With discretion in mind, they will set up prior to the ceremony and will not move excessively during it. As always, polite, professional services is one of our guarantees.

You can expect to receive your finished wedding film, delivered in beautifully customized packaging, within 6-8 weeks of the wedding day. So plan a “date night” and curl up with some popcorn and watch the beauty of your wedding day unfold again for the very first time. BACK TO WEDDING FILMS

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