Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, February 9, 1992 TAG: 9202060309
SECTION: YOUR WEDDING PAGE: YW-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: By BECKY HEPLER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
PROFESSIONAL VIDEOGRAPHER BETTER BET THAN UNCLE EDDIE
Your Uncle Eddie has offered to videotape your wedding. He just got a camera for Christmas and seems to really enjoy using it. In the meantime, your wedding is approaching a cost overrun worthy of an Air Force weapons system. So, should you accept or do you turn to a professional?As tempting as it may seem, the best offer most likely is not the one from your uncle. We have become increasingly sophisticated about video quality. While shaky or unfocused video my be funny when you're playing around with a camera, we're talking about what you hope will be a once-in-a-lifetime event, and the record of that event should be easy to watch.
You may find your uncle's taping style, complete with the neck-snapping pans, incessant zooming in and out and wandering eye, charming, but your friends are going to be calling for Dramamine while watching. So unless you are totally broke and it's Uncle Eddie or no one, it may be best to hire a professional.
The most important reason for declining your uncle's offer has nothing to do with production values, but with how important it is to have him at the wedding. Videotaping an event is tedious, hard work with a zillion details to consider. You might find yourself facing three alternatives.
First, Eddie does a very conscientious job, getting everything on tape, but is not able to enjoy the wedding and reception. You don't even get to dance with him. Two, Eddie tries to enjoy the occasion and misses you tossing your bouquet because he is getting a plate of hors d'oeuvres. Three, Eddie cons a waiter with the champagne into following him around, so he doesn't miss anything, but the latter part of the video takes on a Felliniesque look.
Even if Eddie is quite accomplished as a videographer, another important reason to look to professionals is the quality of the equipment. Video is one area where the gulf between consumer and professional equipment is quite wide and the results are clearly visible.
Note that you can buy consumer-grade cameras for as low as $500; professional grade starts at $1,500 and can go as high as the cost of a small house. The better the camera lens, the clearer and brighter the picture is going to be, which can count for a lot in the low light conditions of most churches.
The picture clarity is even more important if you are considering special effects or will be making additional copies. These processes can degrade the picture quality, so the better the quality to begin with, the better the final product.
Unless videography is a very serious hobby for Eddie, he most likely will not have the equipment to do the above mentioned effects, which tend to be standard for video professionals. These editing suites allow the videographer to dissolve or wipe from one scene to the next. In two- and three-camera shoots, which is an option offered these days, these effects can help to incorporate all the views that were shot at the event.
Audio is the other critical component for which it is worth paying the extra price. Most professionals employ wireless microphones that can be clipped to the bride and groom, rather than relying on the microphones attached to the camera. This ensures that you will be able to hear the vows as they are said, no matter how nervous the participants.
To all this equipment, add professional know-how. Most videographers have learned the best angles for the different churches or other locations where they are shooting. They are usually familiar with each church's rules regarding the use of video cameras.
Discretion is a crucial consideration. The videographers know how to get the shots and still stay out of the way of the guests and the photographer. Jesse Shelton of Professional Video Services in Pulaski has altered his camera so the red record light will not be a distraction during the ceremony. "It's important to be as invisible as possible," said Henry Kelley, manager of Full Tilt Video in Blacksburg.
The New River Valley has a reasonable set of choices for video production companies, offering a wide range of services and packages with prices to match. Please note, however, this is not a service to comparison shop by walking through the yellow pages.
There are several reasons for this. Video production companies are like car dealers. They can sell you a Volkswagen or they can sell you a BMW. The prices you're quoted could be for the VW at one place, the BMW at another. You need to know what you're getting at each place.
More importantly, this is a visual medium. You may have found a company whose price you like, but if the video looks bad, you are wasting your money. You will have a program you won't watch.
So the key is, while you may get the initial information over the phone, don't make a decision until you see the company's work. Ask for references to find out how the videographer worked during the ceremony.
The car analogy calls up an important point. Have a budget in mind before you start looking. You may want to drive a BMW, but if you can't afford it, you have to consider the VW.
Likewise, your expectations about your wedding video should be grounded in reality. If you want a full-blown documentary that starts with getting dressed and fades away with the tin cans tied to the back of the honeymoon getaway car, filled with comments from friends and family and garnished with special effects, expect to pay the maximum. If all you want is one camera to capture the wedding ceremony, your bill will be considerably less.
Be sure to discuss, in advance and very carefully, what you want and what it will cost. Don't be afraid to ask for what you want. Most videographers appreciate the input and are very willing to work with you and your budget.
Prices will range from $200 to $900 and beyond. If it's any consolation, that is about half of what you'd have to pay in major metropolitan areas like Washington, D.C. or Charlotte.
If you're still considering Uncle Eddie's offer, think about this. A wedding is a one-take affair. There is no second chance to get the various images that you'll want to replay on those upcoming anniversaries.