What's the videographer's style -- cinematic, documentary, or a mix of both? (Then ask yourselves: Does this jibe with what we're going for?)
Studio 26 combines cinema and documentary to provide a compelling, fluid production.
Has the videographer done many weddings before? What's her storytelling approach when it comes to taping a wedding? (This clues you in to his experience and philosophy.) Ask to view samples of her recent work.
With over 400 wedding films produced, Ryan and Erin Bodie of Studio 26 are driven by the simple elegance of a bride on her wedding day.
Has the videographer won any awards? Is he a member of any national and local videography associations?
As a multi-international award winning company, Studio 26 also is a member of WEVA, the 4-Ever Group, Elegant Sarasota Weddings, and is a key note speaker at annual videographer's associations. Ryan also has produced training DVDs giving aspiring wedding videographers the inside scoop on wedding productions!
How does she coordinate with a wedding photographer? Has the videographer worked with your photographer before?
Having worked with dozens of high profile photographers, it is our goal to work side by side with the photographers to ensure that we each come away with the prized shot.
Has he ever shot a wedding at your ceremony or reception site? If so, can you see the tape?
Our site at www.studio26weddings/blip.tv is available to give brides a thourough look at our recent work and we provide a list of venues that we have filmed at via our website at www.studio26weddings.com.
How many other weddings is the videographer shooting on your wedding day or weekend? (Make sure there are no time constraints.)
We only focus on your wedding. No double bookings. This is our artform and requires our full attention.
Will the videographer you're speaking to be the one who will be shooting your wedding? If not, make sure you speak to whomever will actually shoot.
It is only Ryan and Erin and Britton, if you have someone else, it is not Studio 26!
What types of cameras, tapes, and microphones will the videographer use? How new is the equipment? Ask her to explain how certain effects are achieved and to outline the benefit of using certain technologies. You may not catch all the techno-speak, but it helps to have a sense of what's what.
All cameras are SONY HD, all microphones are Seinheiser. All of our equipment is insured and updated as needed. We also keep up to date with trade shows and publications, always acquiring editing software that gives us that creative edge. Our effects are reached through our filming techniques and our post production storehouse of effects and titling abilities.
Ask about editing equipment. Request an explanation of the technological process.
Film / video is loaded into our system, the prized footage is reviewed and the choice shots are cut into a rendition that is unique to your wedding and our vision from the day. Music tracks are selected along with specific audio clips from vows or toasts and laid under appropriate footage. We provide a boutiqe edit which is essentially a highlight of the entire day, a long form, which is exactly as it was documented. That way you have both.
How bright a light do they use? (If shooting requires the room lights to be on all evening, much of the romance and ambience of your event may be lost.)
We work in low light situations regularly, however, it does become necessary to use a bit of on camera lighting, they are very low wattage however give off just enough light to capture what we need. If you do not have the proper exposure, you will be very unhappy with the dark, grainy outcome. Most times, we can bounce and reflect light as needed without you even being aware of it.
Will a backup camera be on hand for the event?
We generally carry anywhere from 2-3 extras! Failing you is not an option here!
How does the videographer charge for services? Are there packages? Request a price list.
We offer many packages and a flexible payment plan, we accept credit cards (AX, VS, MC and Disc) All prices (accept travel fees) are listed on our website. A $500 deposit is required up front to reserve the date, then payments can be worked out until 3 months post ceremony.
-- The Knot