Choosing Your Maryland Wedding Caterer
A Moving Matrimony-A Guide to Videography
By Jessica Lynne Gardner
Many brides and grooms wait until the very last second to begin the quest for a videographer, thinking that this is the least important piece of their wedding but they couldn’t be more wrong! The resulting DVD, video or slide show will be one of your most treasured keepsakes, letting you re-live the most precious and tear-welling moments of your wedding day.
What is Videography?
In a nut-shell, wedding videography is the process of filming a documentary of your ceremony taken by a specialized photographer called a videographer. The final result can be on a DVD, VHS, or both depending on the client’s preferences.
Should We Hire A Videographer?
Unlike photographs, having a professional wedding video allows you to capture the emotion of the moment in sound and motion. From the chatter going on at the reception to the wedding vows, this is going to be a complete picture of the even in full detail. In fact, you can see some of the things you may have missed while you were at the ceremony, dancing, or cutting the cake. Even though some people opt to use a home video, hiring a professional is highly recommended. You can feel confident with someone who has taken many wedding videos to not only record the event in detail but to craft something special and memorable.
Cameras:
The traditional video cameras were 8mm, and today they are showing up more and more in wedding film. Many argue that this camera gives a “warm” effect that cannot be replicated by newer DV cameras with filters and plug-ins. On the other hand, digital is much more inexpensive. It is hard to differentiate between the two unless you are well-versed in film or photography.
Video Types:
Engagement video- Usually filmed without the bride’s knowledge and shows the proposal of the groom.
Concept video- A short film that tells a story (generally fictional) about the bride, groom or both.
Video Scrapbook-Still photos displayed in a video collage.
Love Story- Interviews with the couple describing how they met, how they feel about one another and what they plan for the future.
Same Day Edit- Commonly used, this video is journalistic-type wedding footage that starts with the pre-ceremony and ends with reception.
Bridal Elegance- A fashion-shoot of the bride modeling her wedding gown taken before, during or after the wedding.
Styles- Each videographer has their own ideas about what each style means but here are the basics:
- Journalistic: A basic documentary capturing the wedding as a guest might.
- Cinematic: Uses editing, music and other techniques to create a mini film that evokes an emotion.
- Short Form: A clipping of the final footage that is edited to be no less than 15 minutes and no longer than 50.
- Story-telling: The bride and groom provide sound bites before the wedding that are weaved into the final film to create an effect.
The Interview
- Do they visit the locations of their clients first? Most good videographers will do this to get a better idea of lighting, design, and places where they can plug and store equipment
- Shooting schedule- How often do they shoot? Do they take breaks?
- Equipment- How many times has this particular equipment been used? Will they bring a back-up camera and batteries? What size are the microphones? Are they wireless? What type of lighting is used? Natural lighting is generally to best choice to keep it the look fresh and prevent issues arising from the glare.
- Do they use the new digital video editing systems? Can the final recording be artistically enhanced at the time of editing? Some effects available to modern videographers are black and white, slow motion and artistic fade outs which tie the whole film together for a seamless and dream-like effect.
- What styles are they familiar with? Do they specialize in one particular style or have they done them all?
- Do they have a legitimate contract? Are they certified?
- How long is the finished product? Even though they may take 4-7hrs of footage this does not mean that your final video will be more than an hour. Ask about their editing style to see if it’s tight and stylized or natural and free-flowing.
Spotlight Vendor:
Aura Productions, Inc, Andy Hanover
Known for being meticulous, punctual and unobtrusive, Andy Hanover has been utilizing his unique skills in weddings for over five years and has 17 years of experience working in the film and television industry. As the main videographer and owner of the company, he has a Master of Arts degree in producing film and video from American University and states that around 90% of the time he will be there to do the job personally. When he cannot attend, a seasoned, professional is there to take his place. Aura Productions brings quality work and customer service for a reasonable price, producing videos for many occasions: Weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, corporations, television commercials, and many other special events. The friendly and passionate nature of the owner alone reflects the diligence and detail of the company’s standards. Remaining in the “comfort zone” of the couple and guests is an important detail in his work, and he takes great care to be professional and unnoticeable to help the wedding run smoothly. There is a nearly surreal quality to his compositions that capture the joy and warmth to his subjects. So what is his secret to success? Experienced and masterful editing that can bring out the true character of the bride and groom and the set the tone for the event in a memorable way. Maintaining a balance between seriousness and fun; neither mechanical nor whimsical, Aura Productions, Inc. can capture a perfect, harmonious atmosphere for a couple’s most treasured memory.
Andy Hanover, M.A.
Aura Productions, Inc.
6703 Woodbury Road
Baltimore, Maryland 21209
ahanover@auraproductionsinc.com
www.auraproductionsinc.com
410-591-6521