Wedding Videography

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   Wedding Videography?
   My husband and I are film students and own a film production company, and we're looking to start filming weddings. We just have absolutely no idea how much to charge because we had friends film our wedding for 0.

   Please, if you could just tell us some quotes you received, and a general city/state area (i.e. Metro Detroit - that's where we are, or Chicago area, or MN) so that we can get some idea of what we should charge, that would be great!

   Thanks a lot!

   P.S. Any couples in the metro Detroit area who are looking to take a chance on a start-up videography company for a HUGE discount, let us know at weddings@fsbfeatures.com !

   • ANSWER:
     Yo
     I am a photographer in Texas---do still work but have dealt with a lot of video people in my business over the years---three rapid fire things for you---first--- do what any self-respecting business person would do when it comes to getting prices to do scale by--- call the people who do this sort of thing and have them tell you (you could have someone else do the calling)

     Secondly--- when you find out what the competition is charging -- come down from that figure by a hard percentage but not so cheap that when people compare the two they are not getting the feeling like their dealing with some "basement" "fly-by-night" operation here !!!
     and Third---- Let people know that you are a new business ---building a beginning reference base for your growth and that is where the break comes for them----and --- so that they feel like they are actually being used as a reference base as a discount incentive---ask them to be ready to give recommendations for you as to how they liked your service for future potential customers-------- BUT DO NOT PLAY TOO HARD ON THE FACT THAT YOU ARE BRAND NEW TO THE GAME ---- that will kill you---- the very words that you used in your post---- TAKE A CHANCE ON-----are business killer words to be using---- better and much more straight up would be somethng like----- WE ARE BUILDING A NEW BUSINESS AND YOU CAN BENEFIT FROM OUR GRAND OPENING !!! Or, even better would be Take Advantage Of Our Grand Opening Special Pricing !!!!

     Hope this helps----and --- I hope you get freaking rich !!!! Welcome to the grand circus of the imaging business and --- Much Luck to you both !!!!

2. QUESTION:
   Wedding videography?
   Instead of continuous video with tonnes of coverage and editing... If I just want music videos as my wedding dvd... say 60minutes of clips..

   Would a videgrapher charge the same amount or less?

   Thanks!!

   • ANSWER:
     You must consider that having a bunch of short clips edited together is a lot more work intensive than having longer clips. It would probably cost you more to have many clips edited into a short film or "music video."

3. QUESTION:
   Do I have to charge sales tax for my wedding videography company?
   I have a wedding videography company and I was wondering if I have to charge sales tax. Someone told me that services industries do not have to charge sales tax.

   • ANSWER:
     Entirely depends on your state. Just check your state revenue office's website. They should have a list of things that require sales tax to be collected for and what rate.

4. QUESTION:
   how to start a wedding videography company?
   Im hoping to start my company next year, how would I start a wedding videography company

   • ANSWER:
     Start by freelancing rather than having a company.. Start at very low rates so you can have customer, which will be your testimonials.. Once you have a decent client base then you can make your company portfolio.

5. QUESTION:
   Is the Sony HVR-A1 camcorder good enough for pro wedding videography?
   I am thinking of starting up a wedding videography service. Would the Sony HVR-A1 camera be a good enough camera to get? How does it deal with low lighting etc?
   I am a cameraman myself, I am well aware of what is involved thank you very much, I was actually after some feeback as to whether the camera in question was a good piece of kit or not, so thanks for the long winded answer that totally avoided the original question.

   • ANSWER:
     The Sony HVR-A1 may be part of Sony's pro line, but it is basically a consumer - *maybe* prosumer camcorder. Check the lens filter diameter. at 37 mm it is small. Then there's single small imaging chip. And if you look back in time, you will learn it is the sibling to the consumer-grade HDR-HC1. The A1U is a good, small footprint camera - with NightShot - but it is a niche or second camera, not as a primary camcorder or general professional use. Low light capture is grainy as can be expected with this lens and imaging chip.

     The Sony HVR-HD1000 is a shoulder mount, but also has the same lens filter diameter and single CMOS chip. Expect grainy lowlight capture.

     The HDR-FX7 is the sibling to the pro HVR-V1 and is minimally where you should be looking - larger lens (but not quite where you need to be) and 3-chip imaging array. Be sure to add a XLR adapter to use good XLR mics.

     I would suggest either the Sony HDR-FX1000 or Canon XHA1 for your stated purpose. They have larger lenses and imaging chips. And I have been shooting video for 10+ years and won't go near a wedding. Ever. If you don't use video lights, you will have bridezilla chewing you up and spitting you out and no $... Good luck.

6. QUESTION:
   What are the chances of getting caught for using copyrighted songs in wedding videography?
   I have seen copyrightd songs used in almost all the wedding videography companies. It seems that nothing is going to happen to these guys. I am sure that the producers and/or composers of the songs are aware of this, then, why is that nothing happens to those who use those songs?
   Take a look at this:
   http://soundblog.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!D380EA83E108537F!2497.entry

   • ANSWER:
     If the song was added by the producer of the video, it needs a license. Almost all modern music has licenses available at Harry Fox Agency, so i would think that reputable videographers take advantage of that.

     If the song was a part of the ceremony that was captured by the videographer, then that is just documentation of an actual event. the production royalties should have been paid by the venue, but most composers exempt non profit performance such as weddings.

     the rub comes in the recording of the music. that is where the RIAA comes in. if you take music off a CD that was purchased at a store, then that is not allowed. There are 2 ways around this, one is to use production music CDs. These are special recordings made by independent labels and licensed for the specific purpose of videos. The other, which i am not certain is legal, the videographer includes the store CD with the video, so the argument is the video music just came from the client owned CD.

7. QUESTION:
   Wedding videography business, do I have to pay taxes?
   I'm going to start a small wedding videography business in South Florida. I already have two part time jobs and currently a student. If the business goes well then I'll drop both jobs and continue filming weddings. Do I have to pay taxes? If so how much? And how do I go about doing it? Is it worth it to start a business like this in these times?

   • ANSWER:
     Of course you would have to pay taxes.
     You would also have to pay estimated taxes. Visit IRS website www.irs.gov for self employed. Keep track of all receipts and money earned.

8. QUESTION:
   what equipment do I need for wedding videography business?
   My wife has a wedding photography business and there is a high demand for video.What essentials do I need to get started, books and tutorials would be helpful?

   • ANSWER:
     Well, you'd be needing a video camera, a tripod for your camera, a computer, and a simple light kit. It would also be to your advantage if you know how to edit videos and possibly add some effects.

9. QUESTION:
   What's a good affordable video camera for Wedding videography?
   What are some good camera's?

   It also has to be professional looking. Not a Flip Mino.

   • ANSWER:
     Standard definition:
     Canon GL2
     Panasonic AG-DVX100

     High Definition (and standard defintion):
     Canon XHA1
     Sony HDR-FX1000

     There's lots more, this these would be "minimum". You will also want:

     Two high capacity rechargable batteries from the camcorder manufacturer.
     Wireless (VHF, full diversity) mics (handheld and clip-on lavaliere). Sennheiser, Sony (professional), Audio Technica.
     If you want to use XLR mics with a camcorder equipped with a 1/8" (3.5mm) audio in jack, be sure to add a XLR adapter (juicedLink CX231, BeachTek DXA-6)
     Tripod (Bogen Manfrotto, Libec).
     Video lights (Bescor, NRG Research).
     LANC (VariZoom)
     Cases (Pelican, SKB).

     Later, check into
     SteadiCam/GlideCam/Varicam vest stabilizing systems.
     Camera crane (Kessler - and you'll need a monitor because you can't see what the camcorder sees when you are 8-12 feet away from the camcorder).

     And be sure your computing platform can handle the editing needs (lots of external hard drive space, lots of RAM and for high definition, fast CPU) and can burn DVDs... and properly label the DVDs (the stick-on labels can peel and are not recommended).

     The camcorder is just a part of the "system"... Please note that there are no prosumer grade internal hard drive or flash memory camcorders that save to anemic consumer AVCHD/MTS. The typical data type is DV or HDV to miniDV tape. This means your computer needs to have a firewire port - USB won't work. If you need to be tapeless, then you can either move up to the Sony HVR-Z7, Panasonic AG-HVX200 or JVC-HY series... or just ad an external drive from Sony or Focus Enhancements (FireStore) to a miniDV tape based camcorder.

     Good luck!

10. QUESTION:
    How much do you charge for wedding videography services?
    I'm taping my first wedding today and yes i have experience but not in taping weddings. I have a degree in broadcasting (video and audio). I will be there before the ceremony and at the reception/dance. So It will be about 9 hours or so. And then I'm editting it at the end. So how much do I charge?

    • ANSWER:
      I charge 100 per hour for 5 hours min. I give the bride and groom a copy of the DVD that I edit for free. But everyone else the DVD is . I make sure I have a lot of video of everyone so they will have a reason to buy the DVD too. Of all the kids and older people, and a lot of mom and dad with the bride and groom. Sometimes I make just as much on the DVD as I do on the wedding. Use every fu-fu effect you can. I use Ulead Video-wave 11. It's better then Adobe Premier because it has a lot of pretty (wedding) effects built in and you can overlay multiple video layers. Get you a 3d maker for free over the Internet (there are a lot of them) to do the Text and Spinning logo's to top it off. and make some pretty flower border loops and there you go. You will make a DVD that will be worth the time you took to work on it and the money they played. Also, I give an "edited" master DVD of everything that I recorded. Some people like that.

11. QUESTION:
    Is there online inforamtion on how much wedding videography business there are in scotland?
    Ive been searching the internet for so long and cant seem to find nothing through the search engines, any help would be much appreciated

    • ANSWER:

12. QUESTION:
    What company does the best wedding videos or wedding videography in Calgary?

    • ANSWER:
      I went with Light and Logic Motion Pictures in Calgary, from start to finish I was given excellent results. I recommend them to anyone looking for the best!

      My sister had gone with another local company, and was given a film that was of much less quality for a similar price. The gentlemen Light and Logic shot my wedding in HD!

      I believe they can be contacted through their website http://www.lightandlogic.ca

13. QUESTION:
    What are some good websites for learning wedding videography?

    • ANSWER:
      Videouniversity.com is a great place to bookmark. The forums are very active and the members are very knowledgeable about video production.

      You can also check out some articles and tips I wrote for beginning and intermediate wedding videographers.

      http://www.squidoo.com/weddingvideography

14. QUESTION:
    I'm looking for some dramatic, emotional love songs for my wedding videography. I was wondering if anyone?
    suggest some beautiful, meaningful, more modern music I could use for the slideshow and video of my wedding. I like acoustic but also a lot of different genres of music, but I was hoping to find more modern music to use. Some songs we've already chosen are Thank You By Chris Cornell, Shelter by Ray LaMontagne and Across The Universe by Rufus Wainwright. Any other really beautiful love songs you can suggest?

    • ANSWER:
      Below is slideshow songs suggestions list, see if there is any song you will like.

      10 Forthcoming Wedding Sites

      Forthcoming Wedding Exhibitions in South Africa
      Forthcoming Wedding Exhibitions in South Africa / Wedding expos, fairs, shows and exhibitions are ideal events at

      Hargis & Foos announce engagement, forthcoming wedding .
      Jun 13, 2011 Mr. and Mrs. Joey Hargis of Somerset, Ky., are pleased to

      Shepherd & Coffey announce upcoming wedding Weddings .
      Jun 27, 2011 Kimberly Ann Shepherd and Jerel Matthew Coffey announce their engagement and forthcoming

      David Cameron congratulates Ed Miliband on forthcoming wedding .
      Mar 30, 2011 Labour leader, who will marry on 27 May, requests stag do advice from prime minister at...

      Continue...

      http://www.ipixsoft.com/sllideshow-song-suggestions.html

15. QUESTION:
    how to make wedding videography quotations?
    i want to make a quotation for client for their forthcoming wedding

    • ANSWER:
      Can you clarify? - You want help producing the quotation in print or working out how much to charge?

16. QUESTION:
    Free Wedding Videography Lessons?
    Any sites with free lessons and tips?

    • ANSWER:
      Videouniversity.com is good. Also check out Vegas Weddng Videography. They have an active blog.

      http://www.vegasweddingvideography.com/blog

17. QUESTION:
    what questions should you ask when getting at wedding videography?

    • ANSWER:
      I do wedding videos. Check out our blog. In one of our previous post I talk about question important to ask. I hope it helps.

18. QUESTION:
    Wireless microphone for wedding videography? Low budget...?
    I'm getting into the wedding videography business and am shooting a wedding for free in october. I have a limited budget and am looking for the best way to mic up the groom during the ceremony. Most wireless microphone systems are extremely expensive, and those that are somewhat affordable I've read reviews that they are cheap and pick up too much interference. Are there any videographers out there that may have some advice as to what I should use? Limited budget.

    Thanks!

    • ANSWER:

19. QUESTION:
    I am looking for some romantic cinematic scores for a wedding ceremony and the videography music.?
    I like "The Ludlows" From Legends Of The Fall and some music from 'Meet Joe Black'. I find those beautiful but I am looking to see if there is something that would match a beautiful summer southern wedding. Something that could be a bit dramatic, yet beautiful and fitting for wedding music.

    Thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      Don't know what you're looking for really, but I love this piece.

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oM9c_MleWYY

20. QUESTION:
    Help: Find a good name for a wedding videography business?

    • ANSWER:

21. QUESTION:
    How much should one spend on photography & videography for their wedding?
    Usually these two comes as a package.
    What percentage of the wedding budget should be for this?

    • ANSWER:
      the one thing I wouldn't skimp on is photography. the photos should last forever. you should get a package that includes and engagement session and ownership of the digital negatives. it really depends on your location. in s.california you can expect to pay ,000-,000 for great photos. in other areas it may be less. really do the research. view their site and ask to see sample albums from previous weddings. also- meet them before hiring. they need to be the right match for you.

      good luck!

      www.boutwellstudio.com
      www.thebecker.com
      (these are some great sites you can use to compare)

22. QUESTION:
    I want to start my own business, Wedding photography and videography. Advice Please!?
    Ok so what steps do I need to take to start my own business shooting wedding videos and photogrphy.

    What classes should I take at my community collage?

    What kind of cameras should I buy?

    THANKS IN ADVANCE!!

    • ANSWER:
      Photography is going to take you about two years of classes (four classes, one each semester)
      Fewer schools teach video and film, but you can expect more classes for that since once you have the raw footage, you then need to use a video editor to put the video together, add text and music and other things associated with video and film production (a wedding team with both capabilities usually have a photographer and videographer and neither are expected to do the others job .... they are that different).

      While you are talking all those classes, you will want to take some very piratical business classes where you learn how to deal with fixed and variable costs, budgeting for your capital expenses, providing both your business and family with insurances, liability, life and health as well as all the other benefits we associate with being employed.

      While you are in school, get a job as an assistant to a wedding photographer and start learning all the fine skills associated with running a wedding photography business as well as the photo skills. You can during this time, start buying your equipment

      STILL:

      Two good, high quality DSLR's.
      A few lenses like a 24-70 mm f/2.8, 70-200 mm f/2.8 and 50 mm f/1.4.
      A couple of dedicated external flash units with a bracket and diffusion filter.
      A photo ready computer with at least 4 gb RAM and about a tb of hard drive to start. Of course a fast CPU goes without saying. Include at least a 22 inch monitor that can be calibrated to sRGB standards and a calibration tool like EyeOne or Spyder
      Latest version of Lightroom and Photoshop.

      Video

      Something like a broadcast quality mini-DV camera made by Canon, JVC, Panasonic or Sony. You will need a video editing computer (separate from your photo ready and business computer) It is much less money to buy a "turnkey" system than trying to buy separate video capture cards, a sound card, dual monitors, real-time RAID arrays, etc. Since you will probably be buying the "turnkey" product, I will not go into the guts of such a computer and the programs you will need to become expert in using.

      Then after you have all your equipment, all your education and a good business and marketing plan with a usable P&L spreadsheet open shop

23. QUESTION:
    How much does it generally cost for photography and videography for a wedding?

    • ANSWER:
      It depends on where you live. It will be more expensive if you live in a big city as opposed to a small town.

24. QUESTION:
    Wedding videography insurance?
    If you are a wedding videographer could you please recommend me a good insurance company?
    Thankyou.

    • ANSWER:
      I would get your clients to sign a waiver.
      Good Luck/

25. QUESTION:
    Wedding videography, wedding planning,?
    I am wedding videographer Salt Lake City, UTAH. I film wedding parties, wedding love stories, wedding video editing and more. Now on a site my wedding videography I want a take chance and take pictures too, photography. I thing its going be fun to do wedding videography and wedding photography same time?
    My question is, how can I start my wedding photography with my wedding videography business together?
    can you help please,
    www.5starstudio.com you can email me here,
    Thanks

    • ANSWER:
      it is impossible for one person to do both photography and videography at a wedding. you must have an assistant or helper to do it.

      as for getting into this business, you need to pay for advertizing in local wedding guide magazines, place a small ad in your local yellow pages phone book, participate in local wedding shows, take your card around to other wedding vendors like venues, florists, and caterers and ask them to recommend you, ask at local bridal salons if you can put your business cards on their check out counter.

      the next thing you should do is offer to do a couple of weddings for free for friends or relatives who are getting married and make yourself a portfolio which you can show to potential customers as an example of your work and also put a few on your website.

      do not expect to get business by trying to advertize on places like this. no one respects a free loader.

26. QUESTION:
    wedding videography music?
    i'm trying to find some country love songs for our wedding videography newer stuff is prefered i have some stuff but i need about 8 - 12 and i'm only halfway there and have run out of ideas so any thing is greatly appreciated

    • ANSWER:
      "i'll stand by you"...carrie underwood

      "because you love me"....carrie underwood

      "love never fails"....carrie underwood

      "love story"...taylor swift

      "little moments"....brad paisley

      "we danced"....brad paisley

27. QUESTION:
    Camcorder Question - Sony vs. Canon (Wedding Videography)?
    I'm getting into wedding videography and am wondering which camera is better for this and why - Sony DCR-VX2100 or the Canon GL-2. What are the plus and minus's for each. Will I be able to add lenses (wide angle) to either, on camera lighting, wireless lavilier mics etc. Kind of a big purchase for me so I want to be sure to get the right one. Anything you can tell me about the differences between the two will be helpful.

    • ANSWER:
      I have a canon GL2, which I got off of eBay for 00. First of all, the GL2 is slightly cheaper than the VX2100, although you might be able to find a really good deal on the VX2100. As far as I know, the VX2100 has 1/3" chips vs. 1/4 on the GL2, the same 20x zoom, and 1/8" miniplug jacks. However, from many of the forums and people I've talked to, it seems that the GL2's quality is comparable to that of the VX2100, even with the smaller chips. The VX2100 might have a slight advantage in low light, but otherwise, they are fairly similar. The disadvantage with both cameras is neither offers true widescreen recording, although you can buy an anamorphic adaptor. From what I have heard, the GL2's footage is a little more warmer and softer compared to the VX2100, which is more like a reality show. However, this is what I have heard, and I haven't actually compared the two. I can comment on my GL2, and it offers a very nice look in the viewfinder, although some tweaking is usually required in post to achieve the same in-viewfinder look. Personally, if I were you, I'd get a GL2, because, well, I already got a GL2, but also because it is cheaper and has a very nice canon fluorite lens and it has an accessory shoe, which allows you to connect a canon mic such as the dm-50 without wires. However, if you are really planning to get into professional wedding videography, an HD camera is probably a better choice. Two canon HV20s are a workable setup, an XH-A1, even better. If you have the money for an HD camera, I'd highly recommend it, unless you only plan on owning/using the GL2/VX2100 for a year or so. The reason I got my GL2 was to make films, so manual functions were more important than super-high resolution, although I would like to make some wedding videos this summer for free, since I'm only 15 and I'm trying to get experience. Anyways, hope this helps!

      -------------EDIT--------------
      This is in response to the two following answers. First of all, yes neither of these two cameras have XLR ports but neither does the dvc30. And there are XLR adapters that work for the GL2 and the VX2100. Someone needs to do some research before giving wrong answers. And as for lenses, yes you do need to go up to an XL2 to use INTERCHANGEABLE lenses, but you can ADD auxillary lenses (such as wide angle) to any of the two cameras you mentioned. So thumbs down, Earl. I agree with the last person in that the best case scenario is if you get to hold your camera first. However, if you're like me and are a high school student in WV (let's just leave it at WV), there really aren't places you can go to that are close that have cameras like that available for you to test out. Again, I still recommend getting an HD cam if you won't be able to upgrade for a long time, and also figure out a way to have two or more cams available, whether by purchasing, renting, or borrowing. Borrow your best friend's 0 camera if you have to. Basically, no matter how bad the quality (ok, well not VHS or anything like that, but you know what I mean), at least have one other camera covering you. Again, I don't have a ton of experience, none at all shooting two camera live events, but I have shot a few single camera school concerts (I got it for filmmaking remember?). It is damn near impossible for one person or even two to do everything PERFECTLY. Get another person shooting with you, or at least helping with sound, so that if, say, your pan is a bit jerky, or the zoom wasn't smooth, or your tape runs out, then you have another angle that you can cut to quickly and return to your main camera. Although I haven't shot with two cameras yet, I can appreciate how much it would have helped if I did. And as for sound, a couple of wireless lavs and a shotgun should do it, or if low on dough, you can probably wing it with one shotgun, or if you're like me and you have absolutely no money at all because you spent it all on your camera, you can use your onboard mic and then spend countless hours trying to fix the sound and then end up deleting everything, calling your computer retarded, and wanting to kill yourself. In other words, don't do it.

28. QUESTION:
    sugest me a DV cam For wedding videography?
    Iam a wedding videographer. Recently I sold my Sony 2100 video camera. Now I want to purchaise a new one. please sugest me a good camera below 155000 Indian rupees

    • ANSWER:
      in this budget,you can buy PANASONIC AG-DVX 100B for wedding videos as this is the best in its class,highly sensitive high quality with A/D conversion,Enhanced internal Mic and speaker closer to LCD screen for better audio playback RGB Gamma Processor camcorder High-quality, Native Progressive 24p/30p mode Improved colour reproduction and advanced image adjustments built-in Professional 24p/30p shooting functions Wide-angle / Zoom Lens for professional needs Fast, Smooth Driven Manual Zoom Focus Assist Scene File Dial provides quick and easy setup Lightweight design with balanced grip Magnesium Alloy Chassis (rugged durability professionals need) Highly reliable DV mechanism Large audio dials and flexible input selection Wide modes, including Squeeze mode

29. QUESTION:
    Is it correct to say" weddings videography" or "wedding videography"?

    • ANSWER:
      wedding videography.

      It’s double celebration for Carey, Cannon

      Los Angeles, May 1 (IANS) Singer Mariah Carey and husband Nick Cannon are overjoyed after they welcomed twins on their wedding anniversary.

      According to the couple's representative Cindi Berger, Carey gave birth to twins, a girl and a boy, at an undisclosed hospital in Los Angeles on Saturday, which also happened to be her wedding anniversary, reports usmagazine.com.

      ...

      Continue...

30. QUESTION:
    Need advise on starting a wedding videography business?
    Well Im going to be a freelance wedding videographer how much should I charge? Im getting either a new Mini-DV shoulder camcorder or an old VHS shoulder camcorder and I have a tripod going to college for Animation, Computer Design for 4 years, and Videography for 2 years and have Sony Vegas Platinum 10 what should I start out charging? There seems to be no competition here except for Photographers I use Lightscribe DVDS I do all of the burning of the DVDs and the editing I do it all how much should I charge like 0?
    Also I will do other ceremonies etc

    • ANSWER:
      I think you would need better video equipment.

      A pro camcorder that is hard disk based is better. That way you won't miss a critical moment because the Mini-DV disc ran out!

      Forget the VHS tape. It will be grainy on today's large screen TVs.

      After that, you should be able to charge 00.

      You can charge extra if the bride and groom should decide that they would like the original digital files.

      Also, make sure you have a bullet proof contract.

      *
      *
      *

31. QUESTION:
    Whats the best camcorder to buy for starting a wedding videography business?
    Hi

    I am currently starting a wedding videography business with my partner and we are looking for 2 cheap camcorders, hoping to progress to better camcorders if the business takes off.

    I am used to using a Sony PD150 and have filmed a wedding with these. I was very impressed with the quality but at the minute even second hand they are a little out of our price range (due to set up costs etc)

    I have however found 2 second hand camcorders for sale within my budget, a Canon XL1 and XL1S
    I have seen some reviews that they suffer with lack of light and with my experience of shooting wedding videos i know this can sometimes be the case.

    I was just wondering what peoples opinions were on this? Ideally i want to get the equipment for less than £2000, including 2 tripods. i know this is incredibly tight but as stated i will be looking to upgrade in a few years time if the business does take off.

    Thanks in advanced for your help!

    Jeni

    If you

    • ANSWER:

32. QUESTION:
    which video camera is better for wedding videography?
    Sony HDR-FX1 3-CCD HDV High Definition Camcorder w/12x Optical Zoom

    Canon XH-A1S 3CCD HDV High Definition Professional Camcorder with 20x HD Video Zoom Lens III

    Canon XL2 3CCD MiniDV Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom

    • ANSWER:
      What can I say except this camera is the only one that offers everything you need in this price range. What really sets it apart is the two xlr inputs on the side allowing two microphones to capture sound, and it switchable between external and internal mics, or use both simultaneously. No other camera offers this. Get a lens filter kit and the wide angle and telephoto adapters and you're ready to create anything you can imagine.

      I recently filmed a music festival using this camera for long shots, close-ups, cutaways, and static shots, everything looks amazing. A tip for the novice to high-def recording- keeping the lens clean and checking it frequently is a must. The tiniest speck of dust looks huge on playback.

      I've used it mostly on automatic setting so far as the the music festival was happening only days after receiving this camera but the little bit I've played around on manual setting promises unparalleled versatility, i'm very excited.

      Canon XH-A1S 3CCD HDV High Definition Professional Camcorder with 20x HD Video Zoom Lens III

33. QUESTION:
    What is most important in a Wedding Videographer?
    I have been doing event video for years and now I am starting to focus on wedding videography. What are some of the things brides to be look for when choosing the right videographer?

    • ANSWER:
      If you're charging above 2,000 for a wedding package, brides are unlikely to hire you if you don't have a professional branded image.
      You should have a professional logo, website, and marketing material for starters. You won't be taken seriously otherwise.

      Your Demo DVD must be very professional, and must be different from your competition if you want to get hired. It must show more than slow motion video and fade transitions, but show an ability to edit the footage artistically.

      The footage in your Demo DVD should demonstrate professional video techniques using a variety of filming positions and angles. I would stay away from the cheesy opening motion graphics that start a segment: "Getting ready" "The Ceremony"- That is a very dated way of editing your footage.

      Brides would rather hire you if you can shoot "the film look" as opposed to the cheap camera 30 frames/second look. The audio must be perfect for the ceremony.

      Referrals will probably be a big hiring factor for most brides. So each wedding you film, you need to bend your back over and cater to them to ensure that they will refer you to their friends in the future.

      Hope these suggestions help!

34. QUESTION:
    i want to start wedding videography buisness in DUBAI need contacts?

    • ANSWER:
      Try the larger hotels who may have on-site wedding facilities. They may be able to help you - look at their websites.

35. QUESTION:
    about wedding videography?
    How many minutes do you think the Love Story video should last? It will be screened after the wedding during the reception.

    • ANSWER:
      Most videographers told me their DVDs were between 60-90 minutes for ceremony and reception. They also told me I could purchase the whole unedited ceremony and reception if I wanted it.

36. QUESTION:
    How Much Would You/Did You Pay For A Wedding Videographer On Your Wedding Day?
    I'm just getting started in the wedding videography business and am wondering what an appropriate price would be to charge for my services. I currently charge 0 for a FULL DAY from 8am to Midnight, I think It's really affordable, but what do you think?

    If you've already been married, how much did you pay for your videographer services and what did you get? Please state your City or state as well as the year you got married, because prices vary a lot!

    • ANSWER:
      My cousin in law has his own business he charges 00 a day and thats as early as they need to Midnight. He also charges a down payment non refundable and some other fees. I believe the last wedding he did - he did the rehearsal, the day of the wedding and the sunday brunch the next day. He got his 0 down payment, 00 and I think he does a package fee so many tapes, albulms etc... starting at 0.

37. QUESTION:
    Has anyone used BBR Media or MyWeddingVideoPhoto.com for their wedding videography services?
    Can you tell me about your experience please?

    • ANSWER:
      I used BBR media and stay away. Anything dealing with a person named Chris Apline do not use!!! He ended up hiring some other company to come and film my wedding and never payed them afer I had already pay Chris. So I would suggest finding some other company. Let put it this was HE RUNIED MY WEDDING. Of couse I didn't find out any of this until I was at my recption. I kicked the other company out when they threatend to leave unless I payed him. Chris and any company that he is a part of like my wedding video photo.com are a P.O.S

38. QUESTION:
    Wedding Videography Microphone Question?
    I am just starting out and am only using a couple of handheld camcorders to start with until I can afford a better camera. Is there any models of lavalier microphones that will work and plug into and record into a regular mic input on a handheld camcorder like the Sony DCR-DVD201 or the Sharp VL-WD450U?

    • ANSWER:
      Any microphone with a standard plug/jack will work.

39. QUESTION:
    Wedding Videography Help?
    I need your help. My Fiancee and I are trying to settle a disagreement. He seems to think if we get pictures we do not need a video of our wedding. I think they both have different ways of capturing the day. He suggested we have a close family member video tape to save us money however this will probably be passed around to several people to video tape through out the day. Opinions from men and women would be greatly appreciated. Also, if anyone has done this please let us know how it turned out.

    • ANSWER:
      Initially we weren't going to get a videographer either. Then one day I was talking to my brother's wife about it and she said that she wished she had a video so she could see everything that happened before she entered (watching the mothers and grandmothers be seated, entrance of the groom and his attendants, bridal party processional, etc.). She also mentioned that everything happened so fast it would have been nice to be able to sit down and watch a video of her day. So we decided to spend the extra money on a videographer. I've lost count of how many times my husband and I have watched our video. We really feel we got our monies worth since for us the memories that were captured are priceless. Both of our parents also requested a copy of our video as a keepsake. And have shown to other family members and friends who weren't able to make it to the wedding.

      I think if you and/or your fiance are very sentimental, you might want to consider the video. But I would caution having a family member or friend videotape your wedding unless you have seen the quality of their work. My uncle had a family member videotape his wedding and the tape didn't come out at all. So now they have no video of their wedding.

      I did a lot of reasearch when we decided to hire a videography and found out that a lot of professional videographers will give you a discount if you only ask for the raw footage of your wedding (packages and editing is what is most expensive) and/or you only request your ceremony be taped. Another option is to hire a film student who has some experience but is not yet professional so they tend to be more cost effective. One of these options might be a nice compromise for you and your fiance.

      We hired both a professional photographer and videographer. Both hold very special moments for us. And I'm glad we hired both. But watching our video stirs up a different form of emotion for us than looking at our pictures. It's just something about seeing and hearing our vows, the toasts from our families, etc. that you just can't get by looking at pictures. But if hiring a professional or student is not an option, then just have a family member do it. But make sure you have 1-2 people designated to film your wedding. Have them practice filming and go over tips for videotaping. There's a lot of resources out their to help people improve their self-made videos.

40. QUESTION:
    Wedding Videography Business: Canon GL2?
    Hello-

    I am in the process of starting up a wedding video business. I have 1K to 2K to spend and was thinking of purchasing the Canon GL2 Camcorder. Would this be a good beginner camera to use for this? And also for parties, events, corporate gigs, etc? Any info you can supply would be great as I am new to this!

    Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      The GL2 is a good camera, but if I were you, I'd get a pair of HV20s or HV30s. I had a GL2 for about a year and a half and I recently sold it to buy a Canon HV20, technically a consumer camera. Why? The GL2 was getting old; it is an SD camera, and while most of us don't have Blu-Ray burners, it would be a mistake, in my opinion, to go spend thousands of dollars on SD equipment. HD downrezzed to SD looks better resolution-wise than footage from the best SD camera. Despite the GL2's great quality, grain was always noticeable in even medium low-light situations. HD also gives you the flexibility to remaster certain projects in HD in the future.

      Also, the GL2 is expensive, even if you get it used off of eBay (by the way, when I got it December '06, the average price was 00, and now, the resale value is around 00-00). Like Nikolai said, the GL2 has a 3.5mm input jack. This is okay if you're planning on using mics such as the Rode Videomic, but if you plan on using XLR mics, which have balanced outputs so you can use cables five or ten times longer than the 10'-20' limit of 3.5mm unbalanced signals, or the option of being able to accept live feeds from a mixer at a concert, you'll need an XLR adapter. Beachtek and Juicedlink make great adapters, but they'll add about 0 to the cost of the GL2. Add any mic to that, and it'll be about 0-0.

      Now, that doesn't sound like a lot of money since your budget is 1-2k, but if you're going to be shooting events, you'll definitely want more than one camera. Not only does it make your finished product more interesting, but it also gives you more flexibility if you run out of tape or if you accidentally bump into the tripod during taping because you can just cut to the other camera. And the chances are pretty low for the other person shooting to mess up at the same exact time. Even if you got just two GL2s and nothing else, it would still be about 0-0 over your budget.

      I got my HV20 off of eBay for 0 plus shipping. I also have a Beachtek DXA-2S adapter and NTG-2 XLR shotgun mic. If you are planning to mount the mic on the camera, a Rode Videomic will probably be fine, but if you are planning to use a boompole, then a mic such as the NTG-2 will suit you better. Shameless plug: I'm selling cheap painter's pole to boom pole adapters, by the way

      http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESEX:IT&item=220227197941&_trksid=p3984.cSELL.m315.lVI

      Probably the biggest reason people get the HV20 is because of its 24p. Basically, if you've ever noticed how the news looks more "real" than a movie is because of film's 24fps speed. While it may seem to not matter much to you, shooting wedding videos, events, corporate videos, and even parties in 24p will make it seem much more "professional." Most people won't know what the heck you did, but they'll know it looks good. And of course, the HD as well. Remember you can always edit in HD and print to tape in HD. This won't do most people any good, but if there's someone who's dying to have it in HD and they have an HDV camcorder, they can just take the tape and play it.

      As for the HV30, it's basically the same exact camera as the HV20, but it's black, features 30p and 24p, has an improved LCD screen (read: larger vertical viewing angle), and a new zoom toggle (?). Oh and the hot shoe cover doesn't come off unless you cut it, which might be a problem if you're mounting the Rode Videomic to the camera. And it costs around 0 (at the cheapest).

      Oh and consider getting a WD-H43 for your HV20/HV30, if you do decide to get one of these camera.

      So I think that's everything. Hopefully this helped and if you have any more questions, feel free to contact me!

41. QUESTION:
    Has anyone had experience with a company named SayCheddar (Sandy Chang) for wedding videography?

    • ANSWER:
      Never heard of it (her), but if you want to compare prices, packages, or services to see if you are getting a good deal here is another videographer for comparison http://advancedvideo.50webs.com

42. QUESTION:
    Anyone can recommend me cheap and good videography and photography for me wedding day ?
    Will appericate if u guys can give me more website for related sources. thanks

    • ANSWER:
      Would help if you at least narrowed it down to what country, let alone what town/city.

      Not a lot of good if I recommend someone in Tokyo and you are in London is it really!!

43. QUESTION:
    Wedding Photo and Videography - Recommendations ?
    Recommendations/ references for extremely good and established photography and videography for a full day wedding in Mumbai (Dadar) invited..

    • ANSWER:
      Huh? Just hire a photogropher! Simple

44. QUESTION:
    wedding videography, was it all you hoped it would be?
    hey all, we have recently been discussing the possibility of having a video made of our weding day. the company who are doing our photo's also do videos so we thought it would be nice to consider.

    have any of you had a wedding video made and what are your thoughts? was it worthwhile? or do you feel it didnt live up to your expectations?

    thanks
    hi sarah, yes have seen samples and it looks lovely!, i just wondered if anyone had any experiences with videogrophers, whether the video lived up to their expectations? because quite a lot of the companies show their best work

    • ANSWER:
      I love our wedding video! It is pretty expensive to hire a videographer, but I'm so glad we did. He did an amazing job, and we had our DVD in our hands 2 days after we got back from the honeymoon... so about 10 days after the wedding.

      The night went by so fast. The ceremony especially is a blur. I was so happy to be able to watch it again! Our video included a 5 minute highlights reel, the entire ceremony, the toasts and special dances at the reception and the garter/bouquet toss. Those memories are priceless and I love being able to watch it over and over again. And little things like: When my husband was dancing with his mother for the mother/son dance, he spun her and everyone cheered. Someone was talking to me during that part and I missed it! But now I can see it any time!

      I highly recommend that you get a video. I was so happy with ours. Most of my friends have gotten them for their weddings also and were happy with the results. My best friend and I have even gotten together just to watch our videos together!

45. QUESTION:
    Wedding videography contract issue?
    I hired a wedding videographer to video my wedding and edit the footage. I paid the 00 fee up front. My wedding was 15 months ago and I still have not received my video, despite the fact that the contract states it should only take 8-12 weeks.

    After an unresolved BBB case, my friend (a lawyer) is taking them to court, essentially for grand theft because they refuse to acknowledge my calls, emails, etc and have not returned my money or given me my product.

    My problem is that when my husband and I moved, a few boxes were damaged and accidentally thrown out. Of course, my contract with this company is in that box. Are they required by law to supply me with a copy of the contract if asked? If not, does anyone have another idea for how I could get the contract?

    Thanks a lot. I'm at a loss with the lack of professionalism in this business.

    • ANSWER:
      my best advice...ask your friend (the lawyer)

      I would imagine so. And if they couldn't provide one, then there is no contract.

46. QUESTION:
    Any advice for making a wedding video?
    My friend is getting married next week and has asked me to do her wedding video as she couldn't find a proffessional in time and filming used to be a hobby of mine. I've borrowed two cameras from some friends and myself and my husband are going to shoot it. Does anyone have any advice on the do's and don'ts of wedding videography?

    • ANSWER:
      I have a few suggestions. First you will have to be very attentive to details and you will have to be working the entire time. If you don't mind loosing out on having fun with your friend, then that's ok. You will also have to consider what to do for editing. Are you going to just give them the raw footage or edit it for them? Also, what if something goes wrong, will it hurt your friendship or will she forgive you for messing up her wedding video? A good idea is not to mix business and friendship, but I'll leave that up to your discretion. If you need a good videography company that may be able to accommodate last minute requests I would recommend http://www.advancedvideo.50webs.com and they can also edit the video at a reasonable rate if you decide to shoot it, but have no way to edit it into a workable product. Actually, if you do a good shooting job, they can probably take your raw footage and turn it into a great professional looking video, and the bride doesn't need to know you weren't the one who did it. They can probably make your work shine even if you do make a couple of mistakes. I'm not saying that you will make mistakes, but let's be honest, even a pro can make a mistake, that's what editing is all about.

47. QUESTION:
    how much did you pay for your wedding videographer?
    I'm doing a project for school on planning a wedding, budgeting, etc, so i have to get prices for about everything you could possibly think of. one thing i can't find is wedding videography. what's the average cost? how much did you pay?

    • ANSWER:
      i did a package with the photo/video together and that was 4300... alone i think the video was about 2500/ and the photo was about 2800..( the video included starting with the bride to the last dance in the receipt ion.. there was different ways of where you want to have it done. so prices vary) this is in NJ so prices might differ in other states... hope this helps

48. QUESTION:
    what video camera is best for wedding videography? (pics)?
    I am trying to get a videography business started and wanted to know from people with experiance or who know a bit about cameras which one of these cameras would be best to use, or if you have a better one that would work for a small business. I am looking for something with great quality, easy to manuver around with, high proficiency, and nice looking. Any other advice would be great! Thank you

    http://www.frys.com/product/5049425?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

    http://www.frys.com/product/4186853?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

    http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/255811-REG/Canon_7920A001_GL2_Mini_DV_3CCD.html

    http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/589909-REG/Canon_3235B001_XH_G1s_3CCD_HDV_Camcorder.html

    • ANSWER:
      Hi No Regrets

      I do weddings for a living (among other things)

      The Canon XHA1 (Your first link) has been replaced by the XHA1s. It is very similar to the Canon XHG1s (Your 4th link). As it is very light, you will need a mono-pod to keep it steady.

      The main difference between the XHA1s and the XHG1s is that the XHG1s has additional connections (BNC type connectors for streaming out pure HD (not HDV) if you are planning to use this camera for TV, multi-camera shooting, etc.) For wedding work, you most likely don't need these features and you will save about 00.00 if you go for the XHA1s. They both shoot in SD and HDV format so that you can grow with the camera.

      With the money you save, you can get a wireless microphone to capture those wedding vows clearly.

      The Canon XL2 (your second link) is also a good camera but shoots only in SD. It is a larger camera than the XHA1s/XHG1s cameras. You may find it a "front-heavy" camera, meaning that the weight of the camera is towards the front due to the heavy 20X zoom lens. The XL2 is meant to be held on your shoulder. The XL2 has a removable lens so that you can add other lens to the XL2. The XHA1s/XHG1s lens cannot be removed.

      If you like shoulder mounted camera and want to go the HDV route, try the Canon XLH1a/XLH1s camera. It is the top-of-the-line camcorder out there right now. It is similar to the XL2 but does both SD and HDV and comes in beautiful black. This is the camera I currently own and use for my wedding business.

      Forget about the Canon GL2 (your third link). Go with the XHA1s/XHG1s camera.

      One thing to keep in mind is that all the Canon cameras are not good in low-light situation such as in the case of wedding where most church and receptions are lit with very little light, so you may need to add in a small light to the camera. I use the Canon VL10i (which is about 20 watts) and just enough light to fill in the faces. Don't go over board with 100 Watt (blaring lights) as they will be too bright and distracting and ruins the atmosphere.

      It seems that you want to go the Canon route. For low light situation, the Sony camcorders are the best for that.

      For Sony, take a look at the HVR-V1U, HDR-FX7

      In summary, if you are not a strong person, go with the XHA1s/XHG1s. Your shoulders will thank me later. But if you need the capability to change lens (which I never had to) and want more of a "pro" look go with any shoulder mounted camera.

      Believe it or not, people still view small cameras as "amateur" and large camera as "professional".

      Good luck in your wedding business

49. QUESTION:
    How much could I charge for Wedding Videography?
    Hello I'm a photographer at Paragone Pictures and am looking to break in to video, but need advice. Below I will put a link to my website the video is at the top. So I filmed this wedding this weekend and would like to know how much I could charge for it. I don't want to charge above my skills but also want to profits something. Criticism is accepted below is the link to highlights reel and to the bride and groom I will also provide 1hour+ raw footage of ceremony.

    http://www.ParagonePictures.com

    .
    NVM above link I took it off my site, here is the vimeo link http://vimeo.com/23758567

    • ANSWER:
      I'm not going to your link... I don't have to go to it to give you the advice I'm going to give.

      The prices that wedding vendors charge isn't on a national scale... If you're legit, you'll want to research prices in your region and base your own charges competitively. If you're smart, you'll start with weddings of people you know so that you can expand your videography portfolio and have something decent to show clients.

50. QUESTION:
    Affordable wedding Photography& videography in Suffolk County Long island New York?
    for only four hours needed does anyone have any suggestions?
    I have been all over google...etc wanted to try here...

    • ANSWER:
      Try posting your question at http://www.liweddings.com/chat for Suffolk County brides and http://newyork.craigslist.org for affordable photographers/videographers

      Note that for only four hours, it may not be worthwhile for many professional photographers or videographers to take the job. But you have a better chance if the wedding is during the off-season or you're okay in hiring someone who is interested in gaining wedding experience. Good luck!