Frequency Asked Questions
The following questions are in relation to Wedding photography and Videography.
Many of the questions will cover matters that should be covered regardless of the event.
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Yes. All quotes include the first 100 miles round trip in the price. Distances under 700 miles round trip are $1 per mile, per staff member. Locations where flights are required starting at flight cost, plus 2 nights in a hotel; more nights if extra days of shooting are required. We arrive the day before we start shooting and leave the morning after we stop shooting. We take care of all the travel arrangements in travel packages so you don’t have to worry. Please schedule a zoom call through the contact us page for more clarity on pricing.
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Once you’re ready to reserve your date, please let us know as soon as possible. Events or sessions taking place within 1 month are usually split into two payments. Events two months or more are usually split into three payments.
Two payments Contract
50% deposit and signed contract to secure the date
50% remaining balance due the Date of Session, Event, or Wedding
Three payment Contract
25% payment and signed contract to secure the date
25% payment at midway point
50% remaining balance due the Date of Session, Event, or Wedding
Packages with 6 or more hours of coverage who sign a contract and make a 25 % payment will receive an extra hour of coverage. ($200 plus value)
Packages with 6 or more hours of coverage who sign a contract and pay 100% of the balance will receive an two hours of coverage. ($400 plus value)
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We like to arrive when the bride is getting her makeup done. That gives us a good starting point for the storyline in your wedding trailer, wedding film, or gallery. Yet, each wedding timeline is unique. Talk with us about your day and we can discuss a good arrival time for us to best capture your day. The lead or only shooter, depending on your package, will arrive one hour prior to the beginning of shoot time. The following is done to ensure two things: cover any possible traffic or road hazards and account for setup time; the following allows ensures your videographer or photographer is ready to start shooting at the agreed-upon time. The time we finish is up to you. We always check in before leaving. We won't disappear at the end of our scheduled coverage time. If something changes and you need additional hours of coverage on the day of the event we will stay without hassle. We understand sometimes things happen and things get off schedule. While the hourly rate varies depending on your package, we can discuss prior to your wedding day what that looks like. While some couples only have us stay to cover the first 30 minutes of open dancing, others want every moment captured on video. The choice is yours.
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Since we are unable to take any other commissions for your day, coverage begins when you would like us to start shooting and ends when we leave for the day. The way the day flows we are usually either shooting or preparing to shoot the next major moment. We will be shooting the majority of the day. Aside from formal moments we always include candid coverage in our films and photography.
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Yes. I have a go-to second shooter for photography and video. I have to reserve him more than a month in advance. If he is not available I do know other photographers and videographers.
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DO YOU SHOOT PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO TOGETHER?
Those desiring photo & Video from me solo should consider the following:
When solo I only offer a highlight video.
When shooting Hybrid, video will get prioritized over photo. ( Also I’m usually shooting less photos)
If the camera isn't already rolling with video you missed he moment. The same can be said about photography, but some moments can be recreated
The only part of the day when I can get consistent results for photo and video by myself is in the middle of the Wedding ceremony. I even had one groomsmen walk in from of my camera during the first kiss So you still have to be careful.
While I always utilize many cameras and tripods, something will always happen where I need to move. It never fails.
With a wedding being a once in a life time event, I strongly encourage selecting a package with a dedicated videographer.
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Wedding films come in a variety of formats. Usual formats are Highlight films, Ceremony Films, Reception Films, and feature films. Highlight films are 3-7 minutes depending on the package. Highlight films are best for sharing on social media. Some friends and family will not sit and watch through every part of the wedding day. The highlight film is something short and sweet that captures the essence of your day. We also offer edits of the complete ceremony and reception. Feature films vary per wedding but are usually longer 24-40 minutes. If desired we can even split those videos into smaller sections as you would see on a DVD or blu-ray but in an online format. Blu-rays or DVDs of films are available. Blu-ray or online delivery offers the highest quality compared to DVDs.
Additional film options to help tell your story are available to those under contract.
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During our initial phone call or zoom call I will ask a series of questions to better understand your vision and the location.
Various factors contribute to delivering great photos and video. Venue location, venue size, distance between locations, lighting, floor plan, and sound, in video, all effect the end product. I have a list of standard cameras, tripods, stands, lights, and audio equipment I bring to every event. Yet, the more I know about your wedding vision, how you want to capture your story, and your environment the better experience I can provide.
During the zoom or phone call, we’ll also go over your wedding day timeline and any specifics for video/photo coverage. We also talk about what portions of your day you can’t do without in your wedding coverage. Sometimes weddings are not on schedule, so if things need to be cut at the moment it's best to discuss what that could look like ahead of time.
One fact I like to share is that video usually requires more time than photography to transition. During our call, we can review the timeline to ensure the time considered is realistic.
So, going into editing, we’ll have a pretty good idea of what you’d like included in the final cut. We will take the most interesting parts of your day and weave them into a cinematic storyline that you will be proud to share with family and friends.
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When shooting photography I shoot with two of the same camera. One has a lens for close-up shots and the other has a lens for far-away shots. Carrying both throughout the day ensures I have what I need at any moment of the day. Also if one breaks due to any unfortunate reason I have a backup camera ready to go at a moment’s notice.
When shooting wedding films we often get asked, “How many video cameras should I have at my wedding”? The answer to that depends on the following: Venue size, ceremony/reception layout, budget, and wedding timeline. Any of the mentioned factors can create the need for more crew and gear. One camera can only capture so many things at the same time. For example, if the Bride and Groom are getting ready at exactly the same time, only one camera can capture either the Bride or the Groom prep. Multiple cameras allow for ultimate flexibility and the ability to capture action/reaction shots. During bridal/groom prep, one camera per area is needed to not miss any moments. During the ceremony, 3-4 cameras can be used.
Also, a wedding is a one-time event. If only one camera is recording and something happens to that one camera you may miss a moment. While certain moments can be redone to properly capture them for photography, that is not always the case for video. I’ve seen all of the following take place at weddings in the past: someone showed up late to bridal prep and prevented a certain moment from being captured; someone stood in front of the cameraman to take a picture with their cellphone during an important moment. I’ve seen the following happen a lot with both photographers and videographers. While I bring lenses to capture whatever is needed from up close or from afar, everyone doe not take the same approach. It’s best for the photographer and videographer to discuss approaches early or maybe even prior to the day to ensure everything flows smoothly the day of the event. We work well with all parties but like to ensure couples of the following minimize issues the day of the wedding.
Here is an example of what the vows could look like from three different camera angles: 1.) Center shot with the officiant, Bride, and Groom 2.) Tight shot of the Bride’s face 3.) Shot of the Groom’s face.
During the reception speeches, 3 cameras can be used. 1) Close-up shot of the couple. 2) A shot of the host or speaker of the moment. 3) emotional reactions of family and friends.
Each wedding is unique, so it’s important to discuss with us your vision. We’d be happy to talk about different options that will showcase your special day.
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Yes. There are three options for live streaming. I refer to them as Bronze, Silver, and Gold streaming. Bronze is the set up of an iPad near the front row facing the couple. Usually low enough to not be out of the way of any photographers or videographers. The audio will be the on-camera mic, it will hear everything close to the iPad. Bronze is a one-camera video feed of the main camera in the middle aisle. Only the couple and the officiant(s) will be in the shot. The following will have a direct link to the audio system or wireless mics on the officiant and groom. Gold is only available to multi-camera setups. The gold streaming package includes one person per camera, an audio engineer, and a staff member who controls and monitors the feed. The audio engineer will mix and troubleshoot any audio issues. Gold streaming can easily result in a 5 person plus crew. Discounts are not available for streaming add ons as all the funds go towards gear and personnel to assist in your day. While bronze and silver streaming requests only require a two-week notice, gold streaming add ons must be made more than one month in advance to ensure staff is available. Please contact us for pricing and availability.
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We prefer to have creative control of the music. Before starting in wedding films I've been a lover and participant in music. I played in classical settings for over 8 years, playing piano, and drums. I have a love and appreciation for great DJs and movie scores. So the music I pick comes from a place of serving the moment. All the music we use is licensed through various licensing agencies. So, we can try to accommodate your musical requests. Yet, we prefer to have full creative control. Give us a try and know that edits are always available if needed.
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While I can edit and produce a wedding photography gallery within a couple of days of the event, wedding films take 4-6 weeks. 4 times the amount of information is gathered in wedding films versus photography. I like to ensure that everything is covered properly, looks, and sounds great. By the time you see the first edit, I have reviewed the film multiple times and had mentors review and critique the edit. The following ensures what you receive is the best storytelling offering of your day. Up to 3 edits are included in every package so if something does need to be changed, that can be done. If quicker delivery options are needed we can discuss possible options.
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Yes. I can help design thank you cards before or after your event. The sooner we review options the better. That way once the