Wedding Video Dos and Donts

Proprietor Gil Avenaim has always believed that the secret to producing a good video is making the bride and groom feel relaxed, almost to the point that they don't even realize that they are being filmed.

"That's the way we prefer to film. Once they've forgotten that you are there, you can pick and choose the best shots and everything looks very natural".

Our videos include a perfect mix of fun, emotion and excitement with every part of the day captured. Effects include black & white, sepia, slow motion, strobing, wipes and dissolves - but our 'snapshots' seem to really make the difference. This is where we "freeze" certain parts of the video to create beautiful photo-like images which are mixed in with the live footages... we receive more compliments about those snapshots than anything else!"

Finding someone to video your wedding can also be one of the toughest decisions for a bride and groom, simply because there is no such thing as a 'stock standard' video. Unlike a photographer who can take a number of "standard" shots of the bride getting ready at home, at the ceremony and the reception, a video allows for total creativity, both in the way that the visuals are shot, and afterwards, in the editing stage, where effects and music give the video its special 'feeling'. It is this feeling that makes every video totally unique.

Consequently, when choosing your videographer, Gil Avenaim suggests that you need to be aware of a number of things:

• You pay for what you get. The average video wedding should cost between $1550 to $1950... So beware of "bargain basement prices". You can also pay up to $3000 so be sure to ask what you get for the extra outlay.
• Ensure that you view a demo tape and meet with the cameraman booked for the wedding. He needs to have at least 5 years wedding experience - (you don't want someone who bought a video camera last week, nor do you need an experienced television studio cameraman who knows nothing about weddings).
• Also make sure he uses professional 3CCD digital cameras that do not require bright lights. Digital technology is becoming the norm now. This format will ensure crystal clear quality and very little loss when duplicating, however a video filmed on digital may cost you a little more than one on Super VHS... but it's worth it!
• You also need to 'click' with the cameraman i.e. make sure he has a personality that compliments yours, and that you feel at ease with him... after all, he needs to capture you looking as natural as possible and that will only happen if you feel relaxed, and his style of filming is unobtrusive.
• Choose the music that you want on the video carefully because this is what gives the video its special feeling. Tell your cameraman what style of video you want... formal, relaxed, fun etc. Give him an invitation so he knows exactly when, where and at what time.
• Make the priest and reception hall aware that you are planning to have a video and ensure that there are no restrictions. If so, make sure you tell the cameraman.
• Where possible, a parking space should be allocated for the cameraman because of the amount of equipment he carries with him, and it is also customary to arrange a meal for him during the evening.
• Finally, and probably the most important point to remember, is that you need to relax and have fun!!!

Gil Avenaim

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