AbsoluteWeddingStore.com
Is an assistant necessary? Our photographer wants to bring one.
A. We took this question to Jinsey Dauk, a professional shutterbug in New York City. Dauk's response? "My answer is yes! Some assistants just carry heavy equipment, which frees up the main photographer. The less grunt work, the more she can focus on getting the best photos. Sometimes a photographer will bring a shooting assistant instead, who can catch shots that the photographer might miss, or snap formal portraits while the photographer takes candids. As long as the photographer remains in control, assistants can be extremely valuable. After all, your photographer needs to be efficient, organized and quick."
My fiancé wears glasses. I am worried that the flash photography will reflect off them and ruin our pictures. How can I ensure beautiful pictures?
A. Wedding photography has advanced by leaps and bounds, so the reflection should not be a problem. However, it doesn't hurt to stack the deck in your favor. Have your fiancé invest in glasses with antireflective coating, and encourage your photographer to use natural light whenever possible. To be safe, have a clause added to your contract stating that reflection from the flash will be retouched free of charge. You can also just ask your fiancé to remove his glasses for some of the pictures. He won't know what he's smiling at, but hopefully the pictures will capture only his good looks and not his confusion. One last thought: Keep in mind that your fiancé will look different without his glasses. You fell in love with someone who wears glasses and it's important that your wedding pictures reflect that. (No pun intended!)
What are fun things to do with our proofs after we get them? My sister's are stored in a box, but I want to do something special.
A. Show 'em off! Proofs or originals should be given to you in an organized manner in an album, says New York City photographer Jinsey Dauk. They should be in chronological order, separated by black-and-whites and color shots (if you're having both) and protected by acid-free plastic sleeves within the books. You can turn your favorites into a collage. Laminate them and make coasters! Or follow the lead of one of Dauk's ambitious clients who's covering an entire wall of her house with photos from her wedding.
I don't want to spend my entire reception posing for pictures. How can I speed up the photographer so I can eat, drink and be merry?
A. Be prepared to cast superstition aside and take the bulk of your pictures with your groom, his family, your family and your attendants before the ceremony. Although it makes for an even longer day, snapping photos of your wedding party a couple hours before the ceremony will guarantee you more fun-time later. If you and your fiancé don't want to sneak a peek at each other prior to the "I do's," prepare a list of each formal photo you want taken after the ceremony. Designate one list-keeper and have her organize groups of people so they're photo-ready as soon as the previous group is finished. You can also build in extra time—no more than two hours—before the reception starts. One more solution: Hire a photographer who specializes in candids. Just make sure someone points out the family VIPs to him.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
How to Get Photography & Videography You Want
AbsoluteWeddingStore.com
Book 'em fast
Hire your photographer as soon as you've decided on your ceremony and reception site. Popular ones are booked up to a year in advance.
Plan, research, and share ideas
Turn to bridal magazines and visit Brides.com to find styles of photography that you like. Get recommendations from friends and brides in your area or chat with fellow brides in our message boards.
Learn what videographers are doing now
Choose from a variety of videography options including a documentary-style video of your wedding story—from engagement to honeymoon. Videographers can also create a "How We Met" montage by pulling together old photographs and interviews with the engaged couple and family and friends. Couples are opting to create "Save the Date" video invitations, alerting guests to the upcoming nuptials while providing a preview of what’s to come. Live webcasting now lets couples "broadcast" their special day online so those who could not attend the wedding get to participate in the festivities, virtually.
Interview time
Once you've gotten referrals, narrow your list to three photographers and meet with each one in person. Ask to see his or her portfolio. If your request is denied, move on—that's a red flag.
Studio service
If you are working with a studio, look at the work of several of their freelancers. Voice your preferences about who you want to work with, and move on if the photographer you're interviewing resists.
Expert portfolio
Make sure the photographer has experience shooting the style you're after. Bring examples of styles you like. He or she should also have shot in the conditions in which you'll be marrying, like beach ceremonies or dimly lit receptions.
Check references
If you don't know someone who has worked with the photographer before, ask for references. If your request is denied, move on—that's another red flag.
Bedside manners
Choose someone that you're comfortable with; the last thing that any bride wants on her wedding day is a photographer who yells at the wedding party or makes crude jokes.
Book 'em fast
Hire your photographer as soon as you've decided on your ceremony and reception site. Popular ones are booked up to a year in advance.
Plan, research, and share ideas
Turn to bridal magazines and visit Brides.com to find styles of photography that you like. Get recommendations from friends and brides in your area or chat with fellow brides in our message boards.
Learn what videographers are doing now
Choose from a variety of videography options including a documentary-style video of your wedding story—from engagement to honeymoon. Videographers can also create a "How We Met" montage by pulling together old photographs and interviews with the engaged couple and family and friends. Couples are opting to create "Save the Date" video invitations, alerting guests to the upcoming nuptials while providing a preview of what’s to come. Live webcasting now lets couples "broadcast" their special day online so those who could not attend the wedding get to participate in the festivities, virtually.
Interview time
Once you've gotten referrals, narrow your list to three photographers and meet with each one in person. Ask to see his or her portfolio. If your request is denied, move on—that's a red flag.
Studio service
If you are working with a studio, look at the work of several of their freelancers. Voice your preferences about who you want to work with, and move on if the photographer you're interviewing resists.
Expert portfolio
Make sure the photographer has experience shooting the style you're after. Bring examples of styles you like. He or she should also have shot in the conditions in which you'll be marrying, like beach ceremonies or dimly lit receptions.
Check references
If you don't know someone who has worked with the photographer before, ask for references. If your request is denied, move on—that's another red flag.
Bedside manners
Choose someone that you're comfortable with; the last thing that any bride wants on her wedding day is a photographer who yells at the wedding party or makes crude jokes.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Perfect Wedding Portraits
Absolute Wedding Store
All my life, I've never been able to take a decent photograph. Either my eyes were closed, my smile too broad, my nose too crinkled, my skin too pale. You can imagine my anxiety, then, at the thought of all those portraits I'd have to sit for on my wedding day.
So I started asking around for advice: I talked to photographers, makeup artists, past brides. And while none of them could offer me that one magic, picture-perfect tip I was looking for, all their suggestions put together helped make me a beautiful, camera-ready bride—and I've got the pictures to prove it!
Here, their helpful hints. Start smiling—you too can be pretty as a picture.
Makeup Matters
When it comes to wedding-day makeup, the key phrase is less is more. Shocking, right? Well, the idea is to enhance your looks with a little powder and paint, leaving your own natural beauty uncovered. So if you don't wear a lot of cosmetics normally, don't use your wedding day as your time to experiment. You just won't feel like yourself. And if you're shooting outdoors in natural light, everything will look amplified in your prints.
Of course, eschewing makeup altogether will result in a weak, washed out appearance. If you're not working with a pro, makeup artist Jane DiPersio offers these tips:
Try mixing your foundation with moisturizer for the sheerest, most natural coverage.
Add just enough concealer to even out spots and redness.
Make sure to blend the products everywhere.
Then add powder to avoid shine. Dust on a yellow- or honey-tone product, not a translucent one. Many women wrongly assume that translucent powder is invisible, but it can actually drain the color from your face and look masklike in flash prints. You should also steer clear of powders with glittery or pearlized finishes—a matte finish will stay put longer and photograph better, since it won't interfere with the camera's flash.
Color Me Gorgeous
If you're taking black-and-white photos, the key is definition.
Take extra care when lining your eyes and lips.
Be sure to apply your blush evenly. Select a shade that's close to your natural skin color—the camera will exaggerate bright tones.
Keep in mind that dark shades of lipstick and liner tend to look even darker in black-and-white shots— go a few hues lighter than you might usually go.
Ease up on the mascara as well, because too much can make the eyes look smaller and cast shadows over cheeks.
Grin and Bear It
Beyond makeup, photophobic brides may also want to practice smiling to increase comfort level in front of the lens come picture time. Bearing your pearly whites will definitely up the odds of taking a good shot. Besides, the act of smiling itself can have somewhat of a soothing effect on a jittery bride.
Try to change expressions to avoid looking stiff and posed. Tilt your head. Move your face. And to avoid the appearance of dark circles, remember to keep your chin up; to make a large nose appear small and perky, lift your face slightly. And try to cut down on the chatter during your portrait sessions—moving lips make for funny expressions on film.
Strike a Pose
You should also practice sitting in front of your mirror and positioning yourself so that you'll look natural and poised. Try pulling your legs and feet to one side to lengthen and narrow your lines. Then take a deep breath and relax your hands, placing one on top of the other.
Every once in a while, remember to shake yourself out to loosen up. If you're nervous, your facial muscles will tighten and you won't look yourself. Close your eyes between portraits and take a deep breath before opening them again to ease anxiety. And try not to stare too deeply into the camera—you want your focus to be soft, not intense.
Stand and Deliver
When taking standing photos, the right posture will improve your photo finish. Play around in front of the mirror beforehand to find your best side. Determine which way your hair will fall, and on which side your groom will stand.
Be aware of your body type. If you're full-figured, practice posing a three-quarter stance. Create an elongated look by thrusting your shoulders back and extending one foot forward or crossing it over the other. Angle one hip toward the camera for a narrower silhouette, then stand tall and proud.
As for candid shots, forget about posing. The point of these wedding pictures is to capture the emotion of the moment. Remember: The more natural you act, the more beautiful and real you'll look.
All my life, I've never been able to take a decent photograph. Either my eyes were closed, my smile too broad, my nose too crinkled, my skin too pale. You can imagine my anxiety, then, at the thought of all those portraits I'd have to sit for on my wedding day.
So I started asking around for advice: I talked to photographers, makeup artists, past brides. And while none of them could offer me that one magic, picture-perfect tip I was looking for, all their suggestions put together helped make me a beautiful, camera-ready bride—and I've got the pictures to prove it!
Here, their helpful hints. Start smiling—you too can be pretty as a picture.
Makeup Matters
When it comes to wedding-day makeup, the key phrase is less is more. Shocking, right? Well, the idea is to enhance your looks with a little powder and paint, leaving your own natural beauty uncovered. So if you don't wear a lot of cosmetics normally, don't use your wedding day as your time to experiment. You just won't feel like yourself. And if you're shooting outdoors in natural light, everything will look amplified in your prints.
Of course, eschewing makeup altogether will result in a weak, washed out appearance. If you're not working with a pro, makeup artist Jane DiPersio offers these tips:
Try mixing your foundation with moisturizer for the sheerest, most natural coverage.
Add just enough concealer to even out spots and redness.
Make sure to blend the products everywhere.
Then add powder to avoid shine. Dust on a yellow- or honey-tone product, not a translucent one. Many women wrongly assume that translucent powder is invisible, but it can actually drain the color from your face and look masklike in flash prints. You should also steer clear of powders with glittery or pearlized finishes—a matte finish will stay put longer and photograph better, since it won't interfere with the camera's flash.
Color Me Gorgeous
If you're taking black-and-white photos, the key is definition.
Take extra care when lining your eyes and lips.
Be sure to apply your blush evenly. Select a shade that's close to your natural skin color—the camera will exaggerate bright tones.
Keep in mind that dark shades of lipstick and liner tend to look even darker in black-and-white shots— go a few hues lighter than you might usually go.
Ease up on the mascara as well, because too much can make the eyes look smaller and cast shadows over cheeks.
Grin and Bear It
Beyond makeup, photophobic brides may also want to practice smiling to increase comfort level in front of the lens come picture time. Bearing your pearly whites will definitely up the odds of taking a good shot. Besides, the act of smiling itself can have somewhat of a soothing effect on a jittery bride.
Try to change expressions to avoid looking stiff and posed. Tilt your head. Move your face. And to avoid the appearance of dark circles, remember to keep your chin up; to make a large nose appear small and perky, lift your face slightly. And try to cut down on the chatter during your portrait sessions—moving lips make for funny expressions on film.
Strike a Pose
You should also practice sitting in front of your mirror and positioning yourself so that you'll look natural and poised. Try pulling your legs and feet to one side to lengthen and narrow your lines. Then take a deep breath and relax your hands, placing one on top of the other.
Every once in a while, remember to shake yourself out to loosen up. If you're nervous, your facial muscles will tighten and you won't look yourself. Close your eyes between portraits and take a deep breath before opening them again to ease anxiety. And try not to stare too deeply into the camera—you want your focus to be soft, not intense.
Stand and Deliver
When taking standing photos, the right posture will improve your photo finish. Play around in front of the mirror beforehand to find your best side. Determine which way your hair will fall, and on which side your groom will stand.
Be aware of your body type. If you're full-figured, practice posing a three-quarter stance. Create an elongated look by thrusting your shoulders back and extending one foot forward or crossing it over the other. Angle one hip toward the camera for a narrower silhouette, then stand tall and proud.
As for candid shots, forget about posing. The point of these wedding pictures is to capture the emotion of the moment. Remember: The more natural you act, the more beautiful and real you'll look.
Wedding Photo Play
AbsoluteWeddingStore.com
Beyond the basic wedding album—ideas that'll make your photos live :
Enlarge a Special Detail
A slice of the wedding that's blown up to larger-than-life-size can dress up a wall like a piece of art. (Depending on the photo quality, try 11" x 14" or larger.) What to choose: a portrait of your bouquet, candles on a table, your bridal shoes. Black-and-white is especially effective. Take the print to a pro to be matted and framed (white and black are always safe bets). Hang in a niche or over a bureau.
Publish the Story of You
Imagine your wedding as a coffee-table book. Design teams at custom publishers will lay out your shots and vary the pacing (pages of the wedding party followed by a spread of the wedding site), then bind them into a sleek hardcover book. If your photographer doesn't offer the service, contact a manufacturer like GraphiStudio (graphistudio.com).
Create Some Shelf Life
Photo display ledges and rails, available at stores like Absolute Wedding Store (AbsoluteWeddingStore.com), let you create a mini gallery. For a unified look, select all black-and-white prints, or use identical frames to give any group visual cohesion. Don't limit yourself to wedding photos; shots from your honeymoon lend interest. A framed invitation adds charm. Perfect display spots: a hallway, family room, or powder room.
Think Inside the Box
As an album alternative, have a dozen of your favorite wedding photos enlarged and matted, then place them in an archival storage box, a gallery box, or a colorful transparent photo box. When you're not browsing through them, the stacked containers make a statement all on their own.
Invest in Archival Effects
If you do go the album route (and, frankly, it is the easiest and most popular way to store photos), a chic alternative to the standard white-padded bridal tome is John Porter's Everyday Archives system (johnportereverydayarchives.com), a collection of museum-quality books you can custom-organize. And the price ($3.99 to $39.99) is right.
If Your Videographer Doesn't Show…
You can still have a DVD of the wedding, thanks to companies that transfer your prints and digital pictures to a video disc. Costs range from $29.95 for a bare-bones package from NuMedia Memories (numediamemories.com) to $500 for a show including 300 images and background music from Digital Memories (digitalmemoriesonline.net). A new digital picture frame retrieves photos from your computer and displays them slide-show-style on its 19-inch screen; the PV1910 costs $1,200 from photovu.com.
With a flatbed scanner and slide-show software, you can do the work yourself. There's a lot of software to choose from; to simplify matters, Canon includes DVD PictureShow 2 SE Basic (a digital photo slide-show program), with its CanoScan 3200F scanner, for about $100 (usa.canon.com).
Beyond the basic wedding album—ideas that'll make your photos live :
Enlarge a Special Detail
A slice of the wedding that's blown up to larger-than-life-size can dress up a wall like a piece of art. (Depending on the photo quality, try 11" x 14" or larger.) What to choose: a portrait of your bouquet, candles on a table, your bridal shoes. Black-and-white is especially effective. Take the print to a pro to be matted and framed (white and black are always safe bets). Hang in a niche or over a bureau.
Publish the Story of You
Imagine your wedding as a coffee-table book. Design teams at custom publishers will lay out your shots and vary the pacing (pages of the wedding party followed by a spread of the wedding site), then bind them into a sleek hardcover book. If your photographer doesn't offer the service, contact a manufacturer like GraphiStudio (graphistudio.com).
Create Some Shelf Life
Photo display ledges and rails, available at stores like Absolute Wedding Store (AbsoluteWeddingStore.com), let you create a mini gallery. For a unified look, select all black-and-white prints, or use identical frames to give any group visual cohesion. Don't limit yourself to wedding photos; shots from your honeymoon lend interest. A framed invitation adds charm. Perfect display spots: a hallway, family room, or powder room.
Think Inside the Box
As an album alternative, have a dozen of your favorite wedding photos enlarged and matted, then place them in an archival storage box, a gallery box, or a colorful transparent photo box. When you're not browsing through them, the stacked containers make a statement all on their own.
Invest in Archival Effects
If you do go the album route (and, frankly, it is the easiest and most popular way to store photos), a chic alternative to the standard white-padded bridal tome is John Porter's Everyday Archives system (johnportereverydayarchives.com), a collection of museum-quality books you can custom-organize. And the price ($3.99 to $39.99) is right.
If Your Videographer Doesn't Show…
You can still have a DVD of the wedding, thanks to companies that transfer your prints and digital pictures to a video disc. Costs range from $29.95 for a bare-bones package from NuMedia Memories (numediamemories.com) to $500 for a show including 300 images and background music from Digital Memories (digitalmemoriesonline.net). A new digital picture frame retrieves photos from your computer and displays them slide-show-style on its 19-inch screen; the PV1910 costs $1,200 from photovu.com.
With a flatbed scanner and slide-show software, you can do the work yourself. There's a lot of software to choose from; to simplify matters, Canon includes DVD PictureShow 2 SE Basic (a digital photo slide-show program), with its CanoScan 3200F scanner, for about $100 (usa.canon.com).
Lights, Camera, Video
AbsoluteWeddingStore.com
Want an Oscar-worthy wedding video? Just follow these steps:
Before they hit the big screen, all movies go through a certain process: the budgeting, the crew-hiring, the equipment selection, the shooting, the editing. The same holds true for your wedding video. Though it's not a Hollywood blockbuster, your big-day film will undoubtedly make it onto your own personal top-ten list. So make sure it's created with the same attention to detail as a multiplex masterpiece.
Couples are often tempted to enlist a friend or relative with a camcorder to tape their wedding. While an amateur video is better than no video at all, it's usually way below the quality that a professional can deliver. "Just because someone has a kitchen doesn't mean they can bake a wedding cake," Rudy Childs, president of the Professional Videographers Association of Greater Washington, D.C. (PVA), points out. If you'd like a professional-looking video, you're going to have to go with a pro.
Act One: the Search
To find a videographer, start by asking friends and family for recommendations. You can also contact a professional videographers' organization, such as a local PVA (check the list of locales at videographer.com/local_PVAs.htm) or the Wedding and Event Videographers Association International (online at weva.com). And don't forget to search Brides.com's Local Services section.
After you've identified a few candidates, meet with them in person so you can see examples of their work. Roy Chapman, chair of WEVA International, recommends that you take a look at a full-length wedding video in addition to demo tapes. "Trust your eyes and your ears" when selecting a videographer, Chapman advises. "If you don't like the look or the sound of a video you're being shown, or if you are bored watching it, that's not the fault of the wedding. It's up to the videographer to produce a high-quality video that's entertaining to watch."
Act Two: the Selection
Make sure you ask questions about the videographer's professional background (such as the number of weddings they've shot and any special training they've received). According to Kit Slitor, founder of the PVA, the most important thing to look for when choosing a videographer is experience: "A seasoned professional will be technically and artistically proficient. He will know how to gather the right footage, how to properly frame and focus shots, how to discreetly and properly light a scene and take care of audio considerations."
Since videographic technology is changing quickly, find out if the person is up to speed with the latest equipment and techniques. "The best format to tape with today is digital video," Slitor says. Videos recorded digitally can be transferred to a VHS tape or to a DVD, an increasingly popular option. DVDs make it much easier to edit the video, meaning your pro can, according to Chapman, "manipulate images, rearrange scenes, add tasteful special effects, change colors or backgrounds, and improve picture quality."
Chapman suggests that you also ask how many cameras the videographer will use. "This comes down to budget, but it's really preferable to have at least two cameras; you're limited with one." (Chapman also recommends checking with your clergy member to be sure that at least one camera will be allowed up front in the altar area.) Also, find out how the videographer records sound. A new audio advancement is tiny, wireless microphones that "can be clipped to a lapel and that are almost invisible. This lets you have nice, clear, uninterrupted sound."
Learn what type of editing the videographer uses. Chapman explains: "Some videographers use in-camera editing (which is basically just the footage as it was shot, with little or no editing afterward), which is the least costly but most limited method of editing. Others may spend up to 20 hours editing your video and making it television-quality."
When it comes to video style, you've got a range of options. The "love story production" or the "relationship segment" is increasingly popular. "These videos are the story behind the story, how the couple came together. It's important family history," Chapman says. "Sometimes these segments are produced in the relaxed style of A&E's Biography or a high-energy TV special. The videographer might take the couple to some of their favorite spots, interview them about their relationship, or get reactions from friends and family. On the wedding video, the love story segment usually appears as a prelude to the actual ceremony." Another emerging trend is videos shot in an MTV, music-video style.
How to make a good style match? "Tell the videographer what your television viewing preferences are," Chapman advises.
Finally, if you're dealing with a videography studio, be sure to indicate in your contract the specific person you want to shoot your wedding. Often, studios will employ more than one videographer, and it's important to make it clear which one you want to work with.
Act Three: the Wedding Day
You can make the videographer's experience a little easier by supplying a schedule of the day's events. Be sure to introduce the videographer to the key players in your wedding—for example, your parents—to ensure that these VIPs are featured appropriately. You might want to pay extra to have the videographer shoot the rehearsal dinner. This will familiarize him or her with your ceremony and allow for prenuptial mingling with the important folks.
And remember: Your videographer needs to eat! Supply a meal—and if there are assistants, feed them too.
Post-Production: the Final Cut
Some wedding videos take months to complete, so when you sign your contract, make sure you get an idea of when you can expect to see the finished product. And find out exactly what you'll get: Discuss with your videographer whether you will receive just an edited copy of the wedding video, or if you will also receive the raw footage, i.e., all the material that was shot over the course of the day. Some videographers include the raw footage, some don't. If you have a preference, hire accordingly.
Once your video's in, make a party of it: Invite over the video's stars, whip up some popcorn, and wait for the applause for your big film debut.
Want an Oscar-worthy wedding video? Just follow these steps:
Before they hit the big screen, all movies go through a certain process: the budgeting, the crew-hiring, the equipment selection, the shooting, the editing. The same holds true for your wedding video. Though it's not a Hollywood blockbuster, your big-day film will undoubtedly make it onto your own personal top-ten list. So make sure it's created with the same attention to detail as a multiplex masterpiece.
Couples are often tempted to enlist a friend or relative with a camcorder to tape their wedding. While an amateur video is better than no video at all, it's usually way below the quality that a professional can deliver. "Just because someone has a kitchen doesn't mean they can bake a wedding cake," Rudy Childs, president of the Professional Videographers Association of Greater Washington, D.C. (PVA), points out. If you'd like a professional-looking video, you're going to have to go with a pro.
Act One: the Search
To find a videographer, start by asking friends and family for recommendations. You can also contact a professional videographers' organization, such as a local PVA (check the list of locales at videographer.com/local_PVAs.htm) or the Wedding and Event Videographers Association International (online at weva.com). And don't forget to search Brides.com's Local Services section.
After you've identified a few candidates, meet with them in person so you can see examples of their work. Roy Chapman, chair of WEVA International, recommends that you take a look at a full-length wedding video in addition to demo tapes. "Trust your eyes and your ears" when selecting a videographer, Chapman advises. "If you don't like the look or the sound of a video you're being shown, or if you are bored watching it, that's not the fault of the wedding. It's up to the videographer to produce a high-quality video that's entertaining to watch."
Act Two: the Selection
Make sure you ask questions about the videographer's professional background (such as the number of weddings they've shot and any special training they've received). According to Kit Slitor, founder of the PVA, the most important thing to look for when choosing a videographer is experience: "A seasoned professional will be technically and artistically proficient. He will know how to gather the right footage, how to properly frame and focus shots, how to discreetly and properly light a scene and take care of audio considerations."
Since videographic technology is changing quickly, find out if the person is up to speed with the latest equipment and techniques. "The best format to tape with today is digital video," Slitor says. Videos recorded digitally can be transferred to a VHS tape or to a DVD, an increasingly popular option. DVDs make it much easier to edit the video, meaning your pro can, according to Chapman, "manipulate images, rearrange scenes, add tasteful special effects, change colors or backgrounds, and improve picture quality."
Chapman suggests that you also ask how many cameras the videographer will use. "This comes down to budget, but it's really preferable to have at least two cameras; you're limited with one." (Chapman also recommends checking with your clergy member to be sure that at least one camera will be allowed up front in the altar area.) Also, find out how the videographer records sound. A new audio advancement is tiny, wireless microphones that "can be clipped to a lapel and that are almost invisible. This lets you have nice, clear, uninterrupted sound."
Learn what type of editing the videographer uses. Chapman explains: "Some videographers use in-camera editing (which is basically just the footage as it was shot, with little or no editing afterward), which is the least costly but most limited method of editing. Others may spend up to 20 hours editing your video and making it television-quality."
When it comes to video style, you've got a range of options. The "love story production" or the "relationship segment" is increasingly popular. "These videos are the story behind the story, how the couple came together. It's important family history," Chapman says. "Sometimes these segments are produced in the relaxed style of A&E's Biography or a high-energy TV special. The videographer might take the couple to some of their favorite spots, interview them about their relationship, or get reactions from friends and family. On the wedding video, the love story segment usually appears as a prelude to the actual ceremony." Another emerging trend is videos shot in an MTV, music-video style.
How to make a good style match? "Tell the videographer what your television viewing preferences are," Chapman advises.
Finally, if you're dealing with a videography studio, be sure to indicate in your contract the specific person you want to shoot your wedding. Often, studios will employ more than one videographer, and it's important to make it clear which one you want to work with.
Act Three: the Wedding Day
You can make the videographer's experience a little easier by supplying a schedule of the day's events. Be sure to introduce the videographer to the key players in your wedding—for example, your parents—to ensure that these VIPs are featured appropriately. You might want to pay extra to have the videographer shoot the rehearsal dinner. This will familiarize him or her with your ceremony and allow for prenuptial mingling with the important folks.
And remember: Your videographer needs to eat! Supply a meal—and if there are assistants, feed them too.
Post-Production: the Final Cut
Some wedding videos take months to complete, so when you sign your contract, make sure you get an idea of when you can expect to see the finished product. And find out exactly what you'll get: Discuss with your videographer whether you will receive just an edited copy of the wedding video, or if you will also receive the raw footage, i.e., all the material that was shot over the course of the day. Some videographers include the raw footage, some don't. If you have a preference, hire accordingly.
Once your video's in, make a party of it: Invite over the video's stars, whip up some popcorn, and wait for the applause for your big film debut.
50 Must Take Wedding Photos
AbsoluteWeddingStore.com
Here are the bid-day moments you won't want to miss:
BEFORE THE CEREMONY
1. Bride getting ready
2. Bride with her mother
3. Bride with her father
4. Bride with her parents
5. Bride with bridesmaids and flower girl
6. Bride leaving the house
AT THE CEREMONY
7. Bride getting out of the car
8. Groom with ushers
9. Groom walking down the aisle and/or at the altar
10. Flower girl walking down the aisle
11. Ring bearer walking down the aisle
12. Bride walking down the aisle
13. Bride being given away
14. Groom meeting the bride on the aisle
15. Bride and groom at the altar
16. View of everyone at the altar during the ceremony
17. Musicians playing
18. The ring exchange
19. The candle lighting
20. The kiss
21. Bride and groom coming up the aisle
22. The receiving line
23. Bride and groom outside
24. Guests throwing flower petals, birdseed, etc.
25. Bride and groom in car
DETAIL SHOTS
26. Invitation close-up
27. Escort card table
28. Favors on table
29. Bouquet and centerpieces close-ups
BEFORE THE RECEPTION
30. Bride and groom before going inside
31. Bride and groom with her parents
32. Bride and groom with his parents
33. Bride and groom with both sets of parents
34. Bride and groom with their grandparents
35. Bride and groom with attendants
36. Couple with her family
37. Couple with his family
38. Bride and groom entering the reception
AT THE RECEPTION
39. Bride and groom’s dance
40. Bride dancing with her father
41. Groom dancing with his mother
42. Guests on the dance floor
43. Musicians playing
44. Best man’s toast
45. Bride and groom talking with guests
46. The cake table
47. Bride and groom cutting the cake
48. Throwing the bouquet
49. Catching the bouquet
50. Bride and groom waving good-bye
Here are the bid-day moments you won't want to miss:
BEFORE THE CEREMONY
1. Bride getting ready
2. Bride with her mother
3. Bride with her father
4. Bride with her parents
5. Bride with bridesmaids and flower girl
6. Bride leaving the house
AT THE CEREMONY
7. Bride getting out of the car
8. Groom with ushers
9. Groom walking down the aisle and/or at the altar
10. Flower girl walking down the aisle
11. Ring bearer walking down the aisle
12. Bride walking down the aisle
13. Bride being given away
14. Groom meeting the bride on the aisle
15. Bride and groom at the altar
16. View of everyone at the altar during the ceremony
17. Musicians playing
18. The ring exchange
19. The candle lighting
20. The kiss
21. Bride and groom coming up the aisle
22. The receiving line
23. Bride and groom outside
24. Guests throwing flower petals, birdseed, etc.
25. Bride and groom in car
DETAIL SHOTS
26. Invitation close-up
27. Escort card table
28. Favors on table
29. Bouquet and centerpieces close-ups
BEFORE THE RECEPTION
30. Bride and groom before going inside
31. Bride and groom with her parents
32. Bride and groom with his parents
33. Bride and groom with both sets of parents
34. Bride and groom with their grandparents
35. Bride and groom with attendants
36. Couple with her family
37. Couple with his family
38. Bride and groom entering the reception
AT THE RECEPTION
39. Bride and groom’s dance
40. Bride dancing with her father
41. Groom dancing with his mother
42. Guests on the dance floor
43. Musicians playing
44. Best man’s toast
45. Bride and groom talking with guests
46. The cake table
47. Bride and groom cutting the cake
48. Throwing the bouquet
49. Catching the bouquet
50. Bride and groom waving good-bye
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