Archive for July, 2009
Audio Distinctions in a Wedding Video// part 1
Hey there! Before I start the post I just wanted to apologize for temporarily disappearing on you. We went on a little trip to the wilderness and were promised wi-fi. Unfortunately, it didn’t work. It was a real disappointment. Thanks for understanding! :]
OK… One of the best reasons why uncle Bob should not be your wedding videographer is audio. Your uncle’s home camera will catch any and all sounds from everywhere and while viewing it later, you will not be able to hear a distinction between your voices at the alter and the guests seated next to your uncle.
The audio that accompanies a professionally procuced video is a critical component in developing the overall quality of a wedding video. A viewer can easily ignore a slight color irregularity in the video but they will not be able to tune out the sound of an overhead ventilation or some other distractions that you cannot help.
One of the things a bride and groom should consider (but few acually ask) in audio as it applies to wedding videography is the question of microphones. Consider the typical wedding video showing the couple exchanging vows. Whenever possible, we tap into the sound mixer to capture any audio going into the public address system. This would certainly include the couple the couple as they exchange their vows. However, the microphones usually used by churches are designed for clarity in public address and will not deliver the richness of the human voice.
Red arrow points to the microphone
For this reason we place a wireless microphone on the groom and sometimes the officiant also. The wireless microphones we use are designed to capture the richness of the human voice which in turn adds new depth to the viewing experience. Even whispers can be heard as if the viewer were at the alter with the couple!
This is definately a component you cannot afford to overlook.
Stay tuned for more in part 2 of audio distinctions in a wedding video…
Igor
Jill and Kevin’s Wedding Entrance Dance
Happy Friday to you. You may or may not have seen this video yet, but I have to show you just in case you haven’t. This couple, Jill and Kevin, put a fun, new twist on walking down the aisle. I love it, even though I don’t think I would be gutsy enough to do it myself! Think of the shock that rang through the audience. They got tons of positive feedback on YouTube.
Also, Read Write Web had an interesting post on how Sony took advantage of this video instead of having it removed due to copyright issues. Kudos to Sony for being a good sport.
What do you think? Would you ever do something like this on your wedding day? Let us know…
Anna
A Wedding Video Story and a Serious Videographer
Good day everyone! I want to share an adorable little story with you. My oldest child is six years old now, and the other day he ended up watching our wedding video. I absolutely enjoyed watching the look on his face as he tried to figure out why he was not at the wedding. It was priceless! He also saw people who were much younger then, family who is no longer with us now, and got to hear all the sights and sounds of the day. I don’t think that he could have ever had the same experience through pictures alone.
If you are still unsure, please take a look at what video professionals have to offer.
Now I want to share a picture of Igor (he might kill me for this 
) with his camera/glidecam. Do you see the concentration? It’s great; I love it!
Until next time,
Anna
Julia and Garry at the Park// North Port, FL
How about a fun video today? This wedding was in North Port, FL. The whole bridal party was just hanging out at the park. It was a very hot day- hence the squinting.
Everyone was so laid back and easy going, despite the heat. Enjoy!
Signing off,
Igor
Those Who Claim to be the “Best”
Hello there. We are back and settled from a long road trip. All went well, and the wedding was beautiful…
I don’t know about you but I love being inspired. Even though we all love our jobs, once in a while we need to “renew that first love”, right? That is why I love watching awesome wedding videos, learning new techniques, moves, ideas, etc. So as I was doing this, the other day, I came across a website who claimed to be the “best” videographers ever. That made me think.
The claim could be well deserved. However, words are cheap and a well advised seeker of any type of service will need to pursue the reasoning behind such a claim. But how does one proceed to verify such?
Client testimonials are valuable tools to use in evaluating the worth of a videographer in many respects.
Consider the task of finding a dentist. Not many people would be willing to submit their dental care to one simply found in the Yellow Pages who claims to be the best. It would be more wise to seek those who have had a wide exposure to many dentists’ work and gain a referral from them.
Generally speaking, it is wise to simply ignore claims to greatness but rather look for verifiable evidence to support notoriety. Testimonials, quality of work, and the prices to match.
Here is what one satisfied customer had to say to us:
“Dear TouchDream, Thank you so much for our wedding video, it was just amazing. Our special day was captured in a way we never dreamed possible. Now we have a gift that we can look back at and remember like it was yesterday. After searching forever for the perfect videographer, we are so glad we found you. Your care in detail was seen in every shot and the music video that captures all the highlights was exquisite. We will highly recommend you to everyone we know. Thanks again, Gene and Zory”
And they did (recommend us) 
Well, that’s it for today. Have a good day, everyone!
Anna
TouchDream at Work
Hey there. It’s been a couple days now, and the team is getting ready to head on out to South Carolina…but more on that later.
We’ve been getting some questions about our equipment so I wanted to address that today. There is alot of different pieces of equipment that goes into the making of a great “film”.
Here is what we use:
- Sony Z1u DV/HDV 3CCD cameras (HD footage available)
- Wide angle 0.6x century optics lens adapter
- GlideCam 4000pro “The Name and Future of Camera Stabilization” no shaky footage
- Redrock M2 micro – 35mm adapter DOF with Nikon lens 50mm 1.4
- Jib1 crane system for outstanding and smooth high shots
- Sennheiser Shotgun mics used for those long distance or directional audio recording
- Sennheiser G2 wireless lapel mics usually hidden on grooms
Now here is a little video using some of the equipment and how it all works:
Hope you enjoyed it. Signing off,
Igor
Not All Videographers Are Created Equal
I hope that everyone had a great holiday weekend! We had a great BBQ at our house. Now it’s back to work fun…
I recently heard people talk about “Why don’t all videographers cost the same?” And I said to myself, are they kidding? Let’s open up the subject for all those that don’t understand why all videographers don’t cost the same.
Professional wedding videographers can range in price from $500 to over $5,000. Why? As long as they’re professionally trained, properly equipped and experienced, why the drastic difference?
First of all, it’s important to understand that we as videographers assign a value to our work based on time, effort, equipment, expertise and a whole lot of other factors that can vary from artist to artist, depending on their approach and demand for their product. Rather than making your decision based solely on price, this information will help you compare “apples to apples” and cut cost only where you really want to cut costs. Spend where your money will be put to good use.
Filmic vs. Documentary
The terms, “filmic” and “documentary” get thrown around a lot, and can mean different things to different people. Often times, a videographer won’t strictly belong to one category or the other. If you’re not sure where a certain videographer fits in, just ask to see a sample of a complete wedding they have shot and edited… then decide if you like it. Then, who cares what it’s called? If you like it, you like it.
Usually, a “filmic” look implies that a video has been shot widescreen or 16:9 (with the growing popularity of widescreen TVs, most videographers shoot widescreen these days anyway), with saturated colours, and some dramatic slow motion effects. It can also mean very stable moving shots created with the help of cranes or jib arms, steadicam apparatus, etc.
The advantages to going with a filmic videographer, is that you literally get a chance to star in your own professionally shot movie. You will be beautifully lit, and captured from the right angles, and only the best, most glamorous shots will make the final cut. You may never look better!
The drawback, of course, is the cost. It takes a lot of people to put a production like this together, not to mention a lot of high end equipment. And finally, there is editing time: for a truly filmic experience, several hours in an editing suite is required to synch up footage from multiple cameras, mix sound and music, create transition effects and titles, etc.
Another drawback, depending on your point of view, is it is not an ideal setup for the camera-shy. You will be surrounded by a crew, and equipment. You will likely be aware of the cameras. You may occasionally have to wait for the cameras to get in place or re-enact for the cameras if necessary.
A “documentary” approach implies that your video is shot with less bulky equipment, and you might only get one or two cameramen with this approach.
The drawback of a documentary approach is it’s going to have a grittier look than the filmic approach. How gritty? Again, this is going to vary from shooter to shooter, so ask to see a sample DVD to come to your own conclusion.
Editing vs. Raw
When it comes to videography, don’t make the common mistake of thinking you are paying for just one day of service. A lot of prep time goes into any production, and after the shoot, as much as 50 or 60 hours might go into editing and refining your footage. Or not. It depends on the production company. So ask what your videographer puts into their editing process, and expect to pay accordingly for their time and efforts.
Raw (unedited) footage is by far the cheapest option when scouting for video packages, but it is important that your expectations for this option are realistic.
Some videographers might offer light editing; a “clean-up,” if you will, where some of the rougher, darker, uneventful footage is taken out, and dissolves are put into to soften the transitions between scenes. DVD chapters might be added. Some music might be added. A light edit will cost more than no edit (obviously), but it will give you a nicer finished product that is more entertaining to watch.
Of course, if you really want to dazzle your friends and family, you might opt for a full-on edit: which includes effects, titling, colour-correction, evening out of audio levels, montages where video is edited to music, etc. This edit takes the most time and so it will cost more.
Other factors to take into consideration: are you able to screen the first cut and have input on the final product (will your editor re-cut?). Does the editor upload your video to a website so you can proof your edit and share it with friends and family? How many copies of the finished product do you get? All these perks take more time and resources, so they will add to the cost of your wedding video.
Single Camera vs. Multi Camera
Most wedding video companies will offer either one or two cameras with their packages. Some offer more than two. The more cameras you have, the more angles (close-ups, etc.) and coverage you’ll have, and the more dynamic an edited finished product you’ll end up with. Obviously, more cameras mean more people and more equipment, so higher costs.
Another thing to consider: adding a camera means adding several more hours of footage, which means even more hours in the edit suite. See how it all quickly adds up?
Well…that is a lot of information I just gave you. The bottom line is that every company has different preferences and priorities. Decide what is important to you, and budget accordingly. A wedding video is a tremendous keepsake of your special day; so choose wisely.
And I hope you now understand why NOT all videographers are created equal.
Engagement Videos
Today I want to show you a different kind of video we do. An engagement video, otherwise known as a “love story”. Sometimes this is filmed during an engagement photo shoot, but most of the time it is filmed in order to make a “love story” video. For this one we traveled to Washington state to create a unique love story for this couple. They forgot that I was even there and had a blast.
This is a great way to capture the love and emotion before all the heavy wedding planning and chaos sets in. It’s their chance to completely focus on each other. Hope you enjoyed it.
Igor
Packaging… The Cherry On Top!
Hello folks! My name is David and I’m one of the producers here at Touch Dream. Most designs and compositions are produced on my end. I’ve been in the design field for quite a bit and understand the importance of a first impression.
The packaging of the final product usually reflects the quality of the final DVD production. If the DVD label contains a white sticker and the B&G’s (Bride and Groom) names are hand written with a marker (and not to mention the spaghetti stain from dinner) then you can only assume that the quality of the outside will match the quality of the inside. Like the old saying goes, “… you cant judge a book by it’s cover…”, I must disagree in this case!
We spend a lot of time getting the right images and the overall design looking perfect to produce a spectacular finished product… a product, that once the B&G lays their eyes on it, they’ll know without a doubt that they did not make a mistake hiring us. We print on waterproof, high quality, glossy DVDs and set to a high premium setting for best quality results. All of our DVD covers are custom designed for each B&G… meaning that you will NEVER see the same ol’ design over and over again.
First impressions are important, as well as last impressions. We want to leave a good reputation with the B&G and create a relationship with them so that they could put in a good word for us for any other future clients. Even though the DVD cover is a first impression of our work… its also the last chance we get to impress them, the cherry on top, the grande finale, the legacy, the trademark, the final bang! That’s why we treat our packaging with high care because we know that this is something that will last the couple the rest of their lives together. Why not spend a little time making it perfect, and with that little time invested we’ll know that the B&G, in twenty years, will glady go back to those first impressions.
David