advice
Vendor Hunting: Communication is Key
Hello there. Today, I want to share an essential tip about looking for vendors. If you are on the hunt for a videographer, photographer, wedding consultant or any other vendor that does a lot of their communication via email or phone- I urge you to test them. That’s right. Communication is the key so go ahead- email them, call them.
Then, ask yourself:
- “Were they easy to contact?”
- “How long did it take for them to respond to my email/phone call?”
- “Did they hesitate in letting me contact their previous clients?”
Liene Stevens in her Lessons Learned post said, “Take people at their actions, not at their word. Hopefully the two will align; often they do not.” She is absolutely right! Whether you have one question or many, you have every right to be choosy- so don’t be afraid. A lot of times the vendors’ communication reflect their priorities. I don’t know about you but I wouldn’t want a team of videographers that I can’t get in touch with in a reasonable time frame.
I, personally, have my own goals about communicating with my clients. I give myself one business day to respond to any email or a phone call. Dosen’t matter- urgent or not. If you have any questions or inquiries for us you can contact TouchDream or email me directly at anna@touchdream.com (Test Me) 
Anna
Vendor Spotlight- Elegant Union Photography
In case you ever wondered who takes alot of the awesome pictures you see on our blog, I want to introduce to you- Elegant Union Photography.
We have worked very closely with Elegant Union for years now and have developed not only a great business relationship, but also a great friendship! They are a great team of artists who don’t settle for “good” pictures and make your satisfaction a top priority. If you are looking for photographers with style, passion, and personality to match- look no further, we have found your answer!
Here are a few pictures of the awesome work that Elegant Union presents. My favorite is the third one. It looks like the perfect destination wedding. (And don’t you just love the feel of the atmosphere in the second one?)
For a full portfolio of work and more information go to www.elegantunion.com. You won’t regret it!
More later, Anna
Audio Distinctions in a Wedding Video// part 2
There are truly awesome audio systems out there, but even the best modern technology cannot compare to the human audio system.
When enjoying nature on a hike through a wildlife setting we can hear birds chirping, water gently trinkling in a creek and so many other sounds of nature. We feel comforted by those sounds as we enjoy our hike. However, try to capture the same experience to video and you are in for a rude awakening.
When you play back what you have captured in nature, it is almost certain that in some spots of the video you will hear disturbing overhead aircraft sounds. Then you wonder to yourself,”Those airplanes were not there when I captured the video; how did they get in?” The answer is that the airplanes were indeed there the whole time, but you did not notice them. Your brain is so amazing that it masked out those noises to allow you to enjoy the nature sounds. The technology does not exist to do the same for your video, however…
In the edit room we can stimulate the audio masking out or at least reduce some isolated sounds until they become insignificant. In some cases we can even remove them completely. Technology allows us to do radical things to the audio track of video, but none can still compare to the brain.
It makes me appreciate all the more what an amazing creation we are!
Igor
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
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
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.
Setting the Big Date- Take Advantage of the Holidays
Hello guys and gals. It’s a really wet day today here in North Port, FL. That cancels all of my beach plans for today. 
Alrighty, let’s say that you just got engaged. Now it’s time to set the big date. Maybe you’ve been engaged for a while already but you don’t have a date set yet. I’m going to share some ideas today that might help you decide.
One thing you can do is get in touch with your favorite wedding videographers and find out which days they still have available. Then set your date according to that. Ok, that was a good idea, but in all seriousness,what about the upcoming holidays? The holiday season may seem like a bad time to plan your wedding because of your ever-growing list of things to do around that time of year. But it might be quite the opposite.
1. First of all, more of your family is likely to attend. People have already asked for time off from work and chances are you were going to spend time with them anyway.
2. Another great reason is decorations. It’s a beautiful time of the year- festive lights (which you would pay alot more for during any other season), romantic colors, lovely music, etc. Your budget could be drastically reduced by using the decorations that are already in place.
3. Fancy gowns and cocktail dresses are plentiful, which makes it easier to find great bridesmaids dresses.
4. Speaking from a videographer’s viewpoint, the holidays always provide such breathtaking scenery-the Christmas lights really make a statement. People are always happy and smiling.
5. And of course, people are always looking for an excuse to meet up with friends they haven’t seen for a while and/or deviate from their diets.
There are of course other reasons but these stand out as most important. And don’t forget that alot of reception facilities offer discounts for off-nights. Saturdays are always most expensive. Consider Friday or Sunday.
I think it’s overall a great time of the year. Think about it; it may be right for you.
New to Blogging, but not to Videography
Hello, Hello. My name is Igor. I am and always have been part of the Touch Dream team. I am a little new to blogging, but I’ve been doing video for years. Here is a bit about myself: I am married to a beautiful woman named Anna and have 3 awesome boys. I practically live in paradise; ok, Florida. What else could a guy ask for? I am blessed.
I love my job, but I’ll let you all in on a little secret: I never really planned on being a wedding videographer. I always thought that wedding videos are kind of corny. Besides that, I never really thought about them much because they just weren’t important to me. Anna and I got married really young and our wedding budget was small very small, so we had a family friend videotape the wedding. That should be enough said…
A few years later, I had an opportunity to film a couple weddings with some great videographers. I took it. I fell in love with the art of wedding videography. I began to love the rush of a wedding. No 2nd takes, no do overs. Always doing my best to get that killer creative shot, or that unexpected moment…
You see, the difference in the “videotaping” Anna and I had done at our wedding (my son could have probably done a better job) and the videos we do is that we hope they aren’t merely a documentary or a “video recording”. We hope it will be something you will enjoy watching over and over again. Year after year.
I think I’m going to get the hang of this “blogging” thing soon, too. I’ll be back.
Not just any ‘ol tune…
Let’s talk about music . I absolutely enjoy listening to GOOD music. Part of my job at Touch Dream is to research music. I look for creative and emotions tunes; music that would make you immediately think of your wedding video anytime you hear it.
When we produce our music videos, we hope to evoke emotion and excitement, much like a movie does. It would be impossible to do this without a love for music. We are trying to stay away from the typical. We are currrently trying to put together a list of our recommended song/music choices for our couples to choose from, if they choose to do so. That with the addition of each couples’ personal preference is how each video comes out unique and personal.
If you are a bride or groom on the search for the perfect song/music choice, then I want to recommend something that might help. There is an online radio whose mission is “to only play music you’ll love”. You can find artist, songs and create unique music stations just for you. If you hear something you like, write it down then talk with your videographer. What’s the best part? It’s FREE, of course. It’s called Pandora. I would encourage you to check it out. It’s truly great.