budget
Andy And Alicia Wedding Music Video// Sannibel, FL
Hey Everyone. This is been the busiest Christmas season for me, by far. I hope your Christmas is going great!
Here is our latest music video. This wedding was filmed on the island of Sannibel…right on the beach. It was absolutely gorgeus. Andy and Alicia had the picture perfect beach wedding. We wish them all the best in their journey together.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Years to all!!!
Anna
Professional Wedding Videography- Do Your Research
Any decision concerning your wedding should obviously done with careful thought. It is always wise to do your research and get advice and referrals from others. Videography is no different.
A good start would be to ask other brides/grooms. Start with the ones you know and then consider joining web forums to get more opinions. You can also ask videographers for a list of their recent brides you can contact. It is important to cosider each opinion, whether they got professional services or not.
When you talk to recent brides they will most likely overflow with information about their wedding and the services they had. Here is a list of some questions to ask recent brides:
- If you had to pick between photography or videography, which would you choose?
- Why did you choose to have professional videography?
- How did you find your videographer?
- If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently about your videography arrangements (if anything)?
- Were there any particular things you had in mind when shopping around for videography?
- What differences did you see between different videographers as you interviewed them?
- What “lessons-learned” have you come up with concerning your wedding videography?
- Do you know of any recent brides that wouldn’t mind answering these same questions?
After talking to several people, you will already start to develope a good idea of what you need to be looking for. This will give you a great start on your own search for professional wedding videography.
Igor
Wedding Videography Not In Your Budget?…Think Again!
Many people claim that wedding videography is not in their budget. For whatever reason they have ruled it off of their priority list. But it dosen’t always have to be this way. Here is something you can try…
There is a sort of people who are afraid (or embarrassed) to ask for price breaks or discounts. If you are one of those people and you have ruled videography out of your budget, to you I say this- Get over it and just ask!
Here are some reasons why videographers may just give you a price break:
- “Last Minute Deals” If your wedding is two weeks away and the videographer of your choice is not booked, there is a good chance he/she might give you a deal. Especially if they are in your local area.
- “Promotions” Sometimes companies have promotions which are not advertised on their websites. For example, when we at TouchDream go to a wedding show, often times we have a promotion of 10% off for that particular month. It’s not on our website, but it’s still there. That 10% could make a huge difference for your budget.
- “Local Deals” If you live in the same city that the videographer is stationed in, there might be a benefit to that. Some videographers honor the fact that you chose to go local instead of hiring from out of city or state.
Again, all you have to do is ask. It’s that easy. What the worst that will happen? They can say “no”. If that happens then just move on. But there is always the chance they will say “yes”.
You never know…
Anna
10 Tips for Looking Great on Camera on your Wedding Day
Happy Saturday to you. 
OK, Let’s say your your wedding day is around the corner. You want to make sure you do everything you can to look stunning on camera, right? Here are some easy to follow tips from the pros. Since it’s not really our place to advise you during your wedding, we still want you to be well prepared for the camera.
- DO Look At Each Other. Many brides and grooms can go the whole ceremony with eyes glued on the officiant. While it is courteous to look at the person who is speaking to you, don’t forget- you are marrying each other. If possible, turn your bodies to face each other. That way you can respectfully listen to your officiant, but spend most of the ceremony gazing at your soon-to-be-spouse. Trust me, you’ll be much happier with a video that shows you exchanging meaningful looks with your partner rather than your officiant.
- DON’T Chew Gum. Nothing ruins an otherwise beautiful video faster than a bridal party full of gum chewers. Picture this: A row of impeccably dressed bridesmaids or groomsmen, softy and earnestly chomping through your wedding ceremony. Or worse yet, a beautiful bride and dashing groom gnashing through their vows. While a skilled videographer will edit unflattering moments out of your video, a pack of gum just means less footage to choose from. If you have to- use mints or breath strips. Just make sure your wedding is a gum free zone!
- DO Stay Sober. Yes, you’re nervous. Yes, you’re celebrating. And yes, you are likely to say or do something less than elegant on camera. If you insist on taking a few sips- keep the indulgence to a minimum. You’ve hired a videographer to capture every spontaneous moment, make sure they see you at your best.
- DON’T Chat With Bridemaids/Groomsmen On Stage. This may seem common sense, but you may be surprised at how much of this we see. It looks childish- take our word for it.
- DON”T Slouch. Don’t even think about slouching. If you think this may be a problem for you, work out some sort of silent code with your maid of honor so she can help you stay slouch-free.
- DON’T Be Left In The Dark. Here is how it looks in your imagination: You and your groom holding hands as you say your vows in the twilight, the sun a small speck on the horizon. Here is how it looks on video: A white dress floats alone in a sea of darkness. I know it’s harsh, but a camera needs light- so if you want to capture an outdoor ceremony on video, make sure it takes place while the sun is still shining or else illuminated by plenty of extra lighting. As you finalize details with your videographer, be candid about what the wedding environment will be like and listen to their lighting recommendations.
- DO Remember That You’re On Camera At All Times. Another one that seems common sense, but sometimes a bride forgets about the camera and the videographer captures a very unhappy, angry or inappropriate scene. Keep it in the back of your mind at all times. This is not to say that you need be some sort of a doll- always smiling, but so you don’t get embarrassed watching yourself later on camera. Again, trust us- it’s for the best.
- DON’T Get Too Lazy And Tired For Pics/Video. Being beautiful is hard work. Hard work is tiring, we know this. But no matter how tired you are- you already paid your photographer and videographer, so don’t get lazy for the camera! If you get careless, you will seriously regret doing so.
- DO Make Sure Your Dress Dosen’t Offer Sneak Peaks. I might of mentioned this one before, but it’s pretty important. Why would you want to watch (not to mention show others) an embarrassing wedding video of yourself? Just avoid it altogether and make sure your dress is well fit. Practice sitting, walking, dancing, bending over and hugging in it.
- DO Mic Your Soloists And Readers. Your BFF is thrilled to be singing at your wedding and your brother has been practicing your favorite poem for weeks. They both have strong, clear voices, so there is no need for a microphone, right? Wrong. By using a mic, not only will your guests better enjoy the poems and songs, but your video will clearly record it. Without one, everything seems extremely distant or are lost completely- especially outdoors.
I hope these have helped you see things from our point of view and maybe even helped you see things a little differently about your video.
Maybe you have something to add to the list for other brides reading this. Go ahead and leave a comment with your tip for others.
Thanks for stopping by, 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
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
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.