It happened again!  For some strange reason, couples sometimes say to me, “We don’t want a wedding video!”  Since it’s my pleasure to uphold the wishes of my clients, it’s ALSO my job to educate them on the modern day videographer. So here is my words of wisdom to all those out there thinking about NOT having video…..

Today’s modern videographer goes by many titles … filmmaker, storyteller, visual artist. Whatever you want to call them, they all have their own unique way of telling your story. And YOUR wedding day story is unique and must be told.  FINALLY, there is a new breed of videographer out there to fulfill the role of “artiste” in addition to what we all know and sometimes fear.  In other words, there is something for everyone and every budget.  Listen people…. VIDEOGRAPHY IS A MUST!

A videographer friend of mine gave me the perfect analogy…

“A wedding is a LIVE event, you wouldn’t go to the movies to watch a picture!”

Now wait!!!! Before all the photographers start chiming in, let me say this, photographs of your wedding are priceless, beautiful, and MUCH NEEDED (and I will write about the necesity of the Wedding Photographer in the near future), however, even the best photographer can’t capture the sound of your laugh, the emotional voice crackle during vows, and your father’s toast of how he remembers when you were still a baby in his arms and he was fearing the day you would marry.  As I did some technical research for this blog, think about this.  Video shoots 30 frames per second… Thats 30 pictures per second!  So, in one minute you have 900 photos!!! If a picture is worth a thousand words, then video is worth….. you do the math!  An experienced wedding videographer knows how to capture every raw and true moment at your wedding. These moments get pieced together to evoke an emotion. Aside from the obvious benefits of hiring an expert (i.e. professional equipment, experienced eye, dedicated shooter, editing skills) a wedding video has the magical ability to make those ethereal moments tangible all over again.

Sometimes I wonder if couples still think video is the same as it was in the 80’s?  Think about this, videography has only been around for a little over 25 years… THATS IT!   So because of it’s infancy, people remember the cheesy edited videos and the image of a video guy holding a giant camera with cords and a spotlight attached.   If that does not appeal to you, then NOW there are fantastic options, everywhere!  People may have a dozen reasons why they shouldn’t have a video but sometimes fail to remember why they should.  I make it my duty to tell clients why they need it and why it’s just as important as photography. Here’s a great tip: “If budget does not permit for videography, then perhaps it’s time to revisit the spreadsheet and cut the charger plates!”

On a personal note, I LOOOVE watching my parents’ old Super 8 films, and as much as I LOOOOVE ribbing my mom for her “high-teased” hair, I think how beautiful she was and loved watching her interact with her family… makes me want to be there. Granted, I don’t know if your children will tease you about anything they watch 20 years from now (that can be resolved with my blog on timeless fashion and style, also coming soon), but I CAN guarantee that with proper video of your event, they will get to see their parent’s love and special day and wish that they could’ve been there.

Lots of options out there too people.  Some FABULOUS options are:

1) Long Form videos: These are the traiditional videos your parents would think of when you say video.  Typically long and boring to watch, HOWEVER, you get the entire day, ceremony, and reception to watch
2) Highlight films: This is the most modern and popular form to date.  The editor takes the best clips of the day and make an emotionally charged 20-40min film that anyone can watch without getting bored.  Lots of ways to customize this, you have to talk to the videographer for more insight (i.e. raw footage, adding full ceremony as a separate chapter on dvd).  Let them know what you want!
3)Same Day Edit: This is my favorite for those of you who “don’t want video” AND with a bonus option for those who want a little something different at their wedding.  The S.D.E. basically captures the wedding day up until the first dance, all the while they are editing behind the scenes so that at a scheduled already seated time slot, they produce a screen and everyone gets to watch a 4-8minute highlight of the entire day right there and then!  Always a memorable tear jerker and show stopper!  Another option I’ve seen is to show it the next day at brunch reception (called appropriately Next Day Edit).  The bonus is that if you like, you can ask them to stay and film and work out a deal to collect the raw footage and you just got the best of both worlds!
4) Love Stories: My second favorite option for those that “don’t want video”.  It has the SAME effect and production value as the Same Day Edit (i.e. always a memorable tear jerker and show stopper, as well as the option to show at the next day brunch) but the difference is that it is typically filmed months before your wedding and it documents how you met, your whole story basically is documented with music, emotion, and some very creative and FUNNY cut aways.

There are lots more options to chose from and this is DEFINITELY one of those “you get what you pay for” industries.  There is plenty more to blog about regarding who to book, the right fit, what a contract should look like, negotiating terms, etc… but that’s my job, so hire a planner and get a wedding filmmaker!

Love, Peace, and Good Wedding Guru’ism!!

PS.  Sign of the times:  Chelsea Clinton had a wedding video!  Also, why even read what I wrote… watch this and you get the idea of the power of video. After you watch, imagine what you’d miss if this were just a still picture!