Videographer's Statement & Frequently Asked Questions - BARKSDALE MEDIA blog at BridesClub.com

Videopgrapher's Statement followed by Frequently Asked Questions

Dear Bride & Groom,

I have been producing wedding videos for couples and families for over 16 years in the Puget Sound. My style is natural and journalistic. I donﾒt set-up artificial situations, but rather, let events unfold in a spontaneous manner. I tailor my approach and style to your needs and preferences after consulting with you.

When choosing a video company you are choosing a specific videographer, who will arrive and perform a professional service on your wedding day. When you book your wedding with me ﾖ thatﾒs exactly what you get. I donﾒt hire your wedding out to sub-contractors. I bring years of experience and a commitment to creating a great video at an affordable price. I bring a sense of humor and a keen eye for the special moments in your day. Your marriage is a celebration of your commitment together with your family and friends. I believe your videographer should be as unobtrusive as possible during your celebration while striving to capture it's unique spirit and all its important moments.

If you would like to ask more detailed questions, inquire about available dates, or schedule a consultation, please contact me. I keep my rates economical, so I do book up early. Thanks again and best wishes on your wedding day!

Terry Barksdale

Visit my website at www.barksdalemedia.com for detailed info.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the difference between a single camera wedding and a two camera wedding?

Question:

In a two camera (or multiple camera) wedding, the videographer uses two cameras placed at different angles. The main camera is usually placed (depending on the church or facility) close to the bride and the groom. The second camera is ususally a wider shot of the bride, groom and possibly the entire bridal party. The edited video has alternating angles. For instance, the second camera often has a better shot of the recessional - the closer camera is used for tighter shots of the bride and groom. I always use two cameras, even if your package is a single camera one. That's because if someone walks in front of the camera, I'll have another shot to edit to.

Answer:

There is a wide range of prices between different videographers and even between your own packages. It's really confusing. Can you explain how videographers set their prices?

There are a series of factors that determine every videographers prices. These days digital cameras, digital editing are the norm.) Let's start with the actual wedding day and go on to the editing and finished wedding DVD.

The number of hours the videographer is present before the wedding and during the reception is reflected in the package price. For example, the least expensive option in my Packages & Prices is the Ceremony Only - usually 3 hours. The most expensive option is The Orchid - up to 8 hours.

After the wedding the finished footage can be combined in any number of options. A second camera can be added during editing to the ceremony. This camera can be stationary, or have an additonal videographer. When a second videographer is used (typically just for the ceremony), this is reflected in the total price. In my wedding packages, it is an add on to the normal package price found in the "al a carte" menu.

During editing, a Photomontage with childhood, courtship photos and stills from your courtship can be created. A Highlights video, featuring all the days key events, can also be created. These options can either be purchased separately, or are included in the wedding package.

Question:

I've been at weddings where the videographer used an on camera light during the reception. Is the bright light really necessary?

Answer:

Cameras don't need a lot of light these days to get a good image. But when there isn't enough light - the resulting video image can look grainy or brown. During your ceremony, I never use lighting of any kind. During the reception, which is often later in the day or inside a dimly lit facility, it is often necessary to use an on camera light to avoid a poor video recording.

Question:

How do you get good sound during the ceremony? Do you use wireless microphones?

Answer:

Getting good crisp sound during your vows is extremely important. There's no going back for second take. I place a wireless microphone on the groom. Because wireless microphones are prone to interference from radio stations and nearby electric circuits (which cause an audible hum), I also back-up the audio with a standard cabled microphone placed discreetly near the altar recording on a separate audio channel.

Question:

What is the difference between your company and others offering similar wedding videography?

That's a good question! Firstly, I have been creating wedding videos for over 16 years. My learning curve is way in the past. My experience is reflected in the skill I bring to recording your wedding day.

Also, videographers have different styles. This is where your personal preferences come in. Some couples like a very edited, more sentimental style, with slow motion and various special effects throughout the finished DVD. A videographer in this style may give directions to the wedding couple for poses or even create situations for interviews. My background is in documentary video production. I let the events of the day unfold in a natural and journalistic way. Unlike the still photographer, I am in the background. During the editing process I keep the effects simple (such as simple fades and dissolves as transitions) and let the days events speak for themselves

More questions? Write me at info@barksdalemedia.com