"It's too cold!"

"It's too cold to shop for a wedding videographer."

As a full-time video editor, I can work from home; and I appreciate not having to leave a nice warm house during the winter months. This time of year, I don't blame anyone who hesitates before battling through the slush, ice and traffic to go vendor shopping.

If you're considering hiring a wedding videographer, I highly recommend seeing an ENTIRE wedding video they shot and edited start to finish, not just highlights set to music.

If you're wondering what could make the hunt a little easier, I've got some advice: ask if you can see an entire wedding online, in the comfort of your own home in front of your computer. The video quality won't be as good as it will be on DVD, but at least you can get a good idea of the editing style, the coverage, the audio levels, the camera-work, etc. Then, if you're impressed, you can make the trek out to meet the vendor in person. At least then you'll know the trip is worth your while.

For anyone who is interested in seeing a complete wedding online, I can send you links by email: just send me a PM, email or call and let me know what type of wedding you're having (indoor, outdoor, church, banquet hall, what culture(s) etc.) so I can send you something that is relevant to you.

You'll see an entire wedding, as it appears on a client DVD:

- continuous documentary-style coverage of the ceremony, first dance, cake-cutting, speeches, etc. with natural audio, edited so it plays as it really happened
- montage sequences set to music of arrivals, cocktails, etc.
- "congratulations" from guests
- highlights trailer set to music, incorporating voiceovers of the vows and ring exchange, etc. for a "movie trailer" type piece to encapsulate the day

Here's to an easy 2009 and a pleasant vendor shopping experience!

Nishi

Videotaping Your Ceremony

There are MANY approaches to shooting a wedding ceremony, and of course it all comes down to personal preference. Here's how we tackle it:



1) Shoot with 2 cameras: to make sure we get a good angle of both the bride and groom, plus lots of close-ups of the ring exchange, etc. Use only 3CCD cameras (better for low-light situations)

2) Full edit without distracting cheesy effects: for seamless, timeless storytelling. Audio levels should be even (you shouldn't blow your ears out when the audience applauds, you shouldn't struggle to hear the vows). Colour balance (in-camera and/or in the editing process) for a nice, warm "film" feel.

3) Use little/no external lighting: it's not a film set, it's a wedding, right? We don't want the "deer caught in headlights" look from our bride/groom.

4) Use a wireless lavaliere microphone: a tiny mic concealed on the groom, picks up all the vows, the officiant, and any funny comments you might want to treasure.

5) Use a shotgun mic on the camera for ambient (room) sound: and mix this with the lav mic audio during the editing process.

6) Be unobtrusive: no cranes or distracting equipment and the camera (wo)men should dress neatly and discretely. You should barely know we're there!

7) Shoot, edt and output digitally to maintain picture quality. Yes, film is known to have a "warmer feel" but don't knock video before you've tried it. The credentials and talent of the shooter is more important than the format: cameras don't shoot people, people shoot people.

Kim & Azzam's First Dance

This super-cute couple set the tone for their reception with some razzle-dazzle for their choreographed first dance... check out the big finish!

Lion Dance

Jenny and Sam treated their guests by hiring Lion Dancers for their Liberty Grand Reception... quite a show!




Night Day Crew:
Videographers: Kwoi and Alannah
Editor: Nishi

Maureen & Verinder

Just received a great card from an unforgettable couple who were married this summer on August 16 (my birthday!). There were lots of unexpected laughs throughout the day, which is why I particularly enjoyed editing their wedding DVD.

- Nish

Dear Nishi, Kwoi and Kate,

We want to thank you so much for filming and editing our wedding on August 16 with such professionalism and skill. Your experience made the day easier for us, and the results are wonderful. We love the DVD, and our friends and families are very impressed. You did a great job mixing the music with the action and you captured many moments that we didn't even remember until we watched the video.

We hope the fall and winter bring great things for you all and for the business, and that the coming new year holds happiness and promise.

Yours very truly,

Maureen and Verinder

Carlos & Keith!

Well, it's been a while since I've posted wedding photos, mostly since it's been an incredibly busy summer for us (which is good... not complaining!).

We've been really lucky this year, covering the weddings of some truly memorable couples. One that stands out has to be Carlos and Keith, who came all the way from Chicago to get married!

Photos by Night Day's Maylynn

Night Day Productions proudly supports same-sex marriage.

Old Mill Ceremony Video

Here it is! The ceremony video from Jennifer and Shozib's outdoor wedding at the Old Mill:



We used two manned cameras and, as always a wireless lav mic on the groom to record the vows and officiant.

Lead Videographer: Kwoi
Editor: Nishi

Thanks for watching!

Nishi Dias
Night Day Productions