8 Things You Should Know Before You Hire A Wedding Videographer

I wrote this article a long time ago, but it's still one of my most popular posts and I think worth re-publishing (I've updated some of the parts regarding technology... hey, it's been a while!). Plus, I feel it's a necessary refresher since I still get questions as to why I charge more than other vendors who claim they "get the same results for a fraction of the cost" (yeah, right). So without further ado... 8 Things You Should Know Before You Hire A Wedding Videographer:



1. Are they really pros?

Recent advancements in technology have made camera equipment and editing software very affordable. The downside of this is that now there are a lot of wannabes calling themselves "cameramen" and "editors" when really they are just "guys with a camera and some software."

How do you tell the difference? Experience. The ideal cameraman has experience shooting not only weddings but documentaries and live television. These are the people who really understand the art of "anticipate and respond," which what you want because when it comes to your wedding, there are no second takes.

A lot of wedding cameramen edit their own work, but editing is a craft in itself so a truly professional crew might have a separate person who edits. In professional video, cameramen tend to be outgoing and animated people whereas editors tend to be introverted, detail-oriented and prefer the solitude of a dark editing room. These are two separate art forms that demand different skill sets. Make sure that the company you hire to do your video is good at both shooting and editing.

2. What kind of cameras do they use?

Consumer camcorders you see at your local electronics store are typically "single chip" cameras. These are small and lightweight and great for home videos and vacations but are entirely inappropriate for shooting weddings. You want someone with a "three chip camera" (sometimes called "three CCD") which is bigger and several thousand dollars more expensive.

Three chips produce much clearer and more accurate colours (even in low light) than one chip.

You also want someone who has all the bells and whistles: a wireless lavaliere microphone, a camera-mounted light, a tripod and/or monopod and some extra lights just in case.

Pretty much everyone is shooting digitally these days so they can edit digitally as well and output digitally onto DVD. The benefit of keeping the capture, edit and output process in the digital domain is that the footage experiences little to no quality loss. You should definitely hire someone who is up-to-date with technology.

3. What kind of lights do they use?

You probably won't like it if your videographer mounts glaring hot lights on an elaborate scaffolding. After all, this is your wedding, not a film set. The camera equipment should absolutely not compromise the décor and ambiance of the wedding.

An adjustable camera-mounted light works really well. It moves around with the cameraman (who moves around with the couple) and it should be used only when necessary. It should be soft and subtle, and its intensity can be adjusted so it is not overly bright. The way to find out if the cameraman understands this is to look at his footage and watch for any "deer caught in headlights" reactions from his subjects. The people in the video should not even realize he's there: they should be enjoying the wedding!

4. What do the cameramen wear?

It's tough, physical work, but they should be dressed nicely. Asking them not to wear running shoes, jeans, etc. is not unreasonable.

5. Can they do multiple camera shoots?

You will benefit from a two camera shoot if you have a lot going on. Your coverage will be a lot more complete and then your editor can cut between the two cameras for a dynamic and entertaining wedding video.

Strongly consider having a second camera, at least for the ceremony portion of the day. You'll want to get both the bride's and groom's reactions and close-ups of the rings going on, etc. and everything happens very quickly and 2 cameras will catch a lot more than just one.

Just make sure that BOTH cameras are the same quality (three chip) and both cameras are manned by separate qualified cameramen; do not let them leave a camera unattended on a tripod.

6. What is their sound quality like?

It is easy to forget about sound when you are thinking of video, but please do not make this mistake. Insist on a videographer that uses a wireless microphone: they are small and unnoticeable and amazing at recording vows or people coming up to you to congratulate you, etc.

7. What is their editing style?

This is a very important question! Make sure their style suits your taste. Don't be seduced by a lot of dazzling animation and special effects - it might not be the look you want. And it might look cheesy in the years to come. Classic simplicity never goes out of style.

8. Do they have a demo DVD?

They had better! Don't fall for a "music video" or a series of carefully chosen shots timed to music, because anyone can look good that way. Ask to see actual, sequential clips from a wedding (or even an entire wedding) incorporating recorded natural sound mixed with music.

When you are watching the demo DVD, be sure to look for:

· clear, bright picture, even in low light
· clean natural sound
· audible, consistent audio levels
· smooth, non-jerky camera movement
· artistic camera composition
· seamless and dynamic editing
· relaxed bridal party and guests who hardly notice they are being taped?

Most importantly, ask yourself, "Is a story being told? Do you feel the emotion of that magical day?" Because after all, you want a video that becomes more valuable as time goes by, something that is true to your personalities and tastes and not some form of torture on your unsuspecting dinner guests in the years to come! A good wedding video will enable you to relive one of the best days of your life.

8 Things To Look For When Hiring A Wedding DJ

I'm very happy to announce that we have a guest blogger today: none other than Terry Holdershaw from Scotia Entertainment Services. Terry and his partner, Michelle provide professional DJ and live entertainment services throughout the Greater Toronto, Mississauga, Kitchener, Muskokas & Surrounding Areas.



8 Things To Look For When Hiring A Wedding DJ

1. Personalized Service - You want to feel a personal connection and have your DJ's personality match you and your theme. You don't want to be just another # for that DJ Company, you want to feel important and treated like a Prince or Princess!

2. Professional & Experienced - You want to make sure that you are hiring a DJ that has experience with weddings and anything special about your wedding day. Meet with the DJ or the Company in person, are they professional? Do they have a professional website? You want a DJ who is dressed properly and has a professional attitude for their job.

3. Licensed & Insured - Every Professional DJ in Canada should have their music licensed by AVLA (Audio Video Licensing Agency). It is also highly recommended that your DJ carry liability insurance. There are many venues that are now making it mandatory for DJ's to have liability insurance. It is also a good sign for your DJ to be a member of a Professional DJ Association such as CPDJA.

4. Punctual - You want to ensure that your DJ will arrive on time and be set up prior to guests arrival. You wouldn't want to have your DJ loading in and setting up equipment during dinner or speeches.

5. Pricing - Shop around before signing a contract right away. Make sure that you are getting a service that is worth what you are paying for. Be weary of a deal that is 'Too Good To Be True' as well. Check out what the average prices are in your area and choose a DJ that you are most comfortable with within your budget.

6. Available - It's always best to give the DJ your date, venue and city right away so they can tell you if they are available or not for your wedding.

7. Music Library - Ask about the DJ's music library, do they carry a wide range of music genres to every gig and is it up to date with the current hits. You will also want to check to make sure that if they are using a 'digital library' that they getting high quality music from a legal source. All professional DJ's should have their music licensed by AVLA.

8. Recommended - Always check for testimonial and referrals. If brides, venues and other wedding vendors are highly recommending a service then there is a good chance that they have a good track record.

If you would like more information on Scotia Entertainment's DJ Services
Contact Michelle Today!

terry@scotiaentertainment.com
647.968.2729

Scotia Entertainment provides Professional DJ, Live Entertainment & Audio-Visual Services throughout the Greater Toronto, Mississauga, Kitchener, Muskoka & Surrounding Areas for Weddings, Corporate & Social Events.

Why Hire a Day Of Coordinator?

Wondering if youshould hire a Day Of Coordinator for your wedding? Check out this video we created for LaFete Weddings (www.LaFete.ca)

DOC from Nishi Dias on Vimeo.

Convertible Bridesmaid Dress Video

Check out this video we did for Gown Go Round; they sell a bridesmaid dress that can be worn more than once!

07 overview from Nishi Dias on Vimeo.

Night Day Wins "Bride's Choice": WeddingWire

Toronto, Ontario – January 25, 2011 - WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, is thrilled to announce Night Day Productions has been selected to receive the prestigious annual WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 for Videography!

Recognition for the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 is determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds. Our past clients are among those that shared their experiences on WeddingWire, the largest wedding review site in the nation.



Night Day Productions stands among the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire community, representing quality and service excellence within the wedding industry. Awards were given to the top wedding professionals across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, and were based on the overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is honored to celebrate the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire community,” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program, WeddingWire has the unique opportunity to recognize the best wedding professionals across the US and Canada. We applaud Night Day Productions for their professionalism and dedication to enhancing the wedding planning experience last year.”

We are happy to announce that Night Day Productions is among the very best Videographers within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for nominating us to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at http://www.weddingwire.com/biz/night-day-productions-toronto/112b1e56acf7bfd0.html

For more information on the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.



About WeddingWire, Inc.
WeddingWire.com, the nation's leading technology company serving the $70 billion wedding industry, is the only online wedding planning resource designed to empower both engaged couples and wedding professionals. For engaged couples, WeddingWire offers the ability to search, compare and book over 200,000 local wedding vendors, from wedding venues to wedding photographers to wedding cakes. WeddingWire also offers an online community and a suite of cutting-edge planning tools for weddings, including wedding websites and wedding checklists, all at no charge. For wedding professionals, WeddingWire provides free online management tools creating the only market opportunity that gives local businesses control over their clients, reviews, leads and performance. Businesses that join the WeddingWire Network appear on WeddingWire.com and other leading sites, including MarthaStewartWeddings.com (NYSE: MSO), ProjectWedding.com and Weddingbee.com (both part of eHarmony), and Celebrations.com (part of the 1-800-Flowers family of brands, NASDAQ: FLWS).

Give-Away-Palooza!

Know anyone getting married in 2011 or 2012?



Tell them to check out this AMAZING contest... a bunch of great Toronto wedding vendors got together and are giving away over $10,000 in wedding services and products! It's called Toronto Wedding Professionals 2011/2012 GIVE-AWAY-PALOOZA! Please spread the word!

Night Day Productions will be giving away a "Prequel" Featurette Video. And look what else is up for grabs:

Photography by Blue Six Creative
Decor by Vivian's Decor and Designs
Stationary by Paper Bliss
Make-Up Artist by StylEyes
Hairstyling by Brides Etc.
DJ Services by Scotia Entertainment
Officiant by Enduring Promises
Wedding Planning by WeDDings Jubilee
Florals by Petals Stems and Leaves
Accessories by Buds and Blooms
Sweet Table Candy Display by Sweet Something Designs

Conditions apply. Please visit link for details and how to enter!

Wedding Videography Prices Going Up Oct 31!

Book your wedding video now and save $400 before our 2010 rates turn into a pumpkin! Our 2011 rates kick in October 31, 2010. Details