© 2008 Cascades Videography | Site by GelFuzion, Inc.
Why do you prefer to use two cameras instead of just one for weddings?
While a wedding can certainly be recorded with a single camera, it provides very little flexibility in the editing. With a second camera, you can record a completely different perspective, capturing things like wide angle shots and family reactions during the ceremony. During editing, the view can alternate between the two cameras, which makes for a more interesting video than a single camera on the wedding party alone. Three cameras is even better. Beyond that will be overkill.
It seems like most video companies are focused on weddings, but I need to make a training video. How can I tell who is qualified?
The fact is, there is a relatively high demand for wedding videography services, versus, say, training video production. That said, it's important to note that wedding videography is a demanding specialty: You only get one take, lighting is often challenging, audio issues abound and the schedule is always tight. Does that mean a competent wedding videographer can produce a good training video? Maybe. The most important thing to consider, aside from technical skills, is the ability to listen to what you need to accomplish. A background in teaching techniques would also be a big plus. (Yes, we have that background.)
I'd like to do video, but also want photos and can't afford both...what can I do?
You could hire a professional photographer and find a family member to shoot video. Or, you could hire a professional videographer and find someone to shoot the photos. There are a lot of capable amateur photographers around, and you might be able to find someone to do a good job for you. Capable amateur videographers are harder to find. Aside from the skills, they need the proper gear to shoot and edit your video. A handheld mini-cam with no external mics will not provide very pleasing results. The fact is, you really are best off hiring professionals for both the photography and video production. But here's another option: Hire a pro photographer and get a photo-montage of those photos made into a video DVD! Your wedding photos set to music are a great investment for those on a budget. Some photographers offer this service, but if not, we can do it for you. Photo-Montage DVDs start at $200.
Do you offer High-Definition Video?
Yes. We can shoot your wedding in high-def...the problem is that we currently have no way to deliver it to you. High-definition DVDs are just around the corner, but it will be pretty expensive for awhile, like any new technology. Eventually, high-def will become the norm, but it's just not there yet. The good news is that current technology is still excellent, and your video will look great, even if it's not in high-definition. (Of course, we can shoot in 16X9 standard definition widescreen format, if your prefer.)
Can I burn copies of my DVD?
Absolutely! We won't encode your DVD to make it copy-proof. Our philosophy is that you should be able to share it with your family and friends, which is why we provide multiple copies in the first place. Of course, we can provide additional copies that include nice packaging for a nominal charge.
I've heard that more and more people are hiring videographers for their weddings. Is it really growing that much?
Yes. A survey conducted in 2003 by a national marketing firm found that 54% of brides before the wedding ranked video as one of the top ten most important bridal services. Interestingly, after the wedding, 79% of brides cited video as a top ten. 60% of those that didn't have their wedding videotaped wished they had, in hindsight. Of those that did hire a professional, 95% thought that future brides should consider hiring a professional videographer.
(Source: Wedding & Event Videographers Association)
What's WEVA?
WEVA is the Wedding and Events Videographers Association, which serves as the professional association for, well, wedding and event videographers. They provide educational resources for members, certifications, and a variety of services related to our industry. They sponsor an annual Expo for members, training sessions with equipment and software manufacturers...basically things that help raise the bar from both a technical and customer service perspective, all of which benefits you. They also provide considerable information for brides and grooms regarding weddings in general, and specifics about wedding videography. Their site is definitely worth a look: http://www.weva.com (Check out the Bride's Guide)