Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is Always & Forever Video willing to provide uncut footage copies when other prospective videographers we've talked with are unwilling?
Could we try to make some money providing our tape to a show like America's Funniest Videos?
Are all videographers as unobtrusive as your Always & Forever videographers are?
Are you going to thrust your microphone in the faces of our guests at the wedding, demanding that they say something?
How many videographers will you have at our wedding?
What do you think about working with our still photographer?
Why is video so expensive?
Do you only do wedding videos?
What do you think about a highlights version of the wedding day?
Q: When will our wedding day videos be ready?
A: As a first step, Always & Forever Video is pleased to provide you with copies of everything that we shot. Your copies of the "raw" uncut version are ready very soon after your wedding day. Arrangements can be made to send these to you so that they arrive at your doorstep at the same time as you return from your honeymoon.
This allows you to share your thoughts and ideas before the editing takes place....an easy to follow worksheet enables you to provide as much or as little input as you desire. In fact, some of our clients simply tell us that the "raw" footage looks great, "we trust your judgment, just do your regular editing, there's nothing in particular to let you know about." Others might want to list one or two things that they want us to know about to be sure to include (major parts of the day, such as a first dance or a toast, are automatically included unless you tell us otherwise), or to be sure to delete certain things....you could even list several items, it's up to you.
From the time that all of the items needed for editing are received, a normal waiting period is one to three months. And even this wide range may not always be accurate. In April, when we've had all winter to reduce the backlog, the waiting time period might be less than a month! In the latter part of the year....a waiting period of about three months is not unusual. Careful editing is a time-intensive process.....if a prospective videographer is offering quick turn-around even during the busiest time of year, it is probably because (s)he doesn't do much business or because they provide a "quick and dirty" edit. We find that virtually all of our customers are comfortable with the waiting period, because they do have the "raw", uncut tapes on hand.....while this is not a final version representing our best possible work, it is something pleasing to look at in the meantime. Frankly, our ability to attract a lot of business means that you are not paying the highest possible price for a truly premium video.
Q: Why is Always & Forever Video willing to provide uncut footage copies when other prospective videographers we've talked with are unwilling?
A: Our colleagues at local Professional Videographers Association meetings have told us, "You can't do that...people will see your mistakes." We, on the other hand, feel that the professionalism of our work is evident even in our "raw" footage. Since many of our clients feel that the wedding day is a major day in their lives, if not the most special day of a lifetime.....they want to see everything possible. By allowing you to screen all the footage....you don't have to wonder if there was a seemingly routine shot edited out by somebody who doesn't know you that actually would have turned out be something very valuable. And anything that bothers in you some way will definitely be deleted for you!
Q: Could we try to make some money providing our tape to a show like America's Funniest Videos?
A: Yes (other videographers may have different policies). If something of that type happens at your wedding, more power to you if you can get your video on the major media. We are not interested in being financially reimbursed (by claiming copyright) for your good luck in sending out your video....we just ask that you happily refer our videography to relatives, friends, and other people you know.
Q: Are all videographers as unobtrusive as your Always & Forever videographers are?
A: In all honesty, the answer is no. We hear the horror stories all the time from prospects. We do know that not all videographers we see at Professional Videographer Association meetings agree with our approach. We do things differently.....we are much more interested in pleasing our clients than we are in pleasing our colleagues!
Some of them do feel that the wedding day is a made-for-video production....that the bride and groom and all of the guests are performers....that bright lights add to the spectacle that they are trying to create. And if this is what you want, we are pleased to refer you to these other professional videographers! We, on the other hand, feel that the best wedding video is natural and unaffected.....that the bride and groom along with all of the guests should not be particularly aware that the wedding is being videotaped. One of the things we enjoy hearing at some point after the wedding day: the bride tells us that guests have asked her why she chose not to have videography of her wedding. All kinds of references available at your request!
Q: Are you going to thrust your microphone in the faces of our guests at the wedding, demanding that they say something?
A: Interviews only take place at your request. It does not hurt our feelings if you don't want us to gather interviews....if anything, our job is easier if we don't need to solicit interviews. The time that would have been spent on interviews is instead utilized on other aspects of your day.
However, if you do like the idea of guests leaving messages on your video, there is no extra charge to do that. We'd be pleased to discuss with you the best strategies for making that happen, in a way that maximizes the comfort level for everybody.
Q: How many videographers will you have at our wedding?
A: One, unless you want to add to the cost of your Grand or Production Plus Packages. There are obtrusiveness concerns in adding a second shooter, we'd be happy to discuss the factors that you should consider.
Q: What do you think about working with our still photographer?
A: We see your still photographer as our friend. In fact, many photographers refer and recommend us. We are very conscious of what your photographer is doing, and we stay out of the way and allow them to do what they do. Additionally, at the reception, our low-intensity light is actually of significant benefit. It is not too bright to wash out their picture....and we are very aware of shooting in the same direction in order to stay out of the shot and allow our light to be of benefit. Our low-intensity light will actually allow your photographer to get a few more candid shots at your reception than they otherwise might be able to get. Photographers also like the fact that unless you have made other arrangements, only one videographer will be on-site. A second videographer running around (especially when that person is not as seasoned as the first videographer) does present difficulties for your photographer.
We suggest that you ask your photographer about Always & Forever Video. There is a good chance that they know about us and feel very good about working with us.
A: Your still photographer probably makes more money per hour than we do, believe it or not. And we understand that, because photography has been around longer as a wedding day art form and we know that you need to hire the right professional, a person who has a substantial investment in equipment and experience. Professionals in any field need to be compensated for their time in addition to their materials. You can easily spend too much money on a video production, and you can even more easily spend too little on what we hope you feel is the most valuable possession you own! Hiring a relatively inexperienced photographer or videographer, or relying on a friend or relative, is going to bring heartbreak to somebody who cares about memories of this most special day, in all honesty. We hear the horror stories all the time....hiring a friend or relative is likely to create unhappy friction with that person, we think this is a bad idea. Please don't come to us after you've done this and ask if we will re-edit the footage. We won't be interested in putting our name on it. That's not snobbishness, it is reality.
Q: Do you only do wedding videos?
A: Wedding videos are our specialty. At any given time, 8O-9O percent of our work consists of weddings. We enjoy being recognized as the best in our area of specialty, but we are comfortable doing the videography for all events....such as bar and bat mitzvahs, retirement parties, and corporate seminars. We will even do a pretty nifty scripted and narrated production here and there (the owner and operator, Dean Dykema, was a TV news shooter/editor at one time)....if this might be of interest, please request a sample! For non-wedding work, we often use the name "Dykema Video Productions."
Q: What do you think about a highlights version of the wedding day?
A: Very valuable! While many of the couples who come to us are certain that they are primarily looking for a video that captures the entire story of the day beautifully.....having a condensed version also allows you to watch your videos more often and to share the day with other people. That's why the Production Plus Package includes a shorter version and a longer version.
