Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I have my wedding videotaped?
What is the difference between an edited and unedited wedding video?
How should I choose a videographer?
Will my photographer and videographer work together?
Won't the cameraman be disruptive?
Will you use wireless microphones?
Will you interview the bride and groom on camera?
Do you offer slideshows to play at the reception?
Do you charge for mileage?
How is your time billed?
Will you attend the rehearsal?
Do I have a choice of music for our video?
When will I get my finished videotape?
Can I make copies of my wedding video?
What is your payment and cancellation policy?
Can you send me a demo of your work?

Why should I have my wedding videotaped?

For the same reason you have pictures taken - to preserve the memories of this important day. There is nothing like a professionally edited video to capture the sights, sounds and emotions of your wedding day. Many couples have told me their wedding video was the best money they spent on their wedding day.
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What is the difference between an edited and unedited wedding video?

An unedited video is a basic recording of your wedding ceremony. The footage cuts from one shot to the next, there is no music added nor anything done to the footage. It is simply a straightforward, chronological video of your wedding.

An edited wedding video is a more creative, emotional viewing experience. The footage is fed into a digital editing system and edited with music, motion effects, titles and transitions to create a beautiful program that captures the action and emotion of the day. It is a viewing experience that cannot be duplicated by still photography or a home video camera. Basically it is a movie of your wedding day.
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How should I choose a videographer?

Rule no. 1: don't let your choice be dictacted by the lowest bid. Several photographers have started offering cheap videography as a way to make more money, but that doesn't make them good videographers. I own a professional DSLR camera but would never think of touting myself as a professional photographer because I'm not! I was a professional film and video editor for 9 years before I started doing wedding videos, and hopefully that experience is reflected in my work. I simply couldn't make that kind of claim as a photographer. So while some may claim to be professional photographers and videographers, it doesn't necessarily mean they're good at it!

Remember, your wedding is a one-take event! A well-meaning relative or a bad videographer can ruin your wedding video. After your wedding day is over your video will be the most important keepsake you'll have to relive the memories of that day, and settling for the cheapest video possible will give you exactly that.
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Will my photographer and videographer work together?

It is imperative that you talk to your photographer and make sure he or she is willing to work side by side with the videographer. In my own experience, I have become good friends with many of my colleagues, and I am now proud to offer photo/video packages in cooperation with the best photographers in Eureka Springs! Please see my packages page or call for more information!

Remember: your vendors are working for YOU on your wedding day, so be sure to let them know you expect them to work together. Your wedding day is not the time for professionals to exert their egos or cause problems for anyone. This is YOUR DAY, and your vendors should do everything they can to work together and make your wedding day perfect.
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Won't the cameraman running around be disruptive?

The horror stories of videographers running around disrupting the ceremony will not happen with me. I record the ceremony unobtrusively and with solemn respect for the occasion, using no lights and remaining in one location throughout the ceremony.
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Will you use a wireless microphone?

Yes, wireless microphones greatly improve the audio quality. It is usually the groom who is chosen to wear the lavalier "clip-on". The microphone is removed immediately after the ceremony to allow the couple their privacy.
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Will you interview the bride and groom on camera?

An interview chapter may be added to any package (please call for pricing). It is a separate chapter in the DVD and is filmed prior to the wedding day. The interviews are conducted at my house at least one day before the wedding (or earlier if your schedule permits). The bride and groom are interviewed separately on my deck, then together in front of a waterfall in my backyard. I ask lots of questions, some funny and some serious, and I encourage the couple not to share their answers with each other until they see the video. The results are often surprising, funny and very touching! An interview chapter allows a couple to tell their love story in their own words and it adds more depth to the video. Couples are always happy they added an interview chapter to their package!
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Do you offer slideshows to play at the reception?

A photo chapter (slide show) may be added to any package and is a separate chapter in the DVD. You may select one song or two songs (please call for pricing) with a limit of 50 photos per song. Typically the first song is used to show pictures of the couple growing up. The second song is used for pictures of the couple through their courtship and engagement. In addition to being a separate chapter in the DVD, the photo chapter can be completed before your wedding day to be played at your rehearsal dinner, ceremony or reception! Please note photos must be provided well in advance of the wedding, and the venue must provide A/V facilities and someone else to run the equipment. We will provide the DVD and a backup copy!
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Do you charge for mileage?

There is no charge for weddings in Eureka Springs. However, there may be additional travel charges for weddings outside of Eureka Springs, particularly if the price of gasoline rises or if an overnight stay is necessary. I will inform you of any possible travel charges prior to your booking.
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How is your time billed?

My time begins when I reach the first location. After that, all time is billable, including travel time between the ceremony and reception venues. Any delays in starting the ceremony on time are included as billable time as well. This is unavoidable since I may be booked for other weddings that same day! Please take this into account when choosing your package - it is better to book more time than not enough!
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Will you attend the rehearsal?

The rehearsal is not part of any package, however I am happy to offer it as an additional option. If you would like the rehearsal and/or rehearsal dinner covered, please book it in advance, otherwise I might not be available!
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Do I have a choice of music for our video?

Yes! I want your wedding video to reflect your tastes and personalities. If you have a favorite song, I will be happy to include it in the video. However, many couples prefer to leave the music up to me, and I have an extensive library from which I choose appropriate selections. If you wish to choose your own music, I would ask that you send me your CD(s) well in advance of your wedding day.
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When will I get my wedding video?

Believe it or not, normal production time for most videographers is 3-4 months after the event! However, my experience and organizational skills allow me to deliver your video within 3-4 weeks! May, June, September and October are my busiest months and may take up to 4-6 weeks.
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Can I make copies of my wedding video?

It is illegal to copy a tape that has a copyright, and duplication services will not make copies without a signed release form. Additional copies are available for you to purchase at a reasonable price.
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What is your payment and cancellation policy?

A non-refundable deposit is required to guarantee your booking. Deposits are determined by the package selected.

Cancellations: Your deposit reserves a specific date and time, it is your guarantee that no other bookings will be accepted. For that reason, your deposit is non-refundable and non-transferrable. If for any reason (including weather, medical emergencies, travel delays, etc.) you need to cancel or reschedule your booking, your deposit will be forfeited and may not be transferred to another date. No refund is possible since other requests for that date and time will have been turned down. That is why you make a deposit!

Refunds: Any balance due payments made on Silver, Gold, Platinum or Diamond packages will be refunded if cancellation is made no later than 72 hours before the wedding. If the wedding is cancelled within 72 hours of the wedding, both the deposit and balance due payment will be forfeited.

In the event that I am unable to make it to your wedding for any reason, the cancellation policy above will be waived and I will refund both the deposit and any balance due payment in full.
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Can you send me a demo of your work?

I would be happy to send you a demo! I provide a very personal service and want my clients to feel completely worry-free about their wedding video. The vast majority of my work is done by referral, which you can see in the comments page I have provided. I love my work and you can be assured I will treat your wedding video as if it were my own!
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