Questions and Answers about Wedding Video and Photo in Los Angeles

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I don't want to spend my entire reception posing for pictures. How can I speed up the photographer so I can eat, drink and be merry?
Be prepared to cast superstition aside and take the bulk of your pictures with your groom, his family, your family and your attendants before the ceremony. Although it makes for an even longer day, snapping photos of your wedding party a couple hours before the ceremony will guarantee you more fun-time later. If you and your fianc? don't want to sneak a peek at each other prior to the "I do's," prepare a list of each formal photo you want taken after the ceremony. Designate one list-keeper and have her organize groups of people so they're photo-ready as soon as the previous group is finished. You can also build in extra time—no more than two hours—before the reception starts. One more solution: Hire a photographer who specializes in candids. Just make sure someone points out the family VIPs to him.

What are fun things to do with our proofs after we get them? My sister's are stored in a box, but I want to do something special.
Show 'em off! Proofs or originals should be given to you in an organized manner in an album, says New York City photographer Jinsey Dauk. They should be in chronological order, separated by black-and-whites and color shots (if you're having both) and protected by acid-free plastic sleeves within the books. You can turn your favorites into a collage. Laminate them and make coasters! Or follow the lead of one of Dauk's ambitious clients who's covering an entire wall of her house with photos from her wedding.

My fiancé wears glasses. I am worried that the flash photography will reflect off them and ruin our pictures. How can I ensure beautiful pictures?
Wedding photography has advanced by leaps and bounds, so the reflection should not be a problem. However, it doesn't hurt to stack the deck in your favor. Have your fianc? invest in glasses with antireflective coating, and encourage your photographer to use natural light whenever possible. To be safe, have a clause added to your contract stating that reflection from the flash will be retouched free of charge. You can also just ask your fianc? to remove his glasses for some of the pictures. He won't know what he's smiling at, but hopefully the pictures will capture only his good looks and not his confusion. One last thought: Keep in mind that your fianc? will look different without his glasses. You fell in love with someone who wears glasses and it's important that your wedding pictures reflect that. (No pun intended!)

Is an assistant necessary? Our photographer wants to bring one.
We took this question to Jinsey Dauk, a professional shutterbug in New York City. Dauk's response? "My answer is yes! Some assistants just carry heavy equipment, which frees up the main photographer. The less grunt work, the more she can focus on getting the best photos. Sometimes a photographer will bring a shooting assistant instead, who can catch shots that the photographer might miss, or snap formal portraits while the photographer takes candids. As long as the photographer remains in control, assistants can be extremely valuable. After all, your photographer needs to be efficient, organized and quick."

When Should We Take Pictures?
There are few hard and fast rules about when to take pictures. Most people shy away from taking pictures before the ceremony, due in part to the old tradition of not letting the groom see the bride before the wedding. This custom is actually a rather sensible emotional safeguard. In the final hours before the wedding, stress can get the best of a bride and groom and keeping them apart is a good way to prevent any disruptive, last minute misunderstandings. That said, there is probably no more logical time to take pictures than before the ceremony. The ceremony location is fully decorated, everyone is dressed, no one's make up has yet to get shiny nor their curls wilted. Many experts suggest the following: Arrange for a quiet, meaningful pre-wedding rendezvous between the bride and groom. She can even walk down the aisle, to music -- a kind of final dress rehearsal. That way the bride and groom can still experience "the moment." Then, pictures can be taken. In coordinating pre-wedding photos, be sure to allow the necessary amount of time, and a cushion so that the wedding party can exit before guests begin to arrive and be seated. If you still wish to preserve "the moment": arrange to take all non-"bride and groom together" photos ahead of time (i.e. photos of just the bride's family, just the groom's family, etc.) and then you will only need to take the photos that include the couple together after the ceremony. If you are taking photos after the ceremony, be sensitive to the fact that the longer that your photos take, the longer the delay before the bride and groom can make their arrival at the reception - and even the best reception doesn’t really get going until the new couple arrives.

Which Shots Should Be Included for Classic Photography?
* Engagement photo session * Bride getting ready with bridal party * Detail of dress hanging on door * Bride with parents * Groom with parents * Bride with immediate family * Groom with immediate family * Bride with extended family * Groom with extended family * Bride and groom with each family * Bride with bridesmaids * Bride with flower girl * Groom with groomsmen * Entire wedding party * Bride walking down aisle * Couple saying vows * Altar kiss * First dance * Father/Daughter dance * Cake cutting * Bouquet toss * Couple getaway

What Should Be Included in Your Photography and Videography Contract?
There are many essential points to include in your photography and videography contracts. You should make sure that you have the contact info (name, address, telephone number, and fax number) of the photographer, videographer, or studio you’re hiring, as well as an emergency number you can use on your wedding day if something goes awry. The contract should also state the starting location, time, and date for the session, as well as the number of contracted hours. List the full names of the photographer or videographer (and assistants if applicable) in the paperwork so you know you’re getting the person whose work you reviewed, and finalize the number and types of cameras they’ll be using as well. Specific package details, date of receipt of the final versions, and a complete line-item breakdown of costs (including the grand total) should all be included in the contract, too. Once the obvious issues are covered, be sure to include the things that many couples overlook: Deposit amount; payment schedule; upgrade/re-order costs; cancellation and refund policies; and the method of compensation should they fail to perform the services they were hired to do. Once you are clear on the finer details, go ahead and sign off on the fine print, and always, always keep a copy for your records.

Are you the photographer who will be photographing my wedding?
When you hire a photographer you are not buying pictures and albums, you are buying a person. So your first thought should be, who is the right photographer to capture our wedding images on film? Start off by making appointments with several photographers to view their work. You may save yourself some time by asking the photographer if he or she has a website you may view before going to the studio. However, it's very important to get out there and look! Make sure that, when visiting a prospective studio, you are looking at the photographer's work that will photograph your wedding. Some photographers, such as myself, are the only photographer in the studio and do all the work personally. Then there are studios that have one, or possibly several, associate photographers. Make sure that, if you're not getting the name on the door, you are getting a face with a name, then ask to view that photographer's work. Make sure the photographer you want to hire is named in the contract before you sign. Personality and rapport are extremely important. Make sure you both feel comfortable with your photographer because he or she will spend the better part of the wedding day with you. Even if you think this person's work is the next best thing to sliced bread, if you don't feel comfortable with your photographer, it will show when you get your images back. You are investing in this person's vision, creative abilities, professionalism, character and personality. Ask yourself, "Would I invite this person to my wedding?" because that is exactly what you will be doing. Along with your memories, your photographs will be the only things you have left once your wedding day has past. Make sure you hire the right person for you. You want to have great images and pleasant memories to look back upon.

Are there any new wedding photo and video trends?
There's definitely a sweeping change in the art of wedding photography. "Trash the dress" photo sessions (where you wear your gown one last time after the wedding without worrying about keeping it clean for a cool set of pictures, like in a swimming pool), and boudoir photography (steamy photographs in which you wear a little less than your gown) are all the rage. Going digital has also helped some photographers push the envelope, since they can try out a unique angle or lens and know right away how it came out. For wedding videography, the most notable advance is that an increasing number of videographers are upgrading their equipment to be able to shoot in high-definition. Even if you don't have a Blu-ray player yet, your wedding video can be archived in HD so that you'll be able to view it in high-def when you invest in the new technology. You could also consider adding a few vintage-style scenes to your wedding video. With a Super 8 effect added in post-production (which has a grainy film feel to it), you can enhance a few classic shots with a look that never grows old.

Should we make a must-shoot list?
Don't worry about reminding your photo and video pros to shoot the classic scenes—they'll definitely capture the cake-cutting and your first dance. What you should give a heads up about, however, is key people to shoot (Grandma, the ring bearer) and any tradition or unique detail that you're going to include in your wedding.

We're worried that our shooters will bring too much equipment. Is this a common problem?
First off, forget every cliché you've heard about videographers hauling around tons of clunky equipment—new advances in technology over the last few years have made wedding video-graphy less obtrusive than ever. Small cameras that shoot great in low light and tiny wireless microphones mean videographers can take a fly-on-the-wall approach. In fact, more couples are hiring videographers to accompany them to their destination wedding because of the smaller size of their equipment. You can expect both your photographer and your videographer to use some extra lighting, especially if your ceremony space is dim or your reception takes place at night.

What's better: film or digital?
Although some purists may never stray from film, digital photography has more or less caught up in terms of image quality. Those with a trained eye may be able to spot a print taken with a digital camera from one shot with film (some say film captures more true-to-life colors), but the differences are not dramatic. One plus for digital is that it's easier to make copies of your photos, and you can quickly archive all your digital prints on a disc. Bottom line: You wouldn't tell a carpenter what tools to use when he's building a house, as long as the job is done well. The same applies here.

Should we be scared if he uses a ton of special effects?
Your photographer might use effects to correct colors or highlight details, but some effects can make a photo feel dated years from now. If you look through a portfolio and you're turned off by the type of effects that are used, ask whether they can be toned down in your album.

What about their personality? Does it really matter?
Just as important as their skill is how well you get along with the photographer or videographer. You should feel comfortable with the person you choose to shoot your wedding—in fact, these vendors often like to get to know their clients on a personal level. Considering they will spend numerous hours with you on your wedding day (and you'll be in close proximity a lot of the time), you don't want someone following you around who makes you want to run the other way. And remember: If you don't like your photographer or videographer, chances are your friends and family won't either, so find someone who will treat your whole crew well.

What should I ask when I interview a photographer or videographer?
After you've narrowed down the list to three or four candidates, set up interviews. In terms of their work, ask to see an album of a complete wedding so that you can gauge their range—if there's a strong mix of formal portraits, candid shots, details, and scenic pictures, chances are your album will be similarly complete. When you interview videographers, ask to see 20 or 30 minutes of a video rather than a five-minute highlight reel. When you're watching, pay close attention to the quality of the video and the audio, as well as how smoothly the transitions are edited.

Do our photographer and videographer have to get along?
While they don't have to be best friends, it's a plus if you can find shooters who have worked together before. A bigger concern would be if they've worked together with disastrous results—you don't want to have vendors at odds with each other when they need to cooperate to get the same shots. One way to guarantee a good tandem is to hire a studio that does both photo and video, or simply ask your photographer if he can recommend a videographer.

How can we find good shooters?
Heed the age-old advice "stick to what you know," and start your search by asking friends and family for recommendations—a thumbs-up from someone you trust is the most reliable way to find your photographer or videographer. In lieu of a personal reference, check the Knottie boards for reviews from your area. After you've compiled a list of vendors with potential, browse their online portfolios. The sample photos or clips will obviously be the best of their best—it might be tough to judge the breadth of their skill from these highlights, but you can at least get a good sense of their style. Also check for the photographer's blog—these are a great way to gauge a photographer's talent, and the way they approach their art.

Do we need to hire a photographer and a videographer?
Photographers should always be on a must-hire list (and rightfully so), but videographers are sometimes considered less of a priority. While your photographer will immortalize much of your wedding day, think of the sounds that can't be captured in a photo, like your vows, the reception music, and the toasts. If your budget allows for both vendors, it's worth the investment.

How much in advance of my wedding date do I need to book you for the event?
My recommendation, is to book us as soon as you have a date and party room, but this is still not a guarantee and really hard to gage. The reason being that you can book me a week before and I will be available, or you could try to book me a year in advance and the date is not available. I book events based upon deposit and signed contracts. Therefore, if you and another client are wanting the same date, I will book the one that comes to me, first, with a signed contract and deposit.

Can I choose my own songs for the wedding video?
Yes, of course. We actually encourage you to pick your own songs. The reason being that songs you choose will have added meaning and value for your video. However, please be assured that we will be available at all times to help you with your song choices. We will additionally make suggestions and/or give advise from our creative expertise and knowledge, if you need.

How long will it take to get my wedding and/or event video and photos?
It will take roughly two to four weeks to get your documentary video and wedding and/or event photos which will be posted online for you to review and choose for your wedding album.

Is it possible to edit my event video sitting side by side with the editor?
Yes, the option to edit your event video is possible and even recommended. Sitting with the editor while editing your wedding or event video will solve a lot of questions that the editor might have. However, be aware that this will take up to three days and you will need to have the time for it.

Do you travel outside of the United States?
Yes, we do. Wind Productions will capture your wedding video and photos anywhere around the world. As a matter of fact, Wind Productions has shot weddings in such locations as Cancun, Israel, Moscow, and Puerto Vellarta. (Click on the name to see an example highlight video)