Can I have a friend videotape the wedding for me?

If you can afford to have it videotaped by someone who is well-versed in camera techniques and really knows what they are doing, then definitely do so. If however you can't, then I would say even a poorly taped wedding is better then none, just make sure the person videotaping the event has a tripod. I have seen so many wedding videos that look like they were shot on the high seas with 5-10 foot swells. Shakey camera movements, off-screen noise, poor audio, terrible lighting...the list goes on. With Jump-Cut Productions, there will be TWO Digital Video cameras taping the ceremony from two different angles, one of which will capture the important audio such as the "I do's" and vows. If you choose one of the edited packages, these two shots will be sewn together to create an active wedding ceremony rather than a single shot that you are leaving up to chance of how it will turn out. Again, I would only have a friend video the wedding as a last resort. Just like having a neighbors kid play cd's at the reception rather then a DJ or band, better than nothing but not recommended.


Why does it cost so much?

Everything to do with a wedding has the prices marked up, the food, limo's, band, DJ's, flowers. Is it fair? Of course not THAT'S WHY at Jump-Cut Productions, we don't charge alot! You have enough expenses to worry about! Take a look at some of the going rates of Wedding Videographers by clicking this link. Remember if you hire a someone and just get the tape the end of the evening it will cost you a lot less. A bulk of the pricing is due to the editing of the wedding.


Is it worth having it edited?

Yes. Unless you want to fast-forward through all the dead time, possibility of a shot blocked by a member of the audience or bridal party, and the moving around of the camera to capture each shot, then I suggest the edited version of your wedding. It gives the final video a clean, professional look. The shot will dissolve from camera to camera depending on which has the better view of what is taking place on the altar... The price is more expensive because editing a 2 hour wedding tape can take anywhere from 10 to 20 hours! Some say (and I have seen it) that editing one minute of footage takes anywhere from 1/2 hour to 1 hour. Obviously, this all depends on how delicate the video is put together.


What Can I Expect To Pay

It is reasonable to expect to pay anywhere between $2,000 and $4,000 (Wow!! That's alot!) for professional quality videography depending on your choice of coverage and/or package.  The best way to work out a videography budget is to allocate approximately 10% to 15% of your entire Wedding budget to videography. But with Jump-Cut Productions, you can toss those figures out the window! When you hire me, you will get the same professional video without breaking the bank!   Remember, once all is said and done, this is all you'll have (with the exception of your spouse) to remember it by.  You will enjoy your video for years to come with your parents, family, friends and children.  How many other services can you say that about?


Do I have to feed the Videographer?

Some reception halls insist you feed the band / photographer / videographer, in that case you do, but no, you don't have to.
Talk to the videographer or band etc. before hand. Save your money. If you are not going to feed them, however, do let them know. If the videographer will be spending the day with you 5+ hours, then they will need an hour off to eat. I would definately tell you that if you are not feeding them, let them know. I have seen videographers, photographers and even the band get up and take an hours break to eat if they are not fed. This usually results in the wedding party agreeing to feed them. Talk it over with everyone in advance. Many reception halls have a special rate for a basic meal for the band/videographer. Check with them.


What kind of package should I choose?

The package you choose should depend on what you would like to have in your Wedding Video and how much you're willing to spend.  There are many segments (some of which are not available through Jump-Cut) you can add to your Wedding Video such as the bride's home coverage, the groom's home coverage, the park scenes, second camera, photo montage, honeymoon montage, recap, closing credits, love story, etc.  First determine what segments or levels of coverage are most desirable to you.  Then evaluate your budget to determine what you can afford.   Be careful not to do this before you actually choose the videographer or you may find yourself seriously sacrificing quality and the final look of your video in order to add baby pictures.  The videographer should always be chosen first before you start working on the package.  It is a visual art, not a tangible product.  If your videographer selection depends on whether you get a photo montage, recap and honeymoon for $1595 or just a photo montage for $1495, you will lose sight of what's really important which is getting a beautiful and creative Wedding Video.   In addition, when determining the package vs. budget, consider the most important things first; the preparation coverage (if you like it) and the second camera before you start adding baby pictures, honeymoon pictures and recap.  You can always request to add pictures after the wedding, should you change your mind, but you can't add the second camera or the preparations ever again.

How Many Cameras Should I Have At My Wedding?

Generally, one camera, operated by a videographer is sufficient to capture your memories on tape.  However, if your budget allows for it, a second camera adds a beautiful dimension to your video, especially during the ceremony where the participants are generally standing still and where the videographer's movements are restricted. (With Jump-Cut, you get a second camera AUTOMATICALLY, no matter which package you choose!)  The second camera can capture elegant creative shots from the balcony, from the side of the altar, or the back of the church.  Because the footage from the second camera is later inserted into the footage from the main camera, it is not dependent at all on audio, therefore, allowing the videographer the freedom to capture great moments as they unfold.  The back of the bride's dress as she is walking down the aisle, the mother's tears, the close-up face shots as the vows are recited, are all captured best using the second camera.   You may also choose to have a second camera at the reception, although, if you are inviting less than 250 guests, it may not be crucial.  At the reception, the second camera may be useful for capturing the bride's and groom's reactions as the best man toasts, the reactions of the parents during the first dance, the mother crying as the father dances with the bride, etc.   The cost of having a second camera at your Wedding ranges between $400 and $1,000 depending on the amount of coverage. (Again, you get it FREE!)  This price should also include the editing involved to incorporate the second camera footage into the video.  It is a costly addition, but well worth the money in the long run.