wedding video FAQ
Thank you for taking the time to visit Amour wedding videos web site! I,m sure you have lots of questions about wedding videography and so I have complied a list of some of the most common questions, with as detailed an answer as I can to each one.
If you have any other questions, that I haven’t covered, please feel free to get in touch, and I can hopefully help you.
John Estcourt
Should we bother with a video, we already have a photographer booked?
I often see this question asked on social media forums. I can speak from my own personal experience, as we had our wedding filmed 30 years ago.
The easy answer is Absolutely! Out of all the different things you will want to book for your wedding, Photography and Video are among the only things that will last longer than the day. A photograph captures a moment in time, a film captures the laughs , the emotion, the sound of your families voices! its capturing family memories, that you can enjoy over and over again.
As the years go by, having these memories captured on film will undoubtably become more important to you.
A quote I often see is, “a brides biggest regret , is not having their wedding filmed!” I tend to agree, My wedding film is priceless to this day, as i now have family on film, I,m glad I listened to my wife and had a wedding video (even if it was on VHS Tape )
So, should we bother with a photographer then?
This one is an easy, YES!
A professional photographer brings so much to your wedding day. From little things like helping with the dress, to organising your guests for photos and , of course , capturing stunning images that you will always cherish!
Having worked at weddings where there hasn’t been a photographer, I know that couples have always regretted the decision. A true professional photographer is so much more than just great photos. They really will become your best friends on the day.
If you are not sure about who to choose, please get in touch. having now filmed hundreds of weddings over the last 16 years, I will hopefully be able to point you in the direction of your dream photographer.
What about content creators, aren't they just the same as video?
Content creator really took off over the last couple of years. With the rise of Instagram and TikTok , short clips captured by mobile phone have become popular.
These videos certainly can be fun, but my advice is this.
YOU ARE PAYING FOR SOMEONE TO FILM CLIPS WITH A MOBILE PHONE
If you have someone in the wedding party who is always using social media, loves filming everyone and takes great selfies with their phone, then get them to do it for you! I have seen lots of brilliant content, filmed by Bridesmaids on i phones or Android phones.
Most make up and hair suppliers take social media clips of their work, just ask them to send you the clips. You then have your own content.
If you really want to pay someone to film with a mobile phone, ask me, and i will certainly record some short clips for you and send them over the next day. in the form of a short 1 min reel .
Younger members of your wedding party are already experts in content , so ask them to do it, I will be delighted to offer advice and allow them time to get those shots!
The technical difference between wedding video and content is also quite big, reels for Instagram and TikTok are filmed using a mobile phone in an aspect ratio that fits a phone, so like a portrait . A wedding film is filmed using high end film cameras in Ultra HD 4k (or should be) and are usually filmed to fill a TV screen. so widescreen or cinemascope. A wedding video is usually filmed using several cameras , is more discreet and also contains actual sound of the day . The film is edited and colour corrected to produce an actual film, that tells a story.
Wedding videos look amazing on a large screen and have all the sound from the day.
Wedding videos often run for over an hour and a half, so lots of footage of you and your family.
So, do you offer content creation
Yes, absolutely. If you would like a short 1 minute reel , with clips of your wedding day, please just ask! If you would like me to send you the clips over, I can do that as well. I will even show you the best software or Apps to use, so you can make your own reels up.. its so quick and simple to do.
Again, most young members of the family are already experts in TikTok and Instagram.
I have seen lots of bridal parties creating amazing TikTok videos on their phones.
What length of wedding video will I get?
The average wedding film I produce, is about 1.5 hrs long. It is like adocumentary of your day. There is footage of your venue, guests and family. The full ceremony is filmed and the full speeches. I always film until the end of the 4th dance of the evening, often staying later if there is a sunset worthy of filming! ( I love a sunset)
The films are delivered on USB in 4k , and you can copy them onto your own PC or your own USB .
You also recieve a short cinematic highlight film at the same time. This film is footage taken from your main film, and tells the story of your own unique wedding day.
I have seen short form wedding films delivered , what is the difference?
Some people prefer a short 20 or 40 minute wedding video as their main film. These can certainly look very good and if this is something you would prefer, please get in touch. The reason I don’t produce these as standard, is because I know that your ceremony will have lasted easily 30 mins and your speeches, the same. Add in any Bride and Groom preps, filming time with me and your photographer, a few dances etc, then all of a sudden, I will be throwing away so much footage of you and your family.
In years to come, that footage may become really important to you all, that’s why I like to give you much more of your wedding day on film.
Is drone aerial filming available?
I have been filming using drones for about 8 years. Ever since drones became a thing at weddings. I even went on my Civil Aviation Authority course, to be assessed for commercial filming! So I still hold certificates to prove my experience and full commercial business insurance, specific to drone filming.
I will always try my best to incorporate aerial filming into your wedding film, Sometimes though it’s just not possible.
Sometimes the weather isn’t kind , as drones hate the rain! and also sometimes the wind is just too strong. I have to assess the conditions before each flight. This is to ensure your safety and your guests safety.
Sometimes airspace is also restricted. This can be due to numerous factors , for example airshows or Royal events.
Flying near airports can also sometimes be an issue, as permission is required from the relevant ATC tower before each flight, and also the police should be notified before the day.
Most of these things can be organised in advance, and this is something that is all part of my planning for your special day.
Please feel free to get in touch for a chat.
You mentioned audio, how do you record that?
If you have ever watched a film with the sound off, you will soon realise that sound is as important, if not more important than the actual picture the screen.
Over the years, I have used various equipment and methods of recording the best possible sound for your films.
Through experience and lots of trial and error, I have learnt that there is only one way to clearly capture the sound of your wedding day.
Using on camera microphones, will never work! unless you want a camera inches from you both, as you say your vows to each other!
I use very small, discreet, lavalier microphones and digital recorders for the ceremony and speeches. Most people forget they even have them on and no one else can here what you are saying, whilst you are wearing them.
How do we book? and can we speak with you before?
I love to speak to every couple before they book, although I know this is sometimes difficult with people being in different countries and leading busy lives!
I do like to have a chat before your wedding day though, but again if this isnt possible due to geographical issues , then we can often organise video calls or telephone calls, or simply emails!
I do like to know more about your wedding day though, as it is important to me, to know if there are special evenbts happening throughout the day, to ensure I can capture them for you.
Booking is very easy, please just get in touch, with your venue and date of wedding, Your preferred package, I will then send you a booking form, with all the details on!
Neither my partner or I, are really comfortable being filmed, wont we feel awkward?
Most couples actually almost forget I am there on their wedding day
I was the typical reluctant groom on my wedding day, but I am so glad I listened to my wife !
Sure, you will see me there. I will come and say hello in the morning, have a chat whilst you are getting ready and hopefully put you all at ease. Modern cameras have fantastic lenses, so I don’t need to stand too close to you during the ceremony. I really dont want to be the center of attention!
When it comes to the important couples shoot, I prefer the relaxed natural look. Hold hands, have a chat, go for a walk along the beach, thats what looks good on film, and hopefully makes the whole thing quick and easy.
This part of the day shouldnt take too long, as I know most people want to get back to spend time with their families.
If howver, you do want to spend all afternoon with your photographer and I, brilliant and I am more than happy to accomodate you!
Whilst on the subject of photographers, yes, I work brilliantly with them,side by side . We would work together to provide you with the best photographs and film for your wedding day.
Have I forgotten anything?
Yes, probably lol! If there is anything I have forgotten to cover, please feel free to get in touch and hopefully I will have the answers for you.
I have been filming weddings for over 16 years, so I do have a lot of experience and probably know the answer to your questions, I can also point you in the direction of some brilliant suppliers and fellow professionals, ones you can trust.
Looking forward to speaking with you, John Estcourt