HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL INSTEAD OF USING

A FRIEND TO VIDEOTAPE MY WEDDING?

VITALLY IMPORTANT! An amateur-produced wedding video won't be watched very often because it is boring. The problem starts with the equipment. The typical camcorder used by an amateur produces a poor image in low light. Most churches and reception halls have low light. Problems get worse when you listen to the sound you get from a typical video camera: it's hollow and very difficult to hear...especially in large open areas like a church or reception hall where sound reverberates off the walls and ceiling. Next, the typical amateur doesn't have the means to edit the video into a tightly-knit production that tells your love story with emotion and impact.

"We've already reserved a photographer; why should we have our wedding videotaped as well?"

Photographs are still an important part of capturing special events in our lives, but they don't tell the whole story. They cannot actively capture the laughter, the spontaneity, the warmth, the love... Gammage Video records the action of the moment without the posing of photographs, and enables you to relive the memories much more vividly. It's also terrific having a video to share with family and friends who aren't able to be with you to celebrate your wedding day.

"Do you do interviews of guests at the reception?"

Of course, if you'd like (and it won't cost extra, either)! We will ask your guests if they wish to congratulate the bride and groom on the video. These comments may be edited later, if necessary. These mini interviews are strictly voluntary.

Why should I pay for a pro video when my guests or relatives can tape it with their camcorders?

Most consumer (and even low-end inexpensive "pro") videos fail due to poor audio, inadequate planning and coordination to blend with the flow of the event, use of only one camera, shaky images, and insufficient battery capacity. Like photography, simple videos done by the guests are a nice adjunct to, but no substitute for, the professional video.

"My uncle has a camcorder and has offered to tape our wedding. Why should I hire a professional?"

This is a one-take event, with no chances to go back and correct mistakes or oversights. Gammage Video has recorded several  weddings and has the equipment, the experience and the professional know-how to capture all the special moments of your wedding day. And one of the most important parts of recording your wedding ceremony and reception is the post-production work involved in making your video smooth, professional and fun to watch. Hiring a professional allows your uncle to enjoy the festivities at your wedding, instead of being stuck behind the camera. (Plus it will save you from family disagreements when your uncle's tape is not what you expected, but it's too late to do anything about it!)

"How early do I need to reserve my wedding date?"

The sooner the better, of course, to guarantee the availability of your date. While we are sometimes able to accommodate couples on short notice, we recommend three to six months in advance. During the more popular wedding months, dates can become unavailable a year in advance.

"How soon will the DVDs be ready?"

The turnaround time is incredibly fast at Gammage Video! The video will be ready in 1-2 weeks. Often, couples are able to have their completed dvds long before their photographer's proofs are even available.