Memories have a nasty habit of fading away - and if there is one day you want to preserve for an eternity, it`s your wedding day. One cannot deny that photographs are an invaluable source of joy but, inevitably, the tiny moments of this momentous event are bound to escape the camera - nor can pictures capture those treasured words or the feeling with which they were spoken. So why not fill-in the missing links and re-live all those magical moments in full motion by videoing your vows?

A wedding video can be seen as your very own love story. It chronicles the birth of something new and wonderful - the first chapter of your lives together in glorious matrimony. As such, you`ll want it to suit your personality as well as your budget. Wedding videos should be used to complement rather than replace the traditional wedding album. If you can afford both, they are an investment that you and your family will treasure for a lifetime.

The first step is finding the right professional to do the job and, make no mistake, you do need a professional. Countless newlyweds have been disappointed when their memories are transformed into miserable shadows and distorted shaky images which serve as a poor reminder of the event. Asking a friend or relative to do the deed on his personal camcorder is not a good idea. Danny Nussbaum, of Video Memory Makers, is resolute in this. "When invited as a guest, I will not double as videographer as I feel the bride and groom deserve the undivided attention of the professionals they hire on their special day. As a guest you have your own agenda: you are there to celebrate with family and friends, to socialise and enjoy the company of those around you. Mixing business with pleasure goes against all the principles of a true professional, whose main purpose is to produce a spectacular piece of work. After all, it is your name on the line and you are only as good as your last video." Style varies immensely from video to video, so it is essential that the professional you select has a concept that suits your own personality. While there appears to be a trend to use as many special effects as possible, Danny Nussbaum prefers a natural video, rather than a production over-saturated with special effects. He records the events as they occur, so that nothing can obscure the true sentiment of the day. Says Nussbaum, "I do not believe that a good videographer should direct the couple to perform. Magical moments and romance happen anyway. If you`re at the right place at the right time, you`ll capture them naturally." Alan Oberstein, who has completed a specialised training program for cameramen at SABC, warns that excessive special effects are often used to conceal mistakes, such as a shaky grip. "The result can resemble a pop video, which will look extremely outdated in years to come."

However, Erwin Gruter of Movies To Remember, enjoys the creativity of the medium. He often uses special effects, whether black and white footage reminiscent of old fashioned movies, or montage, which gives a `collage in motion` effect. On request, he will take the couple to a romantic spot to tape a brief clip for the video. "One of my favourite locations is the botanical gardens. Here, I film the couple holding hands as they walk through the manicured lawns with the waterfall bubbling over in the background. If they enjoy a particular hobby, such as cricket, I can even film them batting on a field!"

Experienced videographers use a number of techniques to prevent boredom seeping in. Short sequences, typical of action movies and dramas, is an approach that Erwin and Hennie (also of Movies To Remember) find extremely useful. The also use two cameras, which enable them to shoot scenes from different angles, thereby diminishing the boredom factor. Jenny Chapman of Chapman Productions solves the problem by subtly varying her camera work and sound - alternating between still frames, fading, and full motion as well as between natural sound and taped love songs.

Quality is crucial
Top quality equipment is crucial for a good production. This includes not only the camera but also the lighting and the editing. Most professional cameramen (and women) are opting for softer, less intrusive lights and digital cameras. The experts firmly maintain that the quality of digital is far superior, despite the fact that it`s more costly. Rob Turner of Digital Video Images maintains that the quality more than justifies the cost. "Digital Video is comparable to broadcasting, with clear definition and a smooth transition between scenes. But what really makes it special is the flexibility that digital editing is able to provide. You can eliminate the jarring effect entirely with dissolves, and liven up the party with some subtle, creative effects."
Naturally, prices and packages differ from person to person, depending a great deal on experience and equipment. One can expect to pay up to R4 000 for a wedding video, or around R1 500 at the more economical end of the spectrum. Notwithstanding the expense, your appreciation of the video in years to come will undoubtedly make it a worthwhile investment. Paul Goldschagg of Video Diary argues that the cost is relatively nominal if one considers how much is spent on flowers that whither and a dress that is worn only once. "How can you savour each of these treasured aspects of your wedding day if you have not budgeted for a video? Only video can capture the essence of the day in living colour each time it is viewed. Many people, on viewing their video, have told me that it was the first opportunity they`ve had to really enjoy their wedding day. A video allows you to sit back, relax and re-live the fun!"

Continued in The Virtues of Video 2 of 2...

Article source: LifeWorld