Professional Advice and Terms
With such picturesque landscapes, seascapes, mountains and glaciers around, you might worry about your little ceremony or reception being upstaged by the surroundings. Don't be! Every good video pro knows how to use the landscape to enhance your wedding video, while capturing moments such as:- Arrivals at ceremony
- Bridal preparation
- Interactions between your guests
- Exchanging of vows
- Placing the ring on the finger
- Lighting of a unity candle
- The first dance
- Cutting the cake
There are also a number of common terms and functions with which your videographer should be familiar. (If they are not, consider it a red flag.) These are standard terms for today's video and recording technology, and relate to the features of your video, along with how it will be shot and saved.
VHS/Analog Film: VHS is still the most common analog format, but any camera that actually records to tape is rapidly becoming outdated. Properly stored, a VHS tape will last approximately 15 years, so be ready to copy it over again at least 3 times before your golden anniversary.
Digital Cameras/Recording: Today, most videographers shoot with digital video cameras. They are more light-sensitive, and so need less-intrusive lighting for good picture quality. The best part is that a digital record of your event is extremely easy to edit and even enhance with special filters, effects, fades and more. You might even choose to do the job yourself if you have a nice piece of editing software such as Adobe Premiere Elements or DVD Movie Factory. You could then send away your master to a company for replication, or print copies yourself.
DVD: Most videos today are in DVD format. DVD picture resolution, selection of features, overall quality and durability is better than the VHS format.
In-Camera Editing: This may be a cost or time-saving practice, and reduces the need for later editing if done properly. Basically, it means that your videographer will only shoot when he or she thinks is appropriate, or at times (such as the First Dance) you have previously agreed upon.
HD Video: Your Alaska videographer may be able to provide high definition footage options. Today's newer TVs can accommodate a resolution far exceeding DVDs and VHS tapes, which HD Video delivers. As TV screens become larger, even older digital footage may begin to look "grainy." HD and another format, Blu-ray, are today's top-of-the-line standards for video quality. Don't be surprised to find they're expensive options, as well!
Non-Linear Editing or NLE: Just another name for computer-based editing!
Outtakes: Raw or partially-edited footage that didn't make it's way to the final version. Often shown behind the end credits in big feature films.
Raw Footage: Unedited original recordings from the video camera.
Video Capture Card: It is possible to transfer VHS/analog to digital format for editing on a computer with a video capture card. That edited footage can then be output back to VHS tape.
Alaska Budget Wedding Videos
To save money on your wedding video, look at the basic option or plan that your videographer offers. It may not include all the bells and whistles, but will cost less and will still capture the essence of your day. You can also go with up and coming videographers whose rates are low, but whose services are sound.You may also have a friend or family member with filming experience. Though this option will save you the most, it may be unclear what kind of video you will receive. It could be filled with shots of shoe tops and the sounds of happy sniffles!
Wedding Videographers Across Alaska
With natural beauty so abundant, there are plenty of film makers and pros with the proper digital camera gear to be found. Search for "[your AK destination] videographers" to find those nearby to your location. In Anchorage, Juneau, and along the Kenai Peninsula, you will find numerous options to fit any budget. Below is a list of preferred vendors.Alaska Wedding Videos offers unique, individualized video packages across the state of Alaska. Backed by Talking Circle Media, they have years of experience filming all across the Last Frontier State. Whatever your location, they're prepared!
Ice Cap Productions of Anchorage, AK, offers popular wedding video packages at good prices. Their numerous other areas of expertise ensure that, again (at least around Anchorage) location will not be an issue.
Finally, Cameo Video Productions offers service to Eagle River, Anchorage, and many other areas of the state by special arrangement. Their website offers a nice selection of video previews to give you a direct feel for their style of filmmaking.