ADM Home Weddings Pageants Demo Videos Media Services FAQ's
Package Features and Prices Video Bios and Presentations References
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ADM Home Weddings Pageants Demo Videos Media Services FAQ's Package Features and Prices Video Bios and Presentations References |
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ADM
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Technical
Questions Why
Digital? For those couples who demand only the best, you'll want to
choose Affordable Digital Memories (ADM) to record and edit your wedding day
using state of the art Digital Video Equipment. Digital cameras result in richer, more natural colors along
with CD quality, 16-bit stereo audio. Clearer Picture While regular VHS video has between 260 and 320 lines of
resolution, Digital video has 550. What this means to you is that the better the
format used to shoot your wedding video, the better the edited DVD or VHS master
you will take home. In other words, the higher the original resolution, the
better and clearer the finished product will be. Our Ceremony Demo file (available for download off our website
at www.ADM-Video.com) is a mix of VHS and D8 media. While clear by the standards
of 10 years ago, it is readily evident that the VHS Balcony Cam is less distinct
than either the Altar Cam or the Front Row Digital recorder. Digital
IS better! More Detail in the Images Because your wedding is such an emotional event, Digital
Video captures the expressions on your faces and therefore, the emotions of the
day. In addition, if your Church restricts camera positions to far-away, back
balconies, Digital video will pick up much more detail from greater distances. More Sophisticated Editing Digital video post-production maintains picture quality and
clarity and allows for more creative editing techniques. For example, dissolves
where one moving video image fades out as the next one fades in, selective zoom,
animated titling and audio augmentation are all possible. Sharper Graphics Animations, graphics, backgrounds, titles, credits, etc. are
all sharper, richer, and therefore, clearer. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Why
DVD?
For
the absolute best quality, clarity, color, and sound you'll want to consider
having Affordable Digital Memories create a custom wedding DVD, rather
than VHS program of your special day.
Easy
Navigation
Impressive
chapter points
Virtually Indestructible
VHS Available instead of DVD
Your
finished product can be produced on to VHS video tape if you so desire, instead
of DVD.
Since the VHS technology is rapidly becoming obsolete and tapes are fragile, your program material will be at risk. It can, however, be re-mastered on a DVD from archive files up to one year after your wedding date. See services/price sheet for details.
Affordable Digital Memories (ADM) can also re-master your Bronze or Silver Package product to a better grade of editing and special effects during this same time period. See services/price sheet for details.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Why Video at All?
Why
Should My Wedding be Videotaped? Today's video is
first-rate and new technology makes it possible to have a wonderful, tastefully
done video that is on a par with broadcast work -- with less intrusion than
still photography. Contemporary
brides place high value on wedding video. After-wedding surveys reveal that most
who had their weddings taped consider it an excellent investment, while those
who failed to do so are often regretful. Video is the only way to capture
sights...sounds...and motion. Your wedding day is the most important day in your
life. You'll want to relive it with your family and friends. And you've spent an
enormous amount of money on your wedding day with Flowers, Band, Limos,
Reception Hall and lots more, the only way to see all of these items as they
happened with motion and sound - is with video. 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... ADM records the action of the moment by working with your
photographer, 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. Another
consideration is timing. Busy Wedding Photographers can take as much as 12
months to process and make available their work for you to see. While digital
stills captured from video are not in the same league as high-end film photos,
you will have dozens of pictures available for viewing on your PC or a modern
DVD player within 3 weeks of your wedding day. These will be eminently suitable
for sending via e-mail, or printing at any digital printing facility. Three
CD-ROM copies of stills from your videos are included in all ADM
packages. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Why a Pro? HOW
IMPORTANT IS IT TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL INSTEAD OF USING A FRIEND TO VIDEOTAPE MY
WEDDING?
You
can have a friend do this--and it will
save you money. Remember, cheapest is not best and the best is not cheap. Will
you want to watch the resulting video? Good quality video requires multiple
angles, quality audio, pacing, and a steady hand. Proper settings and a trained
artistic eye combined with experience perfect the craft. When you pull this
video out on your anniversary many years from now, you will want a family
heirloom filled with memories that help you remember this very important day.
Many
consumer (and even some "pro") videos fail due to inadequate planning
& coordination to blend with the flow of the event. Shaky images,
insufficient battery capacity or running out of tape can ruin a couples’ day.
Many churches and reception halls have low light levels. The sound you get from
a typical video camera can be hollow and difficult to listen to...especially in
large open areas like a church or reception hall where sound reverberates.
Any
ceremony and most other events recorded by ADM
will always be shot from a fluid-head tripod. This positively eliminates the
shake issue. Overkill 10-hour duration batteries are used on all equipment and
spare batteries are kept on hand, just-in-case.
ADM
addresses the low light issue by using Low-Lux equipment. Image brightness
can also be enhanced in post-processing. Non-glare LED floodlights are used to
supplement dim reception hall lighting, when necessary. Since recordings are
digital, computer enhancement is also practical, and is used if or when
necessary. Audio concerns
are addressed by interfacing with the facility public address system or running
a second camera at the altar to record dialogues. Remote radio microphones are
used where other options are not practical. Since recording are digital,
computer enhancement is also practical, and is used if or when necessary. Like
photography, simple videos done by the guests are a nice adjunct to, but no
substitute for, a professional video. This
is a one-take event, with limited chance to go back and correct mistakes or
oversights. Almost 50% of brides who have their videos shot by
friends or relatives, later wish they had a professional production, instead.
ADM
has the
equipment, the experience and the know-how to capture all the special moments of
your wedding day. 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. We have the means to edit the
video into a tightly-knit production that tells your love story with emotion and
impact. ADM
maintains a high
level of creativity in providing special effects and animated transitions. Just
because we are able to produce wedding videos at an affordable price does not
mean the level of professionalism has to be compromised. We use wedding industry
standard software and carefully inspect each video before it is released into
the customer’s hands. Hiring a professional allows your friends to enjoy the festivities at your wedding, instead of being stuck behind a camera. Besides, he or she will want to be a part of the celebration and will find it difficult to stay focused on the job at hand. It will also save you from disagreements when your buddy's tape is not what you expected--and it's too late to do anything about it ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Product
How
can I help my Videographer make my video as good as possible? We need to know as much
about your style preferences as possible. Do you like your ceremony short or do
you every detail recorded? Is there a particular effect you don't like or one
you absolutely love? How about humor? Do you want to keep the entire program
dignified, or is there room for a little whimsical craziness? Sitting down as a
couple with the Videographer is the most important way you can help us plan your
video. Pre-production consultation is included in all ADM
packages. Music
is a very personal choice. We know what we like, but is it what you like? Do you
both like the same thing? Remember that the video will last much longer than
your current taste in music, so picking something timeless will ensure you enjoy
it longer. We can help you out with music selections, if you like. There is
nothing more emotional than a good surprise—and nothing is worse than a bad
one. Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance. This is known as P5, What happens
if the current video technology goes obsolete? ADM can re-master your video tape to DVD. See ‘Why DVD?”
above. What should I
look for in a demo video? Clear,
understandable sound and crisp clear images with good accurate color and smooth
camera work. Due to the severe restrictions imposed by some churches, there will
be instances where even the best videographer will not get superior results.
However, a candidate who knows this should be able to present some good-looking
work, anyway. Like reading a book, the video should flow and constantly move
from one chapter of the day’s event to another. Do
you do interviews at the reception? Certainly, if you'd like. (It does cost extra, in the Silver Package,
but is included in the Gold) ADM will
ask your guests if they wish to congratulate the bride and groom on the video.
These mini interviews are strictly voluntary, and may be edited in the final
product. The bride and groom will also have an opportunity to say special thank-you’s,
in the Gold Package. Does Affordable Digital
Memories have a demo tape so I can see samples of your work? Yes. Downloadable
demonstration files are located on our website at www.ADM-Video.com. These files
are compressed to make them more easily downloadable, and not truly
representative. To get the full impact of DVD clarity and brilliance, please
request a demo DVD. Do
you provide services for rehearsal dinners? ADM
can create your "Growing
Through the Years" video montage to show at your bridal shower, rehearsal
dinner or reception. We are also, of course, able to videotape your rehearsal
dinner, if you purchase any package. What are some
additional features? ADM
offers many add-on features such as an introductory sequence at the
beginning of the tape (using your invitation), a listing of wedding party and
family member names in animated rolling credits, additional special effects used
throughout the wedding movie, animation transitions which gives the movie a
smooth flow from one moment to another. All packages incorporate a
"storybook concept." The day’s events are presented “as they
happened.” Do you use a backup
camera? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Timing
How long will it take to get our wedding videos?
How early do I need to reserve my wedding date? Sooner is better, to guarantee the availability of your date. While we
are sometimes able to accommodate couples on short notice, ADM recommends
three to six months in advance. During the more popular wedding months, dates
can become unavailable a year in advance. How do I go about reserving my wedding date? In order to reserve your date, a $50 non-refundable deposit is required
with a signed agreement engaging ADM
to videotape your wedding. Once we
reserve your date, ADM will no
longer accept inquiries for that date. Thirty days before your
wedding date, one-half of your balance (less your deposit) will be due. What methods of payment do you accept? ADM
accepts cash, personal checks, money orders or cashier's
checks. When is the balance due? The final balance is due on delivery of the finished product. Most couples prefer to make incremental payments to avoid a large outlay of cash close to their wedding date. ADM will be sufficiently flexible to meet your financial needs. Attire How will you be dressed? We will be in semi-formal
(sport coat & slacks) attire unless otherwise instructed. If you require
formal wear (tuxedo) extra notice will be required in order to coordinate with
the wedding party. Tuxedo rental expenses will be added to the contract price,
unless other arrangements were made ahead of time. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Environment Will videotaping my
wedding ceremony be obtrusive and distracting? ADM will
arrive at the ceremony location an hour before your ceremony to review the
location and determine the proper placement for our camera(s). Our Digital 8
cameras are placed on fluid head tripods and are therefore stationary, except
for panning and zooming, during the entire ceremony. This professional equipment
is designed to work effectively in low light situations and we do not use any
lights in addition to the existing light in the church. We respect the solemn
nature of the occasion while we quietly and professionally record this most
important day. We typically videotape Silver and Gold ceremonies with two
cameras, one at the front and one at the rear, so that we can capture the entire
ceremony from two different angles without moving. On the completed videotape,
you see the entire ceremony. Nothing is cut out; the sound is continuous, and
the picture you see is from the better of the possible camera angles. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Business Matters How
long have you been in business? ADM has been gaining experience-videotaping weddings in the Detroit area
since 1984. 2005 is our third year working full-time with Digital equipment.
References are available upon request. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Costs
Is
it expensive?
ADM offers quality videotaping at affordable prices. We are very aware of
how quickly costs accumulate when you prepare for a wedding. Therefore, our
pricing structure offers several different packages and options, so ADM can tailor your wedding day video to your budget. ADM has no mileage, distance or travel charges within Metro Detroit and suburbs. Our
most popular package (Silver) includes up to 12 hours of total operator time.
How
much will our video cost? Let your overall
wedding budget and the amount set aside for photos be a guide. Worthwhile,
professional video can require an investment equal to or greater than
photography. In our experience, a single 1hour video DVD or VHS wedding
production takes 20 to 30 hours to create. Client meetings, shooting, and
editing all take time. We professionals work hard and earn our money. Excellence
shows. You will get more than your money's worth when you hire a quality wedding
videographer. If you want video but are on a tight budget, eliminate the fancy
editing, montages, and effects. (You already own the pictures, right?) Make
quality of sound and picture recording your priority, because you can always
come back later for fancy re-editing if desired. You can never recover missed
action. When on a limited budget, you have not a cent to waste. Some couples opt to record the wedding ceremony
only to save money. "So
how much does it cost?" Our fully edited á la carte “Ceremony Only” starts at $350. If you want to record more than one event, a “package” is more cost effective. Our Bronze package records all three events for nearly the same net price as two events, á la carte. We offer many different options that make your wedding video special, such as a "Growing Through the Years" photo montage of the bride and groom growing up, or "rolling credits" at the end of the video to give recognition to your wedding party and family members. You choose the options that you wish to personalize your video. Upgrading to a better package, such as Silver ($850) or Gold ($1200) is generally more cost effective than stacking options. The Silver Package with a second camera ($850) offers the best value for your investment. The most popular options (and most others) are included at no extra cost, when upgrading. See our downloadable ADM Video Package Features document for more details. For more details on specific pricing, please visit our website at www.ADM-Video.com or call ADM. Note:
We also sometimes offer unadvertised specials (like a free 2nd
camera) and discounts during non-busy times. Please ask when you inquire about
our services. Should I seek
the lowest bid? Wedding video
styles and approaches are varied. So far, there is no certification procedure.
Evaluate candidates based on polices, performance, and reputation. A price quote
on the phone is meaningless unless relevant to your desires and event logistics.
What
distinguishes those "high end" videos costing several thousands of
dollars? Any
well-produced, high-quality video will need make no excuses. It will capture all
of the essential wedding elements, look and sound professional and have no
obvious distracting flaws. It will have a creative touch which embodies the
feeling of the wedding or other event. ADM
does all of this, and does it well, at an affordable
price. To make a
professional-level video does require a significant investment in both skills
and equipment. The old saying, “You get what you pay for” is generally true,
in that you will not get a quality wedding video for $25. On the other hand, you
do not have to spend $2500, either. Skill is the
most important factor that you pay for. What makes the most significant
difference in a quality program is the person behind the camera, not the
equipment itself. A skilled cameraman can record a wonderful program with
less-than perfect equipment and a marginal environment. A $1000 video camera
will take the same picture as one costing four times as much. A poorly prepared
or inexperienced cameraman with top-end equipment, may “look good” while at
work, but he will not provide you with a remembrance worth having. Except in
politics, substance always trumps appearance, and quality is the substance of ADM’s work. ADM is committed to giving you a professional quality product at a
cost that will not break your budget. We have no expensive storefront to
maintain, and our equipment represents a “best bang for your buck”
philosophy. The savings get passed on to you, the customer. ADM
operates on two principles: CAP
(Creative – Affordable
– Professional) and P5 (Prior
Planning Prevents Poor Performance.) We
look forward to working with you, as
well as for you. Jim Karenko, for Affordable Digital
Memories.
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Affordable Digital Memories Videography
Call:
(734) 944-2322 E-mail Inquiries to JPK@ADM-Video.com Thank You For Visiting Our Site! last updated: 11/23/07 |
