A message from Tommie Duffy

Educating a couple about the evolution of videography raises their expectations. Professionals, in turn, will rise to meet these expectations and this is good for the industry. Enlightened couples look for a documentary service that will do justice to their particular wedding day needs. Newlyweds are often surprised at the classic portrayal of their day on video. They're very grateful when, long after the day's happenings are a whir, they are able to experience the memory of it with their wedding documentary.

Video Marketing has targeted the bride who envisions herself as a star on her wedding day. She desires the "VH1 look" that the industry promotes. This style, with its slow motion, black and white images and graphic effects can certainly "wow" an audience and is being taught and mastered by many videographers.

However, the bride who desires more content and detail and a less contemporary look can find an artist who has honed his skills in journalistic cinematography who will work with candor and attention to detail to present that bride's story as she would herself. Appropriate effects are used only to enhance an already perfect event. "Content verses Form" has been an issue since the inception of motion picture art, but whether to follow a more trendy, or more classic form should be up to the author of the story, you.

Know what your own expectations and desires are of video. What will you and your family be most interested in watching 15 years from now? What will inspire you to work through the rough times a marriage is known to encounter? And most of all, what will best represent you at this juncture of heritage? Look for and expect the following of any vendor you are considering:

1. High quality of work, in both content and form

2. Enthusiasm for working with you & for you

3. Superior business skills, knowledge and ethics View several of his finished productions at full length.

Don't be sold simply by a video's "Movie- like" opening. Impressions are easily made when only the best portion of a work is shown, but it takes skill and conscious care to produce a full-length recording that will be genuine and interesting throughout. Remember that editing is much more than assembling lovely beginnings and endings onto indiscriminate, near-raw footage. And though it takes time, it is well worth the wait to have experienced comprehensive post- production work done on your wedding documentary.

When viewing examples, look for quality of form. Notice the picture. Are the images clear? Are the shots well composed? Notice the sound. Is it audible and easy to understand? Notice the editing. Are the cuts clean? Is there order within the context? Do the scenes flow from one to another? Notice the style of the documentary. Is it classic, trendy, journalistic? Is this the style in which you want your wedding to be presented?

As important as form, is good content. Are the "moments" presented as if they were captured without interference? Have key elements, as well as surprises, been recorded? Does the cameraman seem to have a "peripheral awareness" and be capable of anticipating each scene before it happens.

Any guest should be happy to be seen in your video, confident that they will be presented in a pleasant way. "Bloopers" are virtually nonexistent professional work! A professional cinematographer is respectful of privacy and human nature, and shoots and edits to flatter, not embarrass.

The professional videographer has a high regard for family and the institute of marriage. He brings out the important details that are sometimes known only to the bride and groom. He understands the uniqueness of each family's heritage, and by capturing this and preserving candor, he remains true to the story you want to tell.

Notice how the videographer relates his work to YOUR wedding. He should bend his skill to know and represent you, not interpret your wedding to represent his skill. Look for sound business skills and firm ethics.

All writing, in print and on the web, should contain the same philosophy and promises. The use of a written contract, basic and easy to understand, and a professional order of how business is conducted indicates that this videographer is prepared.

His level of integrity will be the level of honor he gives to the responsibility of caring for your memories. A printed price sheet should be offered. The manipulation of fees and use of technical jargon is not to be used to gain business. Confidence in his work and building up the field he represents should be a goal for him. Loyalty to the wedding industry and reputable colleagues is a good indication of his loyalty to his clients.

There is no substitute for experience, anticipation, and intuition. Though these are the best tools in this industry, you'll want to know that your videographer uses updated, well kept equipment and carries back-up equipment to ensure a thorough job, well done. Digital equipment for production (shooting) and postproduction (editing) in order to preserve the quality of the image is common today.

The emergence of digital gear has leveled the field in terms of imagery. "The bigger the camera the better" idea is beyond obsolete and price is not necessarily equated with quality.

Industry rhetoric for the sake of validating one's knowledge is unnecessary. The confident vendor will be eager to communicate with you in laymen's terms so that you clearly understand him and he understands you.

Relate your questions to him, no matter how trivial you think they are. Having your best interest at heart and encouraging your interest in his field is a good indication of the cohesive and calm attitude that is necessary when you need and deserve it most, on the day of your wedding.

Whomever you choose for your videography needs, you should feel relaxed and confident that you made an educated choice. Don't be pressured into this or any other important decision. You can never have too much information when choosing the person to trust and privilege with the task of documenting your special day.

The New Orleans area hosts over 10,000 weddings per year. Make your decision as soon as you can and if your first choice for wedding cinematographer is taken, ask him for a recommendation.

Congratulations and best wishes to you both! May these days of preparation be filled with much joy and good humor! May your wedding day be wonderful, and may you have the simple pleasure of reliving it again and again with superb cinematography!