Thomas Hughes on Video

A good wedding video will claim its well-deserved accolades after the wedding when things have settled down and the newlyweds, family and friends want to relive that special day. Despite the fast pace in which technology in the area of videography changes, there are certain criteria that remain constant and when followed, will help you make decisions you will not regret.

When choosing a videographer, it is important to seek recommendations from former clients and other industry professionals. A good reputation is hard earned and an indication of having made the correct choice. That way you know they're going to provide you with a great product and work well with your other vendors. Also, its important they're available to you and listen to your needs.

Clients should trust their videography company to videotape their special events unobtrusively with an eye for detail and a genuine love of people. Most events require a discreet approach where use of high-powered lights is inappropriate or shooting from a distance is required; in these cases, the use of extremely high-quality cameras should allow your videographer to meet such requirements. Everyone has their own idea of what it means to be unobtrusive and its the job of the company you hire to make sure they figure that out and work within the specified guidelines.

Great editing is a craft and requires an experienced editor who will allocate ample time to the process; the more time spent, the richer, more layered, well-paced, entertaining and polished the video will be. You'll appreciate and enjoy it more with each viewing. Also, everyone must be pleased with how they see themselves in the final piece. A good editor is sensitive to that and will select the most complimentary angles, the best footage available for every aspect of the story the video tells.

George Lucas, Francis Ford Coppola and a whole new wave of Hollywood directors are shooting their feature films completely in high definition. In 2001, Thomas Hughes Video Productions filmed and produced the first wedding ever shot on HD for internationally-acclaimed record producer Walter Afanesieff, using the same technology later used to film the next two Star Wars movies. "HD video is the biggest change in the motion picture industry since the advent of color film began to supplant black and white back in the 1930's. HD video looks neither like film nor tape--but is more akin to gazing out a window." Even if the client doesn't have an HD player, the quality is so much higher that it makes for a stunning DVD. HD has six times the information that standard definition provides. The result is stunningly crisp and clear. Once you get your first taste of HD video, you can't go back!

With the start of high definition usage in wedding videography, the future of the wedding video industry is very exciting. With such technology available, clients can expect a superior video they will enjoy for the rest of their lives; and when paired with exceptional service from a reputable company, the experience can be a memorable one.

Written by Thomas Hughes