Creating A Video Montage For Your Wedding

10 Tips for Creating a Great Slide Show or Video Montage

Creating a captivating video montage or slide show that you can enjoy for years is not difficult, but by taking a few steps prior to creating a slide show or having one created for you can go along way. Here are some lessons that we've learned at DVDPhotographs.com while creating our slide shows.

1. Know who your audience is

Knowing who your intended audience is an obvious, but sometimes overlooked step in the process of developing your slide show. For instance, if you're showing your slide show at your wedding reception, perhaps you'll want to include some pictures of the guests, and not just pictures of you and your fiancé.

2. Shorter is sometimes better

After you've determined who your intended audience is you can start to get an idea as to how many pictures you'll want to include in your slide show. We've found that video montages that are between 8 - 12 minutes in length are ideal for wedding receptions. This usually works out to about 3 songs and 75-100 pictures. While you can certainly display more photos during your slide show, you want to be careful not to overdo it. You may want to create two slide shows, one you show at your wedding, and another you keep for yourself.

3. Choose Quality Photographs

While recent advances in digital photo restoration have allowed torn and poorly developed photographs to be brought back to life, there is only so much that the software can do. Pictures that look great printed (correct lighting, framing, developed properly) will also look great while scanned. Pictures that are extremely dark or grainy, while perhaps improved somewhat, will still not appear the best. Make sure to choose a photo montage company that can make digital enhancements to your pictures.

4. Choose a Variety of Photographs

Even though you may love all the pictures of your dog Rusty, the audience may not want to sit through all the pictures of him. Instead of showing 10 pictures of Rusty, perhaps choose the best 2 or 3. Using a variety of photographs can keep your audience interest.

5. Landscape pictures show better than Portrait pictures

Given the standard dimensions of television monitors, photographs that are in landscape mode (vertical) as opposed to portrait mode (horizontal) show better on a TV. While portrait photographs certainly can and SHOULD be used, you should be aware that there will typically be a black border that appears around the photograph. It's best to use these sparingly throughout the slide show and not clump them all together.

6. Give some thought to music

Choose music that has meaning to you, music whose lyrics go well with the pictures. Also pay attention to how long the music you're choosing is. If you're only showing 30 pictures, you might not want to choose a 8 minute song. The photo montage company should be able to give you some suggestions as to the number of pictures with your selected songs.

7. Add short video clips

Do you have any home videos sitting around gathering dust? Think about adding perhaps a 10-15 second video clip in the middle of the slide show. The video clip can help break up the video montage and is a great way to keep your audiences interest. Make sure to choose a slide show company that can convert your video clips.

8. Add motion to your slide shows

Slide shows developed on PowerPoint and other consumer level software will typically be just static photos that go from one picture to the next. Consider having your slide shows created with the "Ken Burns" effects that Pan and Zoom on each photograph. This can help bring your pictures to life. Make sure you inquire to see if your photo montage company can create motion with your pictures.

9. Add transitions to your slide shows

Transitions such as fade in/fade out, dissolve, and image peel are also an effective way to move from one photograph to the next. Be careful not to get too carried away with transitions as they too many of them can distract from the overall slide show.

10. Test! Test! Test!

An event as big as your wedding requires that you make sure you test ALL the equipment prior to the big day. Make sure the projector or television, DVD Player or Laptop, and sound is all working.

Creating a captivating slide show or video montage can be done successfully with keeping a few of these tips in mind. Pictures that are preserved to DVD can be enjoyed for years to come. Partnering with an experienced slide show company like DVDPhotographs.com can help create a slide show you'll be proud of.

Submitted by Michael Yared, www.dvdphotographs.com

Simple Things To Help Your Wedding Photographer

A little help goes a long way. Here are some simple things to help your wedding photographer make your memories last forever.

Let’s Be Friends

First and foremost, understand that even the most professional photographer can only capture that which you portray. They may be able to get great angles and a fairytale setting, but how you feel and what you think will most certainly be evident in you facial expression and level of comfort in front of the camera. It is, therefore, of utmost value to be comfortable with your photographer and their camera. A very good idea would be to get to know your photographer before the wedding in order to achieve this. Many photographers will be more than happy to arrange a pre-shoot to help you and your fiancée become more comfortable with the lens and it truly is advisable to grab the opportunity with both hands. Not only will it help you and your fiancée to become more comfortable, but it should also be a time in which your photographer will couch you in the little things that really matter on the day of your wedding like “chin up, elbows away from your sides, breath” and so on. All in an effort to capture your most precious memories in the best possible way. Remember that your photographer is the one person who will be there ALL THE TIME. They are probably going to be the one calming you when table settings aren’t right or the correct accessories to your dress have not arrived (I’m speaking from experience of-course). Yes, they will be the one standing by with that glass of wine, the cigarette or the calming tablet, whilst still capturing every moment in eternity. In getting to know your photographer, it will offer the photographer a glimpse into your personality and give them the opportunity of capturing YOU in your photos.

A great way of allowing your photographer to get to know you is to invite your photographer to your bridal shower to capture a few shots there. It will also offer your photographer a chance to get acquainted with some of your key guests. Most photographers would love to get to know the couple before the wedding. Make the photographer a friend.

Lighting

Now most photographers will be able to deal with any lighting condition, but the best photos are usually achieved using natural light. Please keep this in mind when planning the time of your wedding. Remember that if the ceremony is scheduled for just before sunset and the ceremony is an hour long, there won’t be much light left for your photographer to work with. Also keep in mind that once you step outside the ceremony venue, there will be a stampede of guests who will want to congratulate you. This is very time consuming and can take an hour or more. You may not expect that it will be so time consuming, but experience has taught me that it always does, so please be sure to cater for this in your schedule. If you are planning a late or evening wedding, your photographer will probably ask to take photos of you and your fiancée before the ceremony or the next day, or they may take a more photojournalistic approach and have no formal shoot with the bride and groom at all.

Also keep your photographer in mind at the reception. Dimming the lights to almost complete darkness when opening the dance floor or cutting the cake, may add to the romantic atmosphere, but may leave your photographer in complete disaster, especially if he/she does not even have enough light to see you through the camera’s view finder.

Event Schedule

Please ensure that your photographer knows what will be happening at approximately what time. Remember that your photographer needs to be aware of important moments at your wedding in order to capture them e.g. Speeches, opening dance, throwing of the bouquet and so on. There is nothing worse for a photographer than sitting down to that well deserved meal, taking a bit bite of that lovely food, and being caught completely off-guard by the announcement of the wedding cake being cut, and having jump up, mouth full of food, hands full of gravy – need I say more?

Event Guide

An event guide is someone who knows the rest of the guests at the wedding, who can help the photographer to get the right people together for the photos of friends and family that you have requested. You have many other things to concentrate on and will probably not have the time to help your photographer co-ordinate this. Besides, you will probably be in most of those photographs and will have to stay put while the rest of the crowd is being gathered. Remember that your photographer is great at what they do, but unfortunately, probably not clairvoyant, and will not know who Uncle Frank and Aunt Sally are. Having an event guide will help to ensure that the process is quick and efficient and that all those special guests get photographed.

Guests and Guest Photography

Usually, most photographers will be more than happy to allow your guests to take photos here and there. I even joke around with the guests who are taking photos and call them my fellow paparazzi and give them some pointers to help them achieve better shots. Unfortunately, time on your special day is precious and rather pricey when it comes to a professional photographer. Try to limit the amount of guest photography during vital moments of your wedding. Keep in mind that your photographer may be using a special lens for low lighting conditions during the ceremony, if it is indoors, to avoid using a flash, and a flash from a guest’s camera may cost you and your photography that great photo of “You may kiss the bride”. It is also very time consuming during the photo shoot of friends, family and the bridal couple if the photographer has to wait for the 10 other people who want to take that same shot and has to fight for your attention while you are looking at the 10 other camera’s clicking away. It may mean that the photographer may not have enough time to get all the desired photos and it may prove to be very disappointing for you.

When it comes to guests, it is rather unfortunate that you will have one or two who will refuse to co-operate with your photographer and who may even be extremely rude. Now, some people will just persist in their behavior no matter what you do or say, but for the rest of the friendly folk, it may be a good idea to add a little sentence to your invitation like “Watch out for the paparazzi. When in there presence, look straight into the lens, be quiet and smile, and no-one gets hurt” or have your master of ceremony just make a short announcement to encourage guest co-operation. I am always friendly with the guests and find that 9 times out of 10 a little courtesy from my side and a bit of encouragement from the couple’s side goes a long way in creating great and fun photos.

Enjoy It

Enjoy the experience. Take that bottle of wine along. Have fun. Chat to your beloved. Laugh. Relax. Remember your photographs can only reflect what you are feeling. Many a bride and groom have said that their photo session was one of the most wonderful, fun highlights of their day, and some have said that it was exhausting and frustrating. You photo shoot will greatly depend on what you make of it. The photographer will do the rest.

Article written by Roberta Strydom

Submitted by Giovanna Clarichetti Photography, www.weddingphotographs.co.za

Wedding Photographers: How To Choose The Best

If you are reading this, chances are you are recently engaged. Congratulations! The task in front of you to plan your wedding may seem overwhelming but this article should help you in at least one major area - choosing your wedding photographer.

Hiring your wedding photographer now will have consequences for life, so it is incredibly important that you choose a reputable photographer. If the cake turns out chocolate instead of marble or if daisies are in your bouquet instead of carnations will you remember it five years from now? Will it really matter? Probably not, but what will matter is having bad photographs or video of your wedding day.

Just as soon as you’ve chosen a date for your ceremony, you should choose a photographer. Peter Clayman, senior photographer for NH Images, says his business typically books up to 10 to 14 months in advance. He stresses the importance of booking as soon as possible, “In a perfect world, they should book twelve months in advance. If that’s not possible, they should do it as absolutely soon as possible.” This is because many photography companies that consist of a sole photographer can handle only one wedding in any given day. NH Images, for example, has a team of photographers that can shoot up to five weddings at a time.

After setting the big date, determine your photography budget. Photographers are among the highest-paid vendors for weddings so be sure to plan proportionately. Next, decide on the style of photography you like. According to Peter, there are several photography styles to consider. Photographers may shoot all styles or just one or two. Knowing the style(s) you want will help you select the appropriate photographer.

Photography Styles

Photojournalist-style photography (AKA candids) is a very popular way to document your day in a non-obtrusive fashion while capturing all the emotion and events as they unfold.

Conservative photography (AKA formal portraits) usually consists of groups that are organized and posed. They are usually shot after the ceremony but before the reception but can take place at any point when there is “down time” and the groups can be assembled.

Artistic photography is an unconventional, edgy way of presenting lasting memories. The way the photo and/or subjects are cropped, the use of special filters and creativeness with location are just a few examples.

After you have decided which style(s) you prefer, you can research photographers and schedule interviews. You can find photographers through online searches, regional wedding directories and specialty magazines and books. Before setting up the interview, email or call with these questions first.

Questions to Ask Before the Interview

“Do you have my particular date available?” There’s really no sense continuing if they are already booked.

“What photography style(s) do you shoot?”

“Where will we meet for an interview?” Find out if you will be meeting at his/her studio office or if you will be meeting in a neutral location. It is easier to confirm if you are dealing with a legitimate business when you have seen a physical address associated with it.

“How long have you been in business?” This answer will give you a better understanding of whether or not you want to proceed based on their experience level.
Ask the photographer to send his/her references and any unsolicited kudos of any kind that you can check up on before the interview.

During the interview, expect to learn about the pricing and packages available, see samples of the photographer’s work and get a feel for his/her personality. Liking his/her personality is important because you will all be spending a lot of time together on your special day; therefore, you need to find someone that you “click” with and who won’t pressure or intimidate you.

Take this list of questions with you to ensure you are getting a professional, high-quality photographer.

Questions to Ask the Photographer During an Interview

“How many weddings have you shot in the last few years?” Even though they may have been in business for awhile, ensure they have shot a number of weddings that complement the number of years they have been in experience.

“How many weddings have you booked so far this year?”

“Are you affiliated with any professional organizations?” Although not a requirement, belonging to organizations such as the Digital Wedding Forum and Professional Photographer’s Association to name a few, demonstrate the photographer’s desire to remain current with industry standards and technology.

If you know your venue: “Have you shot at my specific venue?” If so, there is value because he/she already knows the logistics.

If the photographer has not shot at your venue before: “Will we have a planning meeting?” This is a meeting where you and the photographer meet on location ahead of time to go over the specifics of the ceremony and/or reception. This is very valuable because the photographer needs to understand how much space he/she will have to work with as well as an understanding of light and other technical aspects.

Something to consider is whether or not you will want videography. There are at least two benefits to hiring a company like NH Images who offers both stills and video. For one, if you hire the photographer and videographer from the same company, chances are good that you will save money because they often offer package deals. Secondly, when hiring from the same company, you can be confident that the still photographer and videographer have worked together before and will stay out of each other’s way. Hiring the photo/video team from the same company makes for a smoother day and cleaner end result.

Final Steps

Expect to sign a contract and read it thoroughly. Make sure that you understand the policy regarding deposits in the event you must cancel. Also, make sure there is a contingency plan clearly outlined in the event an emergency arises and the photographer cannot perform his/her duties. Oftentimes, there will be a statement in the contract explaining a backup photographer. Make sure this exists and that there is a backup plan in writing. You can also expect to pay approximately 25 to 50 percent at the time of the contract signing with the remainder due by the wedding.

Most of the time the photographer will not be able to “hold” the date for you while you decide to hire him/her. Usually, only a deposit will secure the date. Keep in mind, holiday and long weekends are especially popular and will be the first to book. When meeting with the photographer, if you determine that he/she is reputable, has a great personality and falls within your budget, book that person immediately. Chances are good that if you are planning twelve months in advance, so are other determined brides-to-be.

Candy Osborne is a freelance writer and former photojournalist with experience hiring photographers. NH Images is a reputable wedding photography and videography company for couples planning weddings in the New England area and beyond.

Submitted by Candy Osborne, www.nhimages.com

Photography And Video Tips

How To Choose A Photographer

Choosing a photographer is not like going to a store and selecting some bridal dresses. It is different because you can’t see the photographs before you buy them. You can know how good a photographer is only after he has been chosen and you have received the photos from him. It is therefore evident that your decision will largely be a matter of faith. Those who think price is the sole determining factor are on the wrong track; they should remember that price is important, but you don’t know the quality of the product you are paying for. So it is better if you follow a few general guidelines before choosing a photographer.

In most cases, recommendations of friends and relatives are of great help. After you prepare a list of photographers following their recommendations, you should meet each of them and have a look at their portfolios. You can collect the names of good photographers from other sources also. If you can’t meet all of them personally, visit their websites and review their portfolios. Concentrate on the photographs only, don’t get carried away by the design of the website. After a thorough review, shortlist them and talk to them personally, on phone or through e-mail. Find out whether he will be available on that particular day, which areas are his specialties (candid, traditional, photojournalism, combination, film or digital etc.) and how much he will charge you for the job. In return, be sure what you are going to get from them. While judging the samples, trust your own instincts. It is only you who will know what you like. When you see a picture, you only can say, “Yeah! This is exactly what I am looking for.”

From this interaction, you will have a fair idea of the photographer’s personality. Remember he is going to be with you all day; you will definitely not choose someone who you won’t feel comfortable with. No matter how good his photographs are, a photographer with a bad personality can ruin your day. So select someone you feel good about.

Once you have found a photographer who meets all these requirements, start working the budget back into the equation. Try not to cross your budget. Bargain in those areas where bargaining is possible. Try to stick to your budget without compromising on quality. If you keep your mind open to the wide range of possibilities, you will certainly find the photographer of your dreams.

How To Choose A Videographer

It is not that still photographers have all taken to different professions by now, but today’s couples are more and more going for videography so that even their great grandchildren can have a feel of the moments of their wedding ceremony. Like you did for your wedding photographer, you should take a number of factors into consideration while choosing your videographer too.

To begin with, ask for samples of their recent wedding videos. Watch a number of them so that you can make a fair assessment of their qualities. They will try to show you only their best work, you must insist they show more of them. Check if the images are clear and smooth, the sound good enough or not. If they show samples on their websites, ask for samples off a DVD as well to get a better idea of their work. Inquire whether they are acquainted with the latest trends in videography. It is essential for better picture and sound quality. You should also know if they have good equipment with them. Check if they have professional grade, 3-chip digital cameras which produce great pictures. You should also ensure that your videographer does have good editing equipment like Adobe, Avid or Newtek.

Apart from the technical and aesthetic details, you should ask when you will hear from them again before the wedding day. Find out how they handle communication after you give them your deposit. Your objective should be to ensure that such an important occasion of your life is given the attention it deserves. Try to know how they are going to cover the ceremony and reception. Will visit to the location beforehand if they have never worked there before? Are they ready to give you an emergency or cell phone number in case you need to contact them for any last-minute changes?

Get to know about all the packages and options they can offer and at what prices. Evaluate them and find out if you are getting something that you will want to show your children and grandchildren years from now. Ask them how quickly they can deliver the final product. Never forget to read the contract before signing and inquire about the payment policy. It is likely that most of them will seek a deposit while some will want to be paid fully in advance. Weigh all these things carefully and then only make the final choice.

Jen Carter is owner of My Wedding Blog, and offers tips and advice for people planning their wedding.

Submitted by Jen Carter, www.my-wedding-blog.com

Kendra Weddings Blog

Kendra's Blog. Hello, I am a wedding photographer located in Orange County, California. I shoot a combination of candid, lifestlye, photojournalism, fashion, formal and artistic photographic styles. Classically trained in film and the darkroom, I immediately transitioned into digital. I love photography and having fun at weddings while I work. My career in photography has been enhanced by my colleagues, especially Linda Foeldi of My Bridal Assistant and Brent Edwards of OC Bride Magazine, as well as all my brides and grooms who have recommended me.

Category: Vendors 2010

Submitted by www.kendraweddingsblog.com

How To Pick A Photographer

This is the biggest day of your life and it will go so quickly. You, your fiance' and both families have been planning this day for months, maybe years. Capturing it forever with professional photography is so important. You may have a tight budget but don't skimp on the photography because it is the only "thing" from your special day that you will never outgrow, defrost or sell on Ebay.

Figure out the style of photography you absolutely love by looking at what excites you in a wedding photograph. Then find a local pro that is recommended who embodies that style. If their publicized prices seem out of your budget, approach them directly about special arrangements or invite a relative to help with the cost who values professional, lifelong memories too. Make the contact with photographers as soon as you have your wedding and venue booked.

The best photographers fill up fast, sometimes 12 months in advance for prime dates. If sticking to your budget is a necessity, select an off-season wedding date and/or non-Saturday for the best deals. Having trouble deciding between two great photographers? Quickly call and ask for a brief engagement session. Some even offer it as part of the wedding package.

Sixty minutes working with the professional plus a look at your prints should be enough to tell you which one has the energy and skill you desire. Remember, you do really get what you pay for but these memories will be so sweet. You will want to look at them over and over as well as show your grandchildren how handsome their grandpa looked on his wedding day. Choose wisely, sign a contract and then relax. You have hired a professional who relies on you for good referrals. That's far more than Uncle Bob from out-of-state with his new fangled camera can say.

Submitted by www.emeraldrosephotography.com

Eight Ways to Get the Best Wedding Photos

Make sure your photographer captures all those special wedding-day moments with this helpful advice from a wedding pro...

You have the “perfect” man. You’ve got your “this-is-the-one” dress. You’ve secured the perfect wedding location. Now all you need is someone to capture the memories that will last a lifetime. Here are eight ways to ensure you get the best images on your wedding day.

1. Do Your Homework

To get the best wedding photos, you need to start before your big day and find the best photographer for YOU. For this, you need to do your research. Here’s how:

- Narrow it down to about 3 choices and interview each one.

- Look at their portfolios. Ask to see samples of their work, albums and slideshows. Do they have a wide range of work? Do they have a website?

- Ask to see a whole wedding they’ve shot, not just a few pictures. You may come to find out later that they may not work well under certain conditions, and you don’t want to find out the hard way.

- Find out what can they offer you. Is it a style that you prefer? Can they tailor their style to meet your needs? Find someone who is willing to work with you, not against you.

2. Schedule an Engagement Session

Yes, I’m a big proponent of e-sessions. Why? Three reasons:

- It gives you a chance to get to know your photographer before your big day. He or she is going to be with you for most of your day, so it’s a good idea to get to know this person before the big event.

- You get a chance to see their style of shooting firsthand and ask questions. Are they a director or are they a “just let it happen” kind of shooter? What kind of equipment are they using and how do they use it? Can they pose you to make you look your best?

- The biggest advantage? You get to see samples of their work with YOU in them, before you make that final deposit.

3. Make Sure Your Hair and Makeup Are Perfect

If you want to look your best, always do a trial run before your wedding day so you can make any necessary tweaks before the big day. Here are a few things, from a photographer's point of view, to keep in mind:

- Bring a camera to the hair and makeup trial. You want to make sure the makeup works well on camera. Some makeup foundations/powders are highly reflective and can appear very white on film.

- Your makeup should last throughout your wedding, so wear it for a day and see what happens. You don’t want to find out on your big day that your makeup is gone after the first portion of your ceremony.

- Ask about wear-proof makeup, touch-ups or any other thing you might need to keep your makeup flawless.

- Stay away from glitter. Yes, shiny is pretty, but once that flash pops…you will get a lot of tiny bright white highlights in your pictures.

- For the groom, I recommend bringing some sort of blotting cloths or tissue to keep him from looking shiny, especially if it is hot. Shiny equals white on camera.

4. Create a Timeline

One of the best things you can do to eliminate stress for yourself on the big day is to create a timeline for your photographer. It's important to discuss when and where the shots will take place and to schedule plenty of time for your wedding photos. A less-stressed bride is a happy bride. And a happy bride makes for great photos.

5. Know What You Want

What kind of shots are you envisioning for your big day? With most weddings, photographers know there is a general list of images to capture (i.e. the kiss, the first dance). But are there any other images you would like? Work with a photographer who understands what you want. I always ask my brides to think about whether there are any other shots they want from their wedding. For example, is there a special locket you want photographed? Maybe a pose you saw online? Discuss this with your photographer so he or she is aware of any other special requests and can accommodate you.

Make sure your photographer doesn’t leave without saying goodbye. Before I leave I always ask my brides if there is anything else they would like photographed. Sometimes you realize at the end of the night that you’d like a photo with “Uncle Joe” who traveled all the way from another state or county. Maybe you even want one more of you dancing with your groom on the dance floor with some high school friends. So be sure your photographer is willing to work “on the fly” and capture any extras that you may have missed throughout the night.

6. Start Early on Your Big Day

I can’t stress this one enough. Things happen—traffic, delays, hair and makeup emergencies, etc.—so always plan at least one hour ahead of schedule. If you run over, you won't be stressed, and your photos can start on time. If you finish earlier, well that just means more photos of a happy bride!

7. Get Help

To keep you stress-free and looking great in your pictures, get help. Have someone else take care of things for you, whether it's a coordinator, friend or maid of honor. All questions should be directed to that person. You should be able to just sit back, relax and enjoy your day.

8. Be Yourself, Relax and Have Fun

Try to enjoy the moment! The best photos are one of a relaxed and happy bride. Sometimes people don’t realize that they wear their emotions on their face, which shows in pictures. So just sit back and enjoy your special day.

About the author: Lucy Manalo, Wedding Photographer, is a photographer and owner of Manalo Empire Photography, located in Southern California. Visit manaloempire.com.

Submitted by www.manaloempire.com

Videos 2010 - eMotion Pictures

eMotion Pictures NYC




Swati & Chauncey



Swati & Chauncey had a traditional Hindu ceremony followed by a Christian ceremony. It was a wonderful day and I had a great time capturing all the vivid colors and exciting dances!


Jen & Matt Highlight




Amy & Francisco Highlight




Submitted by www.emotionpicturesnyc.com