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Why Choose SMS Design Photography & Video as your Wedding Videographer?

and for your Wedding Photography FAQs

Why Choose SMS Design Photography for Your Wedding Photographer?


What packages do you offer? What are your prices? What do you want as a memory of your dream day?
When we talk on the phone or in person, we'll give you an idea of the different possibilities. Do you want a fully-edited package and 4 DVD copies of the final? Do you want a 125-photo montage with music to play at your rehearsal dinner? Would 5 photos at the beginning be sufficient? Would you like some wording recalling your wedding oaths or special readings combined with special graphics or embedded in your video? Do you want 2-3 cameras or one? Do you want a 8-10 minute ending recap of the highlights of the entire day? Would you like to shoot a video that reflects your courtship and incorporates that footage into a look back photo montage? We see tears of joy in brides & grooms, their families and guests when we do a Reflections Look Back for receptions. What about a DVD? You are getting the picture. We cater to your needs and budget. We don't expect our clients to fit into 'one package; we personalize and customize each wedding video like our photography. We'll be happy to discuss these issues with you over the phone, preferably in person to give you a precise quote too!

What kind of equipment do you use?

All our video productions use only the most up-to-date 3-chip high-sensitivity professional Sony PD-150 & PD-170 digital video cameras, 1 lux or candle light, low light sensitive, pro digital video editing equipment, Final Cut Pro. We use professional Audio technica stereo and Sennheiser interviewing microphone systems and a wireless Sennheiser microphone system that captures beautifully the clear and crisp audio, reflecting your beautiful music in the ceremony, the excited conversations during your dressing (mom's & dad's comments along with your bridal party, interviews, if desired only, at your reception and the most importantly your intimate and wonderful vows you share with each other.. (up to 500 ft-crystal clear, even if you whisper!)

Our equipment capabilities include:
3 Chip Digital Video Sony, very low light sensitive, 1 lux or candle light
• Complete editing suite capabilities with Final Cut Pro, award winning software.
• Professional dimmable lighting with softbox, no glare
Professional concert stereo, short shot gun and wireless microphones up to 500 ft. (Can hear a whisper from 2 blocks away!)
• Scanning of artwork; wedding & shower invitations
• Video and Digital Stills skillfully set to audio cut to the beat
• Photo Montages (Digitizing of photographs
)
• All aspects of computer graphics and titling
• DVD


What is your creative style? What do you offer that no one else does? Wow me!

You're asking how will we make your event more special than any other videographer? We use a combination of documentary and cinematic style that NO ONE ELSE can. How can we say this? The skills gained in corporate, broadcast and many, many wedding/special event videos combined with years of editing experience translate perfectly into making your video unique -- it will be filled with beautiful memories, passion, and a unique, creative visions of your once-in-a-lifetime intimate and joyous moments.
mm
mm We have a special trained eye for catching those natural moments that need to be captured and documented. (See our video work samples.)
mm We know how to remain unobtrusive.
mm We love weddings, and enjoy finding those cute, spontaneous moments for your video.
mm We sensitively interview your guests (unless you request that we do no interviews) to capture their emotions and heartfelt congratulations.

mm •Most important...we treat your wedding capture like a movie production... it is, you know... with us! We edit up to100 hours! This guarantees a video not only will you and your family and friends wish to view, but your future family.

It is cinematic because we take pride in producing a flawless video.... we use special effects, beautiful transitions, your music and childhood and honeymoon photos to customize it. Our clips rival those seen on broadcast TV and at the movies; we are constantly striving for the best Heirloom Video DVD!

Our presence has always been a welcome addition to our clients' celebrations, adding to the fun of your day! Our clients send us consistently unsolicited thank you's and consider us like a family member when the wedding is over. Ask us to show you these notes when you come to view our work.

Your final product will tell a story -- have a beginning, middle, and end. Your product will be beautiful and be the talk of your family and friends for years to come. It's motion, sound & emotions. The guests, who cried, what did she/he say, what music was played? Only videography can give your this lasting Moving Memories. Consider also, only a professionally produced video can do it properly. We will relive your wedding day for you...

Our hope is Y
OU WILL BE SO HAPPY WITH YOUR VIDEO AND OUR INTEGRITY THAT YOU WILL BE RECOMMENDING US TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS.
(This is our reward for making your finely edited wedding video one you love and treasure!)

Come and see many samples of our Wedding Videography work and be WOWed!
We invite you to make suggestions. Let us know your special needs and what is important to you about your wedding day. Yes, we would be happy to put you in touch with any past clients. Read some of our older and more recent testimonials.

What specifically is your professional experience?

In addition to our wedding and other special event video productions since 1993, we've also created documentaries that have played on NCTV. We've shot and produced commercials. We've created training and promotional video's for corporations.

Do you have a backup video camera on hand in case of technical problems with your main camera?

Technology by its nature is unreliable. We keep our equipment cleaned and serviced on a regular basis. We use the newest models of professional Sony 3 chip digital cameras, Sennheisser Stereo and wireless microphones, AudioTechnical short shot gun microphone for interviews and reception speakers, professional lights when in total darkness (the lights are controlled by a dimmer switch so they do NOT glare in anyone's eyes when they are necessary at your reception) and of course our video editing suite. We always have a duplicate backup camera with us and have NEVER needed to use it.

How long will it take to get my final finely edited video from you?
We complete all work and make copies within 4-6 months, depending on the time of year. Can we get custom, fully indexed DVD? Yes, this option is available to you. We record your day digitally on top-of-the-line equipment. DVD is a fantastic way to preserve your digitally recorded event onto the best commercially available high resolution media. Plus, if handled properly, DVD is highly resistant to falling apart over time, unlike conventional videotape which has an estimated lifespan of between 20-30 years. PLUS, with our Custom DVDs, you will have instant access to any portion of your wedding day at the push of one button. Creating a Custom DVD is a great way to archive your digitally recorded event. We offer VHS and Super VHS as well. You can also arrange for a edited video DVD later if you wish ....we will provide you with the original digital source tapes, if you would like to defer the cost for editing your video.

I've been to weddings where the videographer becomes the center of attention. I hate that. Will you be intrusive and distracting?
We've attended many weddings and other celebrations, both as a professional videographer and as a guest, and we've seen some terrible examples of distracting videography, so we understand your concerns. Most commonly the bride and groom are so focused on their day that they notice nothing beyond themselves and the officiant. However, the audience's experience is also crucial to take into consideration. Too often the videographers use bright lights and block the audience's view, move in a distracting way, and use bulky equipment just to impress their clients. We operate differently.

We use top-of-the-line high-sensitivity Sony PD 170 cameras which have 3 chip digital broadcast quality video cameras -- high end quality professional cameras on the market. These cameras specialize in capturing beautiful images even in low-light situations, so we don't need to use bright video lights. During the ceremony, we use NO LIGHTS, so as not to distract from the event.

The resulting video will WOW YOU, because we capture fantastic sound and amazing natural moments that would be interfered with and destroyed by bright and intruding camera lights. We use professional audio equipment: stereo for beautiful audio capture of your wedding ceremony, short shot gun microphone for guest interviews and wireless microphones for your wedding oaths. (It can pick up a whisper!) We can even provide a wireless microphone for toasts at the reception, if needed. In addition, we use professional wireless microphones and totally portable and compact video systems that keep our work out-of-the-way and unnoticed. When you meet with us, we'll show you many wedding work samples.

My father
's brother volunteered to run a video camera for real cheap (or even free!). Isn't that good enough?
Just like you wouldn't have a friend shoot your portrait stills of your wedding day, you shouldn't trust a friend or family member with a video camera. Before you take another breath, take a look at this eye opening survey.
NEW SURVEY: Among brides in 2002 who used a friend or family member to videotape their wedding, nearly half (49%) say they would hire a professional if they had it all to do over again!

The biggest problem we have seen regarding these free offers from family or friends is that the resulting audio is usually problematic. Capturing good audio requires a high level of experience and technical equipment few people own or even know about.

The second largest problem we have seen is that a nonprofessional family member or friend will sometimes be MORE intrusive rather than less. They do not have the experience to know how to get the best shots, to avoid getting in the way of the audience, and to politely maneuver through crowds to get the right shot.

The third biggest problem we have seen is that your family member or relative will want to enjoy him or herself at your event and not be 'burdened' with running the camera. They have great intentions at first but tend to lose focus on the job at hand and be distracted with the joyous day. A good professional is never distracted, will blend into the ceremony and celebration, and will miss nothing.

Of course, we want to videotape your wedding day ... and of course you want to save on your budget.
However, six months from now, will you wish you saved money, or will you wish you recorded your special day of now fading memories? Take a look at results from a survey of over 400 brides from 2002.

How will your videographers come dressed?
Formally in a black dress and tuxedo unless otherwise instructed by you. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us anytime. Ask to speak to us personally.

We look forward to working with you to capture and edit your Moving Memories on your Wedding Day!

Joan & Paul Kaliher
SMS Design Wedding Photography & Video
509 Arlington Ave.
Naperville, IL 60565
630.416.6843


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SMS Design Wedding Photography & Video
Chicago Wedding Photographers