*** Recent Additions to our Wedding Photography Portfolio ***

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

What packages do you offer? What are your prices? The question is, what do you want as a memory of your dream day?
mmWhen 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 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? 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. 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?
mmAll our 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, low light sensitive, pro digital video editing equipment, Final Cut Pro and professional stereo and interviewing microphone systems which also include wireless Sennheiser microphones that capture the best possible sound. (up to 500 ft-crystal clear even if you whisper!)

Our equipment capabilities include:
• 3 Chip Digital Video Sony, very low light sensitive
• Complete editing suite capabilities with Final Cut Pro, award winning software.
• Professional dimmable lighting with softbox
• Professional concert stereo, short shot gun and wireless microphones up to 500 ft.. (Can hear a whisper from 2 blocks away!)
• Scanning of artwork
• 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
• VHS tape
• S-VHS tape

What is your creative style? What do you offer that no one else does? Wow me!
mm 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 wedding and special event videos combined with years of editing experience translate perfectly into making your video unique -- filled with beautiful memories, passion, and a unique, creative vision.
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.

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. Most importantly, YOU WILL BE SO HAPPY WITH YOUR VIDEO AND OUR INTEGRITY THAT YOU WILL BE RECOMMENDING US TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS.

We invite you to make suggestions. Let us know your special needs and what is important to you about your wedding day.

Come and see many samples of our video work and be wowed! Yes, we would be happy to put you in touch with any past clients.

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 video from you?
We complete all work and make copies within 3-5 months, depending on the time of year. Can we get custom, fully indexed DVD? Yes, this option is fully available to our clients. 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 DVD later if you wish ....we will provide you with the original digital edited source tapes, if you would like to defer the cost for creating the DVD.

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 cameras which have 3 chip digital broadcast quality video cameras -- smaller high-end 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 Video & Photography
509 Arlington Ave.
Naperville, IL 60565
630.416.6843

Film & Digital Photos
From Some of Our Weddings

Ask about our Combination
Wedding Videography &

Wedding Photography Packages!