Commonly
Asked Questions
It's your special day and you've got questions...
Do
you have any problems working with a photographer?
I have no problem in working
with a photographer and have never had any difficulty in working
with one in the past. I will set up one stationary camera where
I can get a clean shot of you during the ceremony. This is typically
at the front of the church, off to either side as to not stand out
too much during the ceremony, or further back with a clear shot
at the alter. I then float around, similar to the photographer,
with my second camera. I've never had a problem with myself and
a photographer getting in each other's way as it is easier for me
to yield to him or her.
Would
it be possible to have you visit the church and reception site in
advance, possibly with my photographer, to figure out the best way
of handling the set up and any possible problems? If so, would that
be an additional cost?
I will make one such trip under the flat rate.
Do
we need to know which package we would like at the time of putting
down a deposit?
No, but I will need to know at least three months prior
to the wedding. I'd prefer as soon as possible. If a picture montage
is requested, I need time to get the pictures from you and to edit,
plus make sure my schedule is completely open if the rehearsal/dinner
is to be filmed the evening before.
In
each package the ceremony is only offered as edited. Does that just
mean that it's a combination of what has been filmed by both cameras?
Is there anything that you exclude from the ceremony?
It does mean that I edit from both cameras to provide the
best possible coverage of your ceremony. I do not exclude anything.
I typically start the ceremony at the time parents and grandparents
are seated. I do, however, edit to compress time and keep the flow
of the video moving where appropriate.
How
do you do audio?
I equip both of my cameras with professional uni-directional
shotgun microphones. This concentrates the audio pickup on the subject
being filmed and reduces excess noise from elsewhere. I edit the
two audio tracks for the best possible mix from your ceremony. I
keep the shotgun microphone equipped for the reception as well.
When
do you arrive at the church?
I arrive 1.5 - 2 hours prior to the start of the ceremony
to set up and to troubleshoot any possible problems.
Would
you film any of the preparations such as the bridal party getting
ready? Do you do any interviewing of the couple prior to the ceremony
or of the guests or bridal party afterward?
Currently, I do not offer a package that would include
me traveling to anywhere other than the church prior to the ceremony.
I certainly can do interviews and such at the church prior to the
start of the ceremony if requested.
What
do you wear to film weddings?
I wear a polo shirt tucked into a pair of dress slacks,
or a shirt and tie if you prefer. I do not wear a tux or full suit.
I am constantly moving around and kneeling/stretching to get shots
that often need maintained for a significant amount of time; wearing
a tux or suit would be restrictive and could jeopardize the best
shots.
Do
you film the entire reception?
Pretty much, I use one camera at the reception and I am
constantly moving. I will get your entrance, any speeches, the cake,
your dance, wedding party dance, parent dance, garter and bouquet
toss, bridal dance, any other specific event you request, as well
as a good bit of people dancing. I will stay until after the bridal
dance and you make your exit (staged or real).
Where
are you willing to travel to film a wedding?
A general rule is within a few hours of Indiana, PA. This
includes the Pittsburgh area and parts of central Pennsylvania.
If you're in doubt, just drop me a line. I do not travel anywhere
that would require me to get a hotel room.
What happens when somebody else wants you for my date?
Once you've paid the deposit your date is reserved. If
you have not paid the deposit, I will notify you that somebody else
is interested in your date and give you the first chance to reserve
it.
Can
I see more of your work?
I have a Wedding Reel DVD that runs an hour in length.
It has clips from four ceremonies and four reception highlights.
It is authored in the same fashion as your wedding will be. For
a free copy, feel free to contact me at dswanson@sprucefilms.com.
How
long after the wedding does it take you to get our DVD copies to
us?
Allow up to six weeks.
Can
we purchase additional DVD copies of our wedding?
Additional copies can be purchased for $10/copy
Who
do we make our checks payable to?
Make all checks payable to Don Swanson.
Still
have a question? Drop me a line at dswanson@sprucefilms.com
