Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why Should I Have My Wedding Videotaped?

Why video? Sight, sounds and emotion! Today's wedding videos are no longer just moments recorded on tape.  They can be edited and produced.  They can have music to enhance the moment, slow motion, black and white, graphics, etc.  Video brings you closest to reliving that day.  It brings it to life over and over again. It gives you a lasting record of all the sights and sounds of your wedding day,  it's convenient to keep and share and you get it on DVD or VHS in a special embossed case.  The question is not "if" you should have video any more, video is fast becoming a must at all weddings. The only question is: Who to choose and how do you find the right videographer for your day.

2. How Do I Choose A Videographer?

Make sure you hire a professional videographer who specializes in shooting and editing weddings. Weddings are VERY specialized events.  A $1000 video camera in the hands of a seasoned professional "wedding" videographer will produce far better results than just an average camera operator with a $15,000 camera.  Also, unlike the days of old where the final product was pretty much on the tape leaving the camera, most of today's wedding videos are shot on digital tape, brought into computers and delivered either on VHS or DVD. It's important to know WHO will be handling the editing of your production... it should be done by the same people who are at your wedding, videotaping it because they know what happened and what moments should be put where. 

Also, be sure your wedding videographer uses AT LEAST 2 cameras for your special day. Most good cinematic wedding videos are shot with two cameras allowing one videographer to focus on the "events" as they happen while the other gathers footage that will be used later to enhance the production. Also, 2 cameras means less of a chance of missing something at your wedding or reception... it's always better to have more cameras in case of an equipment malfunction.

In the end, your choice will come down to style and price.  To find the best videographer who will deliver the style video you want, do the following:

Start looking soon! Most good videographers shoot no more than one wedding a weekend.  Book them at the same time you book your church, hall, photographer, etc, normally 9-12 months in advance of your date.  Never settle on the first video you see. Contact 4 videographers, ask to see a demo.  Most established videographers have something on their websites for you to view and information about their packages. Don't ever scratch someone from your list because of price until you've seen their work. View the work of the least expensive videographer and the most expensive... it will give you an idea of what kind of work is delivered at those prices. Set an appointment with the 3 you feel have the style you would be comfortable with and a price that fits in your budget. 

Look at previous weddings the videographer has videotaped. Notice the color and brightness of the screen as well as the quality of the sound.  This will indicate the quality of their equipment. Notice the picture -- is it smooth or jerky?  Videographers should ALWAYS use tripods! This will indicate the videographer's level of skill.  Notice any special effects such as titles, dissolves and multiple screens.

Consider both personality and professionalism when hiring your videographer.

Find out what is included in each package.

BEWARE:  As in photography, there are many companies with more than one videographer.  These companies often use the work of the best videographer to sell their packages then send a less experienced videographer to the wedding.  Don't get caught in this trap!  Ask the videographer WHO will be shooting your wedding so you can get a good idea of their personality and ask to see their own work.

Questions to ask a videographer:

- How many years of experience do you have/How long have you been videotaping weddings?

- About how many weddings have you videotaped?

- Are you the person who will videotape my wedding?

- Will you bring an assistant with you to my wedding?

- What type of equipment do you use?

- Do you have wireless microphones?

- What format do you use (Hi-8, VHS, MiniDV)?

- Do you bring backup equipment with you?

- Do you visit the ceremony and reception site before the wedding?

- When will I receive the final product?

- Cost of the desired package: what does it include?

- Can you make a photo montage, if so, what's the price?

- What is your payment policy/cancellation policy?

- Do you offer a money-back guarantee?

3. Does MaxEfx Video Do All Its Own Wedding Videography Or Is It "Subcontracted" Out?

Yes, we do all of our own videography.  We are a husband and wife team and we will both be at each wedding doing the taping ourselves.

4. Why Should I Hire A Professional, Like MaxEfx Video, Instead Of Having A Friend Videotape My Wedding?

You only have one chance to capture those special moments, are you sure you would want to risk it? The reasons to hire a professional, such as MaxEfx Video are:
We film with professional digital video cameras, which allows us to capture exceptional quality, atmosphere, and beauty in bright, vivid colors.
We professionally edit your wedding video; this allows us to tell your story in an exciting and emotional way. You will never have to fast forward through the "boring parts" of your wedding video. We perform all of our editing in an all digital editing suite, in order to provide an unsurpassable quality production.
We use a microphone on the groom and officiate, in order for you to hear every word of the ceremony. We also have backup audio capabilities in order to capture the highest quality audio for your event.
We courteously coordinate everything with you. We are sensitive to your needs and are always open to ideas and suggestions.
We have multiple cameras, so that we may achieve a more film-like look with multiple angles and cutaways. This allows you to not miss a moment and capture as much a possible. This also is helpful in the unlikely event of equipment failure, we will have a backup.

5. How Many Cameras & People Do You Bring To The Wedding?

We bring two professional camera operators to every edited wedding, and they bring 3 cameras. This allows us to get a variety of perspectives, have an active camera ready when emergencies arise, and insure that we always have a good angle on the action.

6. What Is Needed To Retain The Services Of MaxEfx Video?

First, the most important issue is whether we are available for your date. We only film a limited number of weddings each year and dates book up fast. If we’re available, we require a deposit of $100 to secure the date. The deposit is non-refundable.

7. How Long Will It Take For Me To Get My Finished Wedding Video?

The average in the industry is 2 to 3 months, but we guarantee delivery within 4 weeks.

8. Should I Sign A Contract?

A contract protects both you and your vendors, and should be comprehensive and clear. We don't recommend hiring any services with merely a verbal agreement.

9. What If My Church Has Restrictions On Video?

It is the client's responsibility to find out if there are any restrictions on our videography wherever the event takes place and to notify our studios well in advance. Many churches and synagogues have guidelines, such as no flash photography and no moving around during the ceremony, and understandably so. We strive to place a camera in a position that affords us a clear view of your faces during the ceremony. This is not always possible because some churches restrict all videotaping to the balcony only. Be sure to find out what is allowed before you plan your wedding video.

10. Do I Have A Choice Of Music?

Yes, we encourage you to select music for the photo montage and/or interview segment. The studio requests you provide all music to be used (preferably on CD) and assume all responsibility in respect to copyright laws. We will help you with the music selection as needed.