How to work with us - for clients #1
We have worked with so many wedding couples in the past few years. As things get less busy during the off-peak season, I'd like to share some tips with new potential clients to better plan their wedding day.
Plan enough time for the following:
For the ceremony and reception, we need 30 minutes to setup up lighting as well as audio if you require video.
Here is why it takes 30 minutes:
- For a photo and video package, we have to bring a lot of equipment, this generally requires 3 crew members for a full coverage session.
- One or two studio strobes, with large light-shaping umbrella or softbox to ensure ample light for good picture quality and a sense of dimension. This will take about 15 minutes to setup and testing for each location.
- Video lights are different from studio strobes. Proper diffusion will be beneficial for even-lit scenes. This usually takes 5-10 minutes.
- Great audio is generally considered a given, but takes efforts to make it right. We use industrial standard wireless lavalier mics and top-of-the-line audio recorders. This takes 10 minutes work with the audio/video staff of the venue or the DJ on site. We also need to wire up the groom and the officiant for their speeches.
- We found sometimes it's challenging for us to rush from the the "getting ready" location to the ceremony venue, while at the same time, we were asked to capture the bride getting in/out of the limo, most of the time it involves lone waitings. This will sacrifice our setup time and even postpone the start of the ceremony. The best option is to having a second-shooter to help. Most of packages inlcude a second-shooter. Of course planning for some extra time is the easiest.
- Working together is the key. You may hire a bunch of vendors such as the officiant, DJ, the photographer and videographer. It takes team work for a seamless execution. Introducing vendors to each other and share your plan is expected. A rehearsal would be ideal to allow us spotting issues and come up with a solution.