How To Choose A Wedding Videographer

If you take a look at the Region Weddings film page, you will notice that the term 'videographer' is not mentioned. We prefer 'filmmaker' for a variety of reasons. This is because our filmmaker John Zale shoots in a cinematic, modern style. We want you to be aware that we are interested in delivering to you a film that you and your children's children will want to watch over and over.

We want you to take a look at our video offerings, but we will gladly recommend you should we have your day booked. So lets list what you should look for when choosing your wedding videographer.  At the end of this list, please view our Region Wedding Films Trailer.

• Experience behind the camera is crucial.  Film making is not easy. It's really nice that your friend is willing to follow you around on your big day with a handheld camcorder, but the results will be something you will watch once and never do so again. John has 20 years of experience in film. Let your friend enjoy the party and let us create a family heirloom for you.
• To acheive a modern cinematic look, video shot on a DSLR is the way to go. Region Weddings Films are shot exclusively on this type of equipment. An HD camcorder is a sign that your potential videographer has not kept up with the times.
• Sound will make or break your wedding film. Think about all the You Tube videos you've seen and then turned off because the sound was so bad. We believe in high quality sound.
• A bright outdoor wedding can give an amateur just as many fits as a dimly lit church. Make sure the person you hire can control the light outdoors as well as bring the light when it doesn't exist.
• Being promised 10 hours of video during a 10 hour wedding day is a major red flag. We believe in good editing so you have something that will be watched again and again without boredom. 
• Being respectful and not becoming the center of attention is another trademark of an experienced filmmaker. We want you and your family and friends to be the stars of your wedding day.

Watch the wedding films trailer below and then be sure to fill out the Contact Form to see if your wedding day is available for video or photography. If not, we will gladly recommend you to another qualified professional.

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Wedding and Engagement Videos

Now that the Northwest Indiana wedding photography season is over, I thought it was time to update my highlight videos of various weddings from the past several years.  I also got busy and updated the Engagement Sampler video as well.  

These style of videos are what clients see on Premiere Nights when I invite them here to the studio to view their wedding photos.  Snacks and refreshments are served and friends and family are welcome.  We view their very own highlight video and then look through the images one by one.  The newlyweds then will pick out images for their wedding albums covers and we discuss the color scheme and how they envision me designing the book.

Right now, I invite you to provide your own refreshments and check out my work.  The images here span outdoor Crown Point weddings to vineyards in Michigan to Grant Park in Chicago.

Northwest Indiana Wedding Photographer - Highlight Reel (click to view full screen)

Our double feature also includes engagement photography ranging from the beaches of Lake Michigan to Millennium Park and Wrigley Field in Chicago.

Northwest Indiana Wedding Photographer - Engagement Photos (click to view full screen)

Look for an upcoming post detailing the wedding photography year in review.

Wedding Videos

After the wedding day is over and all of the images have been edited, I start assembling a collection of photos from throughout the day - Getting Ready, Ceremony, Formals and Reception - into a highlight reel.  I then notify my clients and schedule a Premiere Night.  We roll out the virtual red carpet, put out some snacks and refreshments and view their video.  While we don't do wedding videography here (see the Bride's Room for recommendations), this slideshow of images isn't a boring view by any means.

Let's take a look at Brittany and Shaun's Chicago Wedding in Grant Park as an example:

View Brittany and Shaun's Chicago Wedding in full screen here.

Spending the day with this lovely couple, I got to know them fairly well.  I knew that the fast paced, Indie rock soundtrack would be a good fit.

These wedding videos come with the Digital Deluxe Package in DVD format and is packaged along with the disc of images of the wedding.  Friends and family will get to view this video on the web and share it onto Facebook no matter what wedding packaged is purchased.

This same style of video is available to my engagement clients as well.  Not only does the engagement photography look great displayed at the reception, the couple is more at ease in front of the camera come time for the wedding as well as knowing the process of how all this works - editing, Premiere Night, etc.

Let's take a look at my Northwest Indiana and Chicago engagement photography highlight video:

View the Northwest Indiana and Chicago Engagement video in full screen here.

I'm just beginning to stock up the Region Weddings You Tube Channel so you can have one place to check out many different wedding videos that I have made for clients.  We have a handful uploaded now for viewing.

If you are catching this post via your mobile browser, don't forget to download the free Mobile Apps for iPhone, iPad and select Android devices.

Download the free Region Weddings Mobile App:
http://moblalbum.com/124/gallery/1495  

Download the free Region Weddings Engagement  App for iPhone, iPad & Android:

http://moblalbum.com/124/gallery/2004 

Download the free Chicago Sessions Mobile App for iPhone, iPad and Android: http://moblalbum.com/124/gallery/6228

Keep Me, Protect Me, Share Me

Why do I photograph weddings?

Photographing weddings can be arduous.  I just purchased new shoes today because I wore out the soles last year.  My style of photography has me walking, running, crawling, bending, etc. all day and night.  Sometimes the day doesn't go as planned (where's the limo driver?), so like a good quarterback you have to call an audible.  

So, why not photograph stationary objects instead?  Why not photograph static mountain tops or flowing waterfalls?  Well, the obvious reason is that we don't have any such thing here in Northwest Indiana!!  lol However, the real reason is that I love the "wow factor" I get from people after showing them a gallery of images that are special to them.  In the end, I love taking people pictures!!  I'm the one who wants to make Grandma cry!!  :)

Here's a video that I recently came across that says it all.  It's a commercial, but an emotional one.  Isn't it all about the emotion?  I think so.  Enjoy...