Tips on choosing a wedding cinematographer

April 4, 2011 | 1 Comment

Recently, a friend of mine was asking me on ‘how to choose a wedding cinematographer’. I shared my thoughts with her and I think it would be a good idea too to blog about it.

1. Searching for one – There are hundreds of cinematographers available in the market.

It would be a wise choice to ask friends or family members for referrals or ‘google’. Take time to view their work and make sure you like his style of work.

2. Set a budget – While we do not encourage our clients to over spend on their big day, still, we wish to remind all that it is a lifetime investment. The quality of work, equipment used, experience of cinematographers and even the deliverable included in the package will justify the professional fee charged. Besides, it is also understood that a full time cinematographer will charge higher than a part-timer as he is dedicating his time on your work, spend weeks to edit your wedding and artfully arranging the best scenes into a masterpiece.

3. Camera – Ask if they are using latest equipments ie DSLR or 3-chips camera which produce good quality of work. Also always remember to find out if they have any back up cameras just in case if something happen.

4. Audio equipment – Will there be any professional audio recording device to be used to capture crystal clear voice especially during vow exchange and speech?

5. Format – Most of the wedding films are now produced in full HD 1920 px x 1080 px.

6. No. of cinematographers – Professional filming is more than shoot and record; with at least 2 persons around, it would help to save time on changing lenses and setup equipments. Moreover, you do not have to worry about missing shots.

7. Customer service – Do your cinematographer suggest for a session or two of meeting prior to your wedding day?

8. Editing – Will the cinematographer edit all the videos personally? Discussion in advance can also help add a personal touch to your wedding film.

9. Back up of data – A dedicated cinematographer will back up all the data right after the wedding and how secure is his back up system (afterall you wouldn’t want to be informed that he has lost all the data).

As sourcing for a right cinematographer can be an overwhelming task, therefore it is advisable to start looking for one once you have the date confirmed. Only a wedding film can bring back that very memorable time of your first day as husband wife.

~ Andy Wang

Cinematography & Predictions For Year 2011

February 14, 2011 | Leave a Comment

A renowned wedding planner, Nathsha Khoo predicted that Cinematography is part of the trend for wedding planning in 2011.

See the article below from www.weddingguideasia.com

http://www.weddingguideasia.com/2011/02/wedding-decoration-ideas-tips/#more-10930

A wedding video with cinematic-video like experience

February 7, 2011 | Leave a Comment

2011 marks my 8th years as an international wedding cinematographer, what an auspicious number! Indeed I am proud that I have covered hundreds of wedding in the past, witness and be part of the rapid growth of wedding cinematography industry. And the best is, another milestone for Andy Wang Cinematography which I will reveal more details in Q2.

Having said that, it’s not easy to survive in this industry especially when DSLR and camcorder are considered as a reasonably priced’s gadget for majority. Many still ask why do they need to spend so much for a wedding video while they can also get their friend or family member to be the so-called ‘videographer’ with own camcorder or DSLR camera.

In fact, cinematographer is the author of an original work of art. Besides holding a camera to shoot, he/she posses years of experience in lighting, lens choices, exposure, filtration, sound recording, compiling all the most precious moments into a masterpiece and even sound mixing.

In other words, cinematographer turns an ordinary video footage into a movie, giving you a kind of cinematic experience, like what you get from a Hollywood movie. For an example, the moment when bride and groom exchange vow will give you a kind of touching feeling, a lasting yet treasure memory that you and your future generations will absolutely treasure. And all these make cinematography different from videography.

After your wedding day, you are left with two things – wedding photos and wedding video. If a small investment can let you own a Hollywood-feel of wedding video which you and your other half will watch it over and over again, I guess this is definitely the best wedding gift you ever get for your two.

Why Hire Wedding Planner?

September 8, 2009 | Leave a Comment

This does not mean you lose control of the planning process.

The final decision on which supplier you want to engage to the type of flowers you want for your bridal bouquet still lies with you. It is money well spent to have a wedding planner overseeing the service providers that you have spent an investment with to ensure that your day goes just as you have paid for and planned. You can afford a wedding planner if you consider the planning a part of your wedding budget. Your wedding planner will even be able to save you money by suggesting the appropriate vendors that will provide services to accommodate your budget.

8 Tips And Ideas For a Better Wedding Video

August 6, 2008 | 4 Comments

1. Write your own vows. No please don’t see this as another “task” to add to your never ending list of things to do. I always say – If not on your wedding day, when?

2. Secure all necessary permits where the photographers and videographers will shoot. Be it the choir loft of Manila Cathedral or San Agustin, or the formals shoot around Intramuros.

3. Clear out everybody behind the Bride when she enters the church, no coordinators, couturiers, security guards, chaffeurs, kids etc.

4. Walk slowly. Very slowly down the aisle.

5. Ask the music ensemble at the church NOT to play anything during the vows and rings exchange. Not only will this make the rites more solemn but it will also lend us greater flexibility in editing the footage (ie. no violin music annoyingly mixing with your choice of bg music later on). I honestly believe that this is an offshoot of Pinoy’s love for melodramas, where every dramatic moment is punctuated with on cue dramatic instrumenatal (ie. Lovingly Yours, Mara Clara).

Make them cry because of the moment, not becasue Love Affair is playing in the background.

6. Allow us to lightthe reception venue. A compromise can always be arrived to preserve the ambience and to adequately see whoever’s on stage.

7. Have a first/last dance. It looks great on pictures and video. Don’t be too conscious if you’re not much of a dancer, just concentrate on your spouse and nothing else.

8. If you have a presentation during

your reception, please RENT an lcd projector from a professional. It really doesn’t cost that much more. And you are saved from the hassle of setting up the equipment, figuring which cable end goes where, getting disappointed because the resolution and projection quality is poor. Rent, rent rent! Don’t borrow from the office nor bring your personal one. You never know when those expensive bulbs will blow out.

~ Jason Magbanua