FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Question: Why are your services so cheap? How can you stay in business? What's the catch?
Answer: There are a few main reasons that allow us to keep our pricing at the current level. First of all, we do not spend much money on advertising. While many of our competitions are spending thousands of dollars every year, most of our work comes from organic internet search, word-of-mouth and referrals. Secondly, our low prices allow us to get more business and we do approximately 100 weddings per year. Thirdly, in addition to wedding videography, we also offer wedding photography, lighting decor, sound equipment rental, disc jockey and live music services. This significantly increases our sales and allows us to charge less for each service.
Answer: There are a few main reasons that allow us to keep our pricing at the current level. First of all, we do not spend much money on advertising. While many of our competitions are spending thousands of dollars every year, most of our work comes from organic internet search, word-of-mouth and referrals. Secondly, our low prices allow us to get more business and we do approximately 100 weddings per year. Thirdly, in addition to wedding videography, we also offer wedding photography, lighting decor, sound equipment rental, disc jockey and live music services. This significantly increases our sales and allows us to charge less for each service.
Question: Do you offer live streaming services?
Answer: Yes, we have this service available and there are several packages to choose from. For more information, please visit our wedding live streaming page. As a more affordable alternative to live streaming, we also offer expedited video editing.
Answer: Yes, we have this service available and there are several packages to choose from. For more information, please visit our wedding live streaming page. As a more affordable alternative to live streaming, we also offer expedited video editing.
Question: What is the difference between raw footage and edited videos?
Answer: Raw footage includes hundreds of unnamed unedited numbered video clips and it's not as enjoyable until it's actually edited. When we provide editing, we cut the videos and choose the best angles, sync the audio and match it with music, stabilize some clips, add pan, zoom and other effects, add the title, credits, etc. You, your family and friends would enjoy one nice video instead of a bunch of unedited and unnamed files. If you are planning to edit the video yourself, we recommend adding a couple of extra cameras to your package, which would allow us to shoot from different angles at the same time and give you backup footage that you will definitely need for editing. Please keep in mind that video editing is not as easy as it seems and you need to have special skills, experience, talent, lots of time and professional software that costs over $1000. We understand that your budget may not allow you to hire us to do the editing and we would like to add that it's definitely better to have raw footage filmed by a professional videographer than amateur video or no footage at all.
Answer: Raw footage includes hundreds of unnamed unedited numbered video clips and it's not as enjoyable until it's actually edited. When we provide editing, we cut the videos and choose the best angles, sync the audio and match it with music, stabilize some clips, add pan, zoom and other effects, add the title, credits, etc. You, your family and friends would enjoy one nice video instead of a bunch of unedited and unnamed files. If you are planning to edit the video yourself, we recommend adding a couple of extra cameras to your package, which would allow us to shoot from different angles at the same time and give you backup footage that you will definitely need for editing. Please keep in mind that video editing is not as easy as it seems and you need to have special skills, experience, talent, lots of time and professional software that costs over $1000. We understand that your budget may not allow you to hire us to do the editing and we would like to add that it's definitely better to have raw footage filmed by a professional videographer than amateur video or no footage at all.
Question: Where can I see the samples of your work?
Answer: Of course! Please click here to find recent samples of our full edited ceremony movie, our full edited reception movie and our 4-minute edited highlight trailer. In addition to video samples, on that bottom of that page you will also find a few different audio samples so you can pick the option that works best for you. If you'd like to see more samples or check out our custom work, please reach out to us and we would be happy to send it your way.
Answer: Of course! Please click here to find recent samples of our full edited ceremony movie, our full edited reception movie and our 4-minute edited highlight trailer. In addition to video samples, on that bottom of that page you will also find a few different audio samples so you can pick the option that works best for you. If you'd like to see more samples or check out our custom work, please reach out to us and we would be happy to send it your way.
Question: Do you offer HD (high definition) video? What about 4K?
Answer: We normally shoot in HD format (1080p) with 16:9 widescreen ratio. As you can see in our video samples, the video quality is full HD and is very good. If your room is not well-lit, we have on-camera LED lights that help improve the image quality. As for shooting in 4K, due to the extremely large file size, this option is available as an add-on for a small extra fee.
Answer: We normally shoot in HD format (1080p) with 16:9 widescreen ratio. As you can see in our video samples, the video quality is full HD and is very good. If your room is not well-lit, we have on-camera LED lights that help improve the image quality. As for shooting in 4K, due to the extremely large file size, this option is available as an add-on for a small extra fee.
Question: Do you have any online reviews from your past clients?
Answer: Yes, some of our previous clients have been kind enough to share their feedback with us and publish it online. You may go to Yelp.com and type in "Cheap Wedding Videography" near San Diego, CA to find our listing and read the reviews. We also encourage you to check out our reviews on Google, Wedding Wire and other wedding planning websites.
Answer: Yes, some of our previous clients have been kind enough to share their feedback with us and publish it online. You may go to Yelp.com and type in "Cheap Wedding Videography" near San Diego, CA to find our listing and read the reviews. We also encourage you to check out our reviews on Google, Wedding Wire and other wedding planning websites.
Question: Do the hours of coverage have to be consecutive?
Answer: Yes, the hours of coverage have to be consecutive. If there is a break between your ceremony and reception and you won't need your videographer during that period, we might be able to offer a discount. However, please keep in mind that activities such as moving the equipment or driving from the ceremony location to the reception must be included in the video coverage time frame.
Answer: Yes, the hours of coverage have to be consecutive. If there is a break between your ceremony and reception and you won't need your videographer during that period, we might be able to offer a discount. However, please keep in mind that activities such as moving the equipment or driving from the ceremony location to the reception must be included in the video coverage time frame.
Question: How can one videographer operate multiple cameras at the same time?
Answer: Most important events such as ceremony, grand entrance, toasts, family dances, etc. are filmed all cameras mounted on tripods, which allows the videographer to be mobile and move from one camera to another while adjusting the angles, zoom and other settings. Short pieces of everything else (guests mingling, decorations, etc.) are filmed with only one main camera mounted on a monopod or gimbal for slow panning shots. The other cameras would not be used during that time.
Answer: Most important events such as ceremony, grand entrance, toasts, family dances, etc. are filmed all cameras mounted on tripods, which allows the videographer to be mobile and move from one camera to another while adjusting the angles, zoom and other settings. Short pieces of everything else (guests mingling, decorations, etc.) are filmed with only one main camera mounted on a monopod or gimbal for slow panning shots. The other cameras would not be used during that time.
Question: How do you record audio when filming?
Answer: We are using built-in camera microphones and provide the original audio recorded on our camcorders. The quality is usually very good and everything can be heard clearly. However, if you are looking for studio-quality sound, we recommend adding an external audio recorder, which allows us to capture much higher quality audio for editing and post-production. The recorder usually connects directly to your DJ's sound system. The price for this service is $250. There is also a more affordable option to add an external camera mic for just $100. It's not as good as the external sound recorder, but it's better than the original sound recorded on the cameras. Upgraded audio is especially useful at beach locations that have a lot of background noise such as La Jolla Shores, Sunset Cliffs, etc.
Answer: We are using built-in camera microphones and provide the original audio recorded on our camcorders. The quality is usually very good and everything can be heard clearly. However, if you are looking for studio-quality sound, we recommend adding an external audio recorder, which allows us to capture much higher quality audio for editing and post-production. The recorder usually connects directly to your DJ's sound system. The price for this service is $250. There is also a more affordable option to add an external camera mic for just $100. It's not as good as the external sound recorder, but it's better than the original sound recorded on the cameras. Upgraded audio is especially useful at beach locations that have a lot of background noise such as La Jolla Shores, Sunset Cliffs, etc.
Question: In addition to wedding videography, what other services can you provide?
Answer: We also offer affordable wedding lighting decor, sound system rentals, wedding DJ and live music services in Southern California. Some of our most popular lighting services include LED up lights, stage lighting, dance floor lighting, DJ lights, DJ lasers, gobo lighting, pin spot lights, color wash/flood effects, mini string lighting and much more! As for sound equipment rentals, we offer speakers, subwoofers, sound mixers, microphones, DJ equipment, tripod stands, cables, power strips and full PA systems. Our sound system and lighting rental packages start at only $900 per event and you may click here to visit our sound and lighting rental website. If you'd like to learn more about our DJ or live music services, please click here.
Answer: We also offer affordable wedding lighting decor, sound system rentals, wedding DJ and live music services in Southern California. Some of our most popular lighting services include LED up lights, stage lighting, dance floor lighting, DJ lights, DJ lasers, gobo lighting, pin spot lights, color wash/flood effects, mini string lighting and much more! As for sound equipment rentals, we offer speakers, subwoofers, sound mixers, microphones, DJ equipment, tripod stands, cables, power strips and full PA systems. Our sound system and lighting rental packages start at only $900 per event and you may click here to visit our sound and lighting rental website. If you'd like to learn more about our DJ or live music services, please click here.
Question: Should I add a 2nd videographer to operate the 2nd and/or 3rd camera(s)?
Answer: Most of the time this is not necessary - one videographer is usually comfortable operating multiple cameras. However, if there are certain activities happening at the same time in different rooms and you want them all captured on video, this is when the 2nd videographer would be required.
Answer: Most of the time this is not necessary - one videographer is usually comfortable operating multiple cameras. However, if there are certain activities happening at the same time in different rooms and you want them all captured on video, this is when the 2nd videographer would be required.
Question: When would you recommend to start the time of your video coverage?
Answer: It depends on your budget, your timeline and what you want us to capture on your wedding day. If you would like us to film the bride and groom getting ready, putting on makeup, the rings, flowers, your wedding dress, pre-ceremony photos, first look, etc., then we recommend starting the coverage as early as possible, at least a couple of hours before the start time of the ceremony. Otherwise, we recommend starting the coverage 30-60 minutes prior to the start time of the ceremony. That way your videographer will have a little bit of time to get those beautiful shots of your ceremony arch, flowers, chairs, decorations, scenery, your guests arriving, etc. Usually, there is no way to do this during or after the ceremony.
Answer: It depends on your budget, your timeline and what you want us to capture on your wedding day. If you would like us to film the bride and groom getting ready, putting on makeup, the rings, flowers, your wedding dress, pre-ceremony photos, first look, etc., then we recommend starting the coverage as early as possible, at least a couple of hours before the start time of the ceremony. Otherwise, we recommend starting the coverage 30-60 minutes prior to the start time of the ceremony. That way your videographer will have a little bit of time to get those beautiful shots of your ceremony arch, flowers, chairs, decorations, scenery, your guests arriving, etc. Usually, there is no way to do this during or after the ceremony.
Question: How early do you arrive before the wedding? How much setup time do you need?
Answer: We usually need no more than 15 minutes to take a look at the ceremony/reception rooms and set up the cameras. Therefore, your videographer will arrive 15 minutes prior to service start time listed on the contract.
Answer: We usually need no more than 15 minutes to take a look at the ceremony/reception rooms and set up the cameras. Therefore, your videographer will arrive 15 minutes prior to service start time listed on the contract.
Question: Do you require a meal? Is gratuity expected?
Answer: No, we do not require a meal and never expect tips. While it's not required or expected, you are more than welcome to feed or tip your videographer at your discretion. If you are planning to offer us a meal, please let us know before the wedding day (if possible). That way your videographer will be aware of it and won't have to bring his own food.
Answer: No, we do not require a meal and never expect tips. While it's not required or expected, you are more than welcome to feed or tip your videographer at your discretion. If you are planning to offer us a meal, please let us know before the wedding day (if possible). That way your videographer will be aware of it and won't have to bring his own food.
Question: My wedding venue requires liability insurance. Do you provide it?
Answer: Yes, all of our wedding videography packages include basic liability insurance coverage and you do not have to pay extra for it. Upon request, we can also provide a certificate with your wedding date, venue name and its address. Some venues may have additional vendor requirements such as submitting permits, licenses, background checks, custom insurance certificates, waivers, agreements or other documents. If your venue informs you that they require vendors to provide any of the above, please let us know what they need exactly so we can let you know if we're able to accommodate and what the extra cost would be (if any).
Answer: Yes, all of our wedding videography packages include basic liability insurance coverage and you do not have to pay extra for it. Upon request, we can also provide a certificate with your wedding date, venue name and its address. Some venues may have additional vendor requirements such as submitting permits, licenses, background checks, custom insurance certificates, waivers, agreements or other documents. If your venue informs you that they require vendors to provide any of the above, please let us know what they need exactly so we can let you know if we're able to accommodate and what the extra cost would be (if any).
Question: Can you recommend me a photo album provider?
Answer: If you’re looking for premium, handcrafted photo albums, look no further than MILK Books. If you’re not too keen on going out to shop for a photo album, you can use MILK Books’ Design Studio to design your photo album online. They offer various types of albums from classic to premium leather.
Answer: If you’re looking for premium, handcrafted photo albums, look no further than MILK Books. If you’re not too keen on going out to shop for a photo album, you can use MILK Books’ Design Studio to design your photo album online. They offer various types of albums from classic to premium leather.
Question: Is a spotlight going to be required in order to film the events of the evening and the night? We are aiming to set a very subdued, dim lounge atmosphere and we're concerned that your equipment may be a detriment to that.
Answer: Just like most other videographers and filmmakers, we normally use on-camera LED lights in dark rooms. If we do not use these lights, the video image quality is not going to be as good. Some clients in the past have asked us not to use any lighting equipment and it was not a problem. We can keep the lights off as long as you understand that it will affect the quality of your video. You would still be able to see yourself in the video, but the image won't be as crisp and clear.
Answer: Just like most other videographers and filmmakers, we normally use on-camera LED lights in dark rooms. If we do not use these lights, the video image quality is not going to be as good. Some clients in the past have asked us not to use any lighting equipment and it was not a problem. We can keep the lights off as long as you understand that it will affect the quality of your video. You would still be able to see yourself in the video, but the image won't be as crisp and clear.
Question: Are there any possible extra fees that I should be aware of before I book?
Answer: Yes, we charge several extra fees that you should know about. First of all, there is a $100 late payment fee that applies to any payment(s) if it’s received after its due date and time listed on the contract. If your event venue requires your vendors to complete background checks, a $100+ extra fee will also be applied. As for video editing, an extra fee is applied to any ceremony and/or reception edits that are longer than 30 minutes (such as this Immaculata Catholic Church wedding ceremony video). The fee is $50-$100 for each additional 5 minutes of edited video. Last but not least, if you don’t want us to share your wedding photos/videos on the web, we charge an extra fee to keep your wedding photos and videos private.
Answer: Yes, we charge several extra fees that you should know about. First of all, there is a $100 late payment fee that applies to any payment(s) if it’s received after its due date and time listed on the contract. If your event venue requires your vendors to complete background checks, a $100+ extra fee will also be applied. As for video editing, an extra fee is applied to any ceremony and/or reception edits that are longer than 30 minutes (such as this Immaculata Catholic Church wedding ceremony video). The fee is $50-$100 for each additional 5 minutes of edited video. Last but not least, if you don’t want us to share your wedding photos/videos on the web, we charge an extra fee to keep your wedding photos and videos private.
Question: Do you offer any discounts?
Answer: Our wedding videography prices are so low that, unfortunately, there isn't much room for discounts. Clients often ask about cash discounts, student discounts, senior discounts, military discounts or non-profit discounts. At this time, we do not offer any of the above. Our main strategy is to treat every customer equally and keep our prices the same for everyone. Having said all of the above, occasionally we offer very small discounts and special offers that can be found on this page.
Answer: Our wedding videography prices are so low that, unfortunately, there isn't much room for discounts. Clients often ask about cash discounts, student discounts, senior discounts, military discounts or non-profit discounts. At this time, we do not offer any of the above. Our main strategy is to treat every customer equally and keep our prices the same for everyone. Having said all of the above, occasionally we offer very small discounts and special offers that can be found on this page.
Question: Do you charge extra for last-minute bookings?
Answer: We charge 20% extra for all bookings processed less than 7 days prior to the service start time listed on the contract. This fee includes expedited processing of the contract, last-minute arrangements with our workers and expedited planning.
Answer: We charge 20% extra for all bookings processed less than 7 days prior to the service start time listed on the contract. This fee includes expedited processing of the contract, last-minute arrangements with our workers and expedited planning.
Question: What is your payment and refund policy?
Answer: The total balance listed on the contract is divided into three equal payments. The 1st payment (1/3 of the total, non-refundable) is due upon receipt. The 2nd payment (half of the remaining amount) is due 30 days prior to your event date. The 3rd payment (remaining balance) is due in cash upon arrival of our service crew member on the day of your occasion. Please note that our refund policy allows you to get your money back at any time before the due date and time of each payment, which is why we encourage you not to wait until the last moment and pay early. Unless you are worried about us not showing up, we recommend paying in full at least 30 days in advance, which makes it much easier for all parties involved and gives you the opportunity to pay via check, credit card, debit card or bank transfer. Please note that the services will not be provided if any of the payments are not received on time. If we are unable to fulfill the contract due to causes which cannot be anticipated (earthquake, accident, etc.), a full refund will be processed immediately. Otherwise, all payments are non-refundable after their due date and time listed on the contract. If you would like to see a sample contract, please contact us.
Answer: The total balance listed on the contract is divided into three equal payments. The 1st payment (1/3 of the total, non-refundable) is due upon receipt. The 2nd payment (half of the remaining amount) is due 30 days prior to your event date. The 3rd payment (remaining balance) is due in cash upon arrival of our service crew member on the day of your occasion. Please note that our refund policy allows you to get your money back at any time before the due date and time of each payment, which is why we encourage you not to wait until the last moment and pay early. Unless you are worried about us not showing up, we recommend paying in full at least 30 days in advance, which makes it much easier for all parties involved and gives you the opportunity to pay via check, credit card, debit card or bank transfer. Please note that the services will not be provided if any of the payments are not received on time. If we are unable to fulfill the contract due to causes which cannot be anticipated (earthquake, accident, etc.), a full refund will be processed immediately. Otherwise, all payments are non-refundable after their due date and time listed on the contract. If you would like to see a sample contract, please contact us.