Elena Coyne has been an independent video producer since 1999.  She earned a Master’s Degree of Art in Journalism in 2000, and is the founder and owner of INFOCUS VIDEO and Lobster Wedding, LLC (www.infocusvideo.org/ www.LobsterWedding.com), as well as a member of the National Professional Videographers Association and Wedding & Event Videographers Association International (WEVA). Elena has received numerous awards for her exceptional creative products in the wedding industry. When we asked Elena how to choose a wedding videographer, this is the advice she gave to couples:

·         It’s not enough to just look for someone with a video camera that offers a good price – always ask about the videographer’s education, years of experience, company profile and artistic touches.

·         Always ask to look at a full-length wedding video the videographer produced, in addition to short form edits or demos.

·         Don’t judge the quality of the sound in wedding videos solely by the dubbed music.  Always pay close attention to the quality of sound throughout the video, particularly the sound of band music, guests, speeches, and of course, the wedding vows.

·         Choose videographers who are listed on local professional groups, i.e.,  NPVA (National Professional Videographers Association) based in Dedham (www.npva.org); or WEVA (Wedding and Event Videographer’s Association) (http://weva.com/public web/).

·         Do not just trust videographers because they are members of a professional group. Anyone can become a member of a professional group, but talented videographers will also use these resources for as learning tools and means to keep up with technology.

·         HD technology can be very confusing. Here are a few things you should be aware of when you consider an HD videography package:

        *An HD camcorder can record on:

            *1080/,60i, 30p, 24p – highest quality HDTV video.

            *720/60p, 30p, 24p – medium

*480/60i, 30p, 24p – standard definition DVCPRO25 or consumer DV                                        

video.

*True HD video can only be recorded on memory cards/hard drives  (firestore).  If your videographer tells you he will shoot on Mini-DV tape, you’re not getting HD. HD mini-DV tape will be slightly better quality than standard definition, but you won’t receive full HD and you will not receive the HD video quality for which you paid.

*The video chip size of HD camcorder has to have at least 1 / 4 “ video sensor. Smaller censors will result in poor quality video footage when the lighting conditions are not perfect (e.g. low light or too much light).

*Same day edits are a new trend. Guests are always very impressed!