Ask the Videographer

Questions for Thomas Dowrie About Your Wedding Video

 

What’s different about what you do?

Thomas has a unique passion for delivering stunning visual images and preserving memories for years to come, and he adds a lifetime of sound recording experience to ensure that your vows and speeches will be captured with clarity. While delivering beautiful video and audio, he aspires to provide the highest level of customer service possible. He offers affordable packages and other add-ons to choose from, and Thomas will work with you to create a custom package that meets your needs and budget.

 

When during the wedding day do you film?

Example: For a six hour package, Thomas will normally arrange to start one before your ceremony begins and continue in an unbroken block from there (e.g., if the ceremony start time is 2pm, we’ll film from 1-7pm). A longer shoot means more flexibility in the schedule, accommodating bride preparation time, location changes, photo shoots, etc. For second camera work, a minimum of a two-hour block is required and usually will begin about a half hour to one hour prior to your ceremony start time.

 

What events do you normally try to film?

Ceremony:
Pre-shots (bridal party prep, if available). The entirety of the ceremony. Post-ceremony and pre-reception shots (e.g., special photo shoots, establishing exterior and interior shots, detail shots, people shots, etc.) as time permits.

Reception:
Introductions, special toasts, speeches, performances and dances are covered, along with the bouquet toss, garter toss, cake cutting and any special requests you have. General, group, social dancing is covered as your schedule permits. We’ll always stay overtime (for an hourly fee) at your request to cover any event (such as your grand exit), if you wish.

In addition to event-specific filming, we generally try and capture all details of the day, including clothing, jewelry, flowers, guests, the band or special performers, reception decorations, table details, head table, lighting treatments, the cake, gifts, guest book or signed portrait, photo booth, and any other details unique to your wedding (e.g., a horse-drawn carriage or an ice sculpture). If there’s something particular that you want us to capture, be sure and make a note of it.

 

How long will it be before I get my video?

The fully edited DVD preview, which won’t include a finished menu system or artwork, will be available within 3 months of your wedding date. It will just have the edited content of your final video and any highlights, etc. All previews are delivered in (standard definition) DVD format even if you are receiving Blu-ray discs as part of your package. You may either have your preview (and final discs) mailed to you for a nominal fee, or you may pick them up in person.

Upon receiving your preview DVD, you are encouraged to watch it as soon as possible and make any notes on minor changes you’d like to have made. Your final DVD and Blu-ray discs with complete menu systems, printed insert and discface full color artwork, will be created and delivered within three weeks of your approval.

How long will my video be? What will I see?

The fully edited DVD preview, which won’t include a finished menu system or artwork, will be available within 3 months of your wedding date. It will just have the edited content of your final video and any highlights, etc. All previews are delivered in (standard definition) DVD format even if you are receiving Blu-ray discs as part of your package. You may either have your preview (and final discs) mailed to you for a nominal fee, or you may pick them up in person.

Upon receiving your preview DVD, you are encouraged to watch it as soon as possible and make any notes on minor changes you’d like to have made. Your final DVD and Blu-ray discs with complete menu systems, printed insert and discface full color artwork, will be created and delivered within three weeks of your approval.

Example: Your wedding is June 1st. You will receive an email about your preview video by September 1st.

Do you make Blu-Ray Discs?

Yes! Thomas has been authoring Blu-ray discs since 2007 and is considered an expert on the technology. Our Blu-Ray discs are guaranteed to play on a Sony PlayStation 3, Sony PlayStation 4 and other Blu-Ray players, i.e. Sony and Samsung.

When would travel expenses be incurred?

For wedding day packages, most locations in the greater San Francisco Bay Area are covered in the prices stated. Beyond the boundaries of the SF Bay Area, depending on your event, package and location, travel and/or overnight expenses may be incurred.

If your location is within 85 miles or 90 minutes each way (= 3 hr. roundtrip) from San Jose, there is no charge. Napa (north) – Monterey (south), and Modesto (east) are demarcations of these boundaries.

Beyond that, travel fees start at a flat $50. If your wedding location is more than 3 hours away (such as Lake Tahoe) or at least 2-3 hours away (such as Roseville) but starts very early or ends very late, etc., a flat travel fee of $300 will be incurred, which includes travel time, gasoline, meals and a reasonably-priced motel for an overnight stay before or after your event.

Do you have a destination wedding? Ask Thomas about it!

How do the videographers dress?

Unless you ask us to wear specific clothing or colors, Thomas will dress in all black. For the widest possible array of environments, this means we avoid calling attention to ourselves with bright fabrics or colors. We try to “disappear” by blending into the background. Thomas does not wear a suit and tie and/or a tuxedo, due to comfort / reach / movement restrictions.

What kinds of weddings have you filmed, culturally speaking?

Many religions … Christian, Catholic, Jewish, Sikh, Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and non-denominational. With many cultural backgrounds … African-American, Arab, Assyrian, Chinese, Filipino, Irish, Indian, Mexican, Pakistani, and Russian. I’ve filmed same-sex ceremonies as well. Every celebration deserves a great wedding video!

Can you recommend a photographer?

Thomas works frequently with established photographers all the time. Let Thomas know what kind of look you’re going for, and he can find you the right photographer. Or, you can browse for your yourself on my links page.

Are your prices fairly low?

Yes, the prices are very reasonable. There are a couple of very practical reasons why my prices are low:

The Video Impressions studio is run out of Thomas’ home. There are no separate studio or office space overhead costs factored into packages.
Currently, Video Impressions has no other full-time employees; Only other videographers are contracted.

What kind of deposit is due for payment? What about the balance?

When you sign a service agreement, a non-refundable 50% deposit is due immediately.

Your balance is due in full the day you receive your DVD preview. Your preview will be ready no later than three months from your wedding date. The balance is due at this time (rather than when you receive your final DVDs), because your DVD preview features the fully edited video as you will receive it, except for artwork and final menu(s), etc.

You may cancel your services up to 30 days prior to your wedding date and will not owe your balance.

However if you cancel your services within 30 days of your wedding date for whatever reason, you will still be responsible for HALF of your remaining balance. For example: You paid a deposit of $600 and your  balance is $600. You will not receive your deposit back, and you still owe $300.

The reason for this policy is that entering into an agreement to hold your date is serious business, as serious as your big day is. The chances that you will cancel are extremely low, and Video Impressions strictly only films ONE wedding per day — period! Once you book with us, we hold that date sacred for you and you only, and thus we must decline any other business that comes our way. At no time can we be guaranteed of re-booking your date with another potential client in the event you cancel. We expect to render our services for full payment of your contract. However, we allow that in the extremely unlikely event you must cancel in advance per the above terms, under no circumstance will you be responsible for your entire balance.

What kinds of payments do you accept?

We are happy to accept payment by:

• Cash.
• Check. Please make checks payable to Video Impressions. (PLEASE NOTE: All bounced checks will result in a $50 Return Check Fee).
• Credit Cards payable through PayPal. To pay through PayPal, click on the link, then the Personal tab, then the “Send Money – Send Money Online” menu link. Please note – there is a 3% convenience charge for PayPal transactions to cover their fees. (Example: my balance is $800. To pay by PayPal, I would add 3%, or $24.00 to that for a total of $824.00.)

Sorry, but Video Impressions does not accept stand-alone credit card payments.

Do you film on boats and yachts?

Unfortunately, due to motion sickness, Thomas himself does not film on boats.

Can I meet Thomas ahead of time?

Of course! In all cases, Thomas will be your primary videographer. Thomas will be happy to meet you at his home studio for a demo and a cup of coffee if you want, or if you’re ready to sign a contract, Thomas will meet you half way between San Jose and your home (SF Bay Area only) if needed.

In the extreme unlikely event Thomas has an emergency, he will arrange for a different videographer, and depending on lead time, we can also schedule a time if you would like to speak with or meet her or him prior to your big day.

Thomas believes in a personal connection between client and vendor and is supportive of having clients know whom they’ll be working with.

I’d like to upgrade my edit, can I do that?

Of course! Whether you’re adding a Life Story, Love Story, Advanced Editing, or just some credits to your overall edit (if not already included), you can use our “Extra Shots” menu of choices to customize the perfect wedding video package for you.

My most recommended upgrades are Advanced Editing and Life Story Photo Montages.