Studio West Video

My husband and I debated for months over whether to stretch our budget for a videographer. We weren't interested in a crew following us as we got dressed. We just wanted a recording of our ceremony and highlights of our reception.

In the end, I narrowed the choice down to four vendors and screened their sample reels online for my film-buff hubby. He immediately chose Dirk for his great eye, and we hired him about 10 days before the wedding. I'm so glad that we did.

Dirk charged us $800 in advance for three hours of edited footage, which he shot personally. A second stationary camera captured close-ups and all the details we would have forgotten from the ceremony if we'd relied on photos alone -- my husband’s sniffles, the rabbi's gentle jokes and our friends' musical blessings. Equally important, Dirk was the only person who got a good shot of my entrance where I wasn't looking down or licking my lips! I was thrilled to see the screen cap on our DVD cover.

We were moved at how Dirk incorporated the Jewish date and quotes from our program into the introduction. We thought that was a very a thoughtful touch. He also recorded personal greetings from many of our guests, including my four bridesmaids. It was wonderful to relive everyone's toasts and the hilarious energy of the horah at the reception. He also stayed longer to shoot our cake-cutting, which we really appreciated.

Dirk’s quote included three mics to capture ceremony audio, and two completed DVDs/1 Blu-Ray. In the end, he sent us two extra DVDs (one copy to each set of parents) and an extra Blue-Ray. The DVDs included a personalized color photo cover, menu, chapters and sound editing. Dirk did not charge us for mileage, although he drove down the night before from his home near Bakersfield.

Dirk was very responsive before the wedding and he was kind enough to post our four-minute highlights video online within a couple days of our wedding. Beautifully shot and edited, it was a thrill to watch at the hotel on our honeymoon. It was also easy to send a link to the clip to our family and friends, including those who were unable to attend.

A couple caveats: when we hired him, Dirk told me we could expect the final DVD in six weeks. His contract states roughly the same terms. When six weeks came and went, I emailed Dirk and received a vague reply that he'd start on our DVD after wrapping up a couple of earlier projects. Naturally, that made me nervous. After that, future emails did not receive a response, which increased my sense of panic.

When I queried other brides on this site who'd used him, however, I was told that they received their videos in three to four months. As it turned out, we received our DVD exactly 12 weeks after our wedding. I'd encourage you to use Dirk, just know that it will likely take 12 to 16 weeks before you receive the final package.

Finally, you may wish to consider hiring a two-person video crew to capture reaction shots to reception speeches or presentations during the ceremony. When my husband toasted me, for example, it would have been nice to see my teary response – or watch us laughing during the best man’s and maid of honor’s speeches.

Most of Dirk’s camerawork during toasts and other action was shot either head-on or from the side only. A second camera would allow for cut-in shots and other editing. This will add to the price, of course, so it depends on your budget and priorities. Given our constraints, I thought that Dirk did a fine job.

Dirk was Studio West Video was fantastic. He was professional, unobtrusive on the day and fun to be around. I barely noticed that he was there, but I am so glad he was because he captured some amazing moments. A couple of days into our honeymoon Dirk posted our teaser video: (http://studiowestvideo.typepad.com/studio_west_video_blog/2009/04/kristin-micah-april-5th-2009-il-cielo-beverly-hills.html#comments) and I was so so so happy with it. He was able to capture the emotion of the day and did it in such an elegant manner. I was super impressed with how it put it together and everyone that I have shown it to has loved it. I cannot wait to see the full video of our wedding - I am sure Dirk will make it fantastic!

We were married on 7/11 and don't have our video yet but I know it is coming soon. A videographer was something I wanted but didn't have in my budget. I strongly suggest you look at Studio West. He showed up on time and was there all night and worked well with all of my other vendors. The best part was 2 days after our wedding he had a 7 minute clip of our ceremony and vows for us to see on our honeymoon! SO FUN to see something so quickly!!!

Dirk was easy to work with. We booked him less than 2 weeks before the wedding, and the transaction happened quickly and smoothly. He sent us a straightforward contract, we sent payment, he sent us a signed contract back, all within 2 days. The day of, he arrived on time, and he worked very well with our photographer and coordinator. Great price, great service, very responsive.

Just wanna say that I've seen samples, they look great. I'm still shopping but my best friend had a great experience with these guys.

Dirk is great, he was referred by my photographer (Marlin Munoz) and many LA brides. He was easy to get along with, prompt, and blended in so well I hardly remember him being there! He's also affordable which makes him an even sweeter deal! If you need more convincing, just contact him and he will send you a full length DVD so you can see for yourself!

I just got married on 5/5/07 and used Dirk too! I still have to wait on the video to give it a review but I thought his samples were great and his prices even better. He is a very nice and funny guy.

The day of the wedding he was so unobtrusive that I barely remember seeing him at all. (But I knew he was there b/c I saw a shot or two of him in the background from my photo proofs) I know he did a great job of running back and forth between the girls getting ready in one room and the boys in another on another floor.

Dirk was great right from the start. He was so responsive during the entire plannign process and he showed up at the Rehearsal like he said he would and showed up at the wedding on time. He was very unobtrusive and very easy to work with both before the wedding and during! Our video cam out great an we are so pleased with his work!

Let me just say that I think Dirk is just awesome. He showed up to my rehearsal and the day of the wedding, he was just working so hard! He made sure to keep us laughing the entire day with his awesome sense of humor! My video was just amazing! I am so glad I decided to go with him! The editing he did was just perfect and he captured our day so beautifully!

Dirk not only produces an outstanding product but is a pleasure to work with. Never obtrusive, he truly captures the moment while blending into the crowd.

Dirk is such a great videographer to work with on your wedding day. He knows how to work with photographers and that makes him a true asset in my book!