Video Impressions

Cinematic, Documentary, Short Form, Traditional

Ceremony, Edited Video, High Definition Video, Montage - Music Dubbed Over, Montage - Wedding Highlights, Multiple Cameras, Multiple Videographers, Pre-Ceremony, Reception

Blu-Ray, DVD, VHS

Yes

Home-based business. Saves money which can be passed on to the couples who hire me.

ALL types of filming and editing are offered. Edited, unedited, single camera, multiple camera, NTSC / PAL, etc.

* 3-D photo effect
* Same-day ceremony highlights (laptop editing suite)
* Life story photo montages
* Love story shoots
* Short form montages of full wedding day

Absolutely. On-camera dimmable light from 10 - 100w. It can light up an entire dance floor in pitch dark or nicely fill light for other needs.

4.

The bride will always get to meet the principal videographer, which in 100% of all cases, is Thomas himself! 2nd-camera videographers are often not required for a meeting before the wedding day.

Yes. If I am out of town, I do not schedule a wedding for that day.

I do not book more than wedding per day, however I might book more than one in a weekend.

Yes.

Everything. Cameras, audio gear, tripod, headphones, cases, media, gaffer tape, accessories, notes about wedding day, etc.

Yes.

Usually just one to eat a meal at the reception, otherwise only as allowed.

If I stay beyond 15-20 mins past the designated time, yes. If it's a few minutes over schedule, no.

Yes. All couples are welcome to purchase raw footage on DVD or pay to have assets transferred to a hard drive.

Yes.

Yes and no. I schedule an Edit Meeting with the couple after the wedding day / honeymoon, but before editing begins. We discuss what will end up on the DVD, and what if anything will be cut or left off. At that point, all input is welcome to ensure that the final DVD will be exactly what was expected. The actual physical editing is only done by me, however.

In most cases you will receive a preview copy of your video within 2 months of your edit meeting, and your final DVDs within 10 days of the approval of your preview. The edit meeting takes place at your earliest convenience following your ceremony and/or return from your honeymoon. The edit meeting is optional, but strongly encouraged. It allows you and Thomas to spot review elements of your footage and talk about what was captured during your big day. If there are shots or sections of your video that you definitely want kept, or ommitted, the edit meeting will help avoid any last-minute surprises when you get your preview video. Any other add-ons, or "Extra Shots," such as a Love Story, Life Story, 3D photo montage or editing or DVD upgrades can be added at this time as well. Video Impressions' unique approach in this regard means you're much more likely to be satisfied with your video when you sit down to watch the preview the first time. If you decline the edit meeting, the 60-day clock will begin from your day of declination.

What's different about what you do?
Thomas has a unique passion for delivering stunning visual images and preserving memories for years to come. He believes in a personal connection with his clients. Truly understanding what a couple wants is key for Thomas. What is it that you want to see when you watch your video? He offers multiple packages and other add-ons and upgrades ("Extra Shots") to choose from in an easy coffee-themed inspired menu, and Thomas will work with you to create a visual masterpiece.



When during the wedding day do you film?
As an 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 1-7pm).

That leaves about two hours to film your ceremony and four hours for your reception. A longer shoot means more flexibility in the schedule, accommodating bride prep time, location changes, photo shoots, etc.

For second camera work, a minimum of a two-hour block is required and usually will begin a half hour or one hour prior to your ceremony start time.

Thomas and the second camera videographer normally arrive to the first location about 30 minutes prior to their filming 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 / 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 if schedule permits. We'll always stay overtime (for an hourly fee) at your request to cover any event you wish.

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



When would travel expenses be incurred?
For wedding day packages, virtually every location in the greater San Francisco Bay Area is covered in the prices stated. Beyond the boundaries the SF Bay Area, depending on your event, package and location, travel and/or overnight expenses may be incurred. Generally speaking, this is about 100 miles or 2 hours each way from San Jose. Monterey, Santa Rosa and Stockton are all examples of locations within these boundaries.

But getting there is no problem. Thomas has (no joke) traveled to and filmed every continent on the planet! Where in the world would you like him to film your special occasion?


How do the videographers dress?
Unless you ask us to wear specific clothing or colors, Thomas and the crew 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.



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, Assyrian, Chinese, Irish, Indian, Mexican...and I've even filmed two same-sex unions in California.

Can I add a photographer to my package?
Yes. 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.

Are your prices pretty low?
Yes, the prices are very reasonsable. Of course, they're not as low as some companies, but frankly, there gets to be a point where one should really worry about paying for "bottom dollar" work. There are a couple of very practical reasons why my prices aren't the highest, either:


The Video Impressions studio is run out of Thomas' home. There are no separate studio overhead costs factored into packages.
Currently, Video Impressions carries no other regular employees for editing or office workâ only other videographers who are contracted.

Do you film on boats and yachts?
Thomas can arrange to have a sea-worthy videographer cover your special event. Unfortunately, due to sea-sickness issues, Thomas himself does not film on most boats. Exceptions: rowboats in calm water, motorboats, and speed boats are all OK.

Editing and Post-Production

What effects are applied to the ceremony and reception video?
For the ceremony, only simple fades and dissolves are used. The occasional flash-frame cut is used as an aesthetic choice, but not during critical parts of the ceremony, i.e., the vows.

For the reception, we may get creative with general, group social dancing footage from time to time. Otherwise, fades, cross-dissolves, and use of the flash-frame cuts are used.

What effects are applied to "short form" montage material?
If you choose Basic Editing, simple effects like black-and-white, slow-motion, and sepia are used for short pre-ceremony and pre-reception montages. In Advanced Editing, not only is a full "short form" montage recap of your entire wedding day included, but the effects applied are significantly more involved. Such techniques as color isolation against black-and-white, bordering and layering video, creating a 'steadicam' look with motion shots, and changing the focus and depth of light are all used in Advanced Editing. Your titles are also specially created for a one-of-a-kind look. There are no templates of any sort in Advanced Editing.



Do you make Blu-Ray Discs? What about HD-DVD?
We create high-quality Blu-Ray discs that are guaranteed to play on a Sony PlayStation 3 and other Blu-Ray players (Sony, Samsung, etc). For all intents and purposes, HD-DVD is an extinct format , so Blu-Ray is really the only choice for long-term High Definition Video playability.
Do you use professional audio gear?
Yes, only pro audio gear is used. Your ceremony and reception audio are one-take performances, and like your video, must be captured with the best possible quality. Thomas and other videographers only use wireless microphones that connect to camera and auxiliary audio capturing equipment directly. For all ceremonies, groom and officiant / priest audio will be captured with lavalier mics. Other microphones will be used for musical instruments or lectern speakers as necessary. For receptions, we capture the DJ or band's audio feed directly from their mixing boards or speakers. Most DJs provide their own microphone gear for MCing, toasts and speeches.If necessary we will happily work with your church staff, DJ, musicians, and/or sound personnel (if available) to capture the audio for both the ceremony and reception. For things like tea ceremonies, butterfly and dove releases, photo shoots and prep shots, etc., we capture ambient audio with high-quality, on-camera mounted mics.

Do you edit audio too?
Yes. Thomas has years of experience editing audio. Whether it's editing video to a music beat, equalizing the volume and tone of your project's overall audio, or removing unwanted pops, hisses, hums, and rattles, Thomas will ensure you get the highest audio fidelity possible for your video.



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 a 3D Photo Life Story Montage.

Locations

Here is just a partial list of the many places Thomas has filmed weddings in the past few years at:

Villa Montalvo, Saratoga Hakone Gardens, Saratoga Maison du Lac, Los Gatos Stanford Memorial Church, Palo Alto St. Joseph Cathedral, San Jose The Fairmont, San Jose Hayes Mansion, San Jose Freedom Hall & Gardens, Santa Clara Mission Santa Clara The Historic Del Monte Building, Sunnyvale Mission Dolores Basilica, San Francisco The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, San Francisco Dunsmuir House, Oakland The Claremont Hotel & Spa, Berkeley Berkeley City Club, Berkeley The Grand Plaza Hotel, Monterey The Spinnaker / Ondine restaurants, Sausalito Trentadue Winery, Healdsburg Heavenly Valley Ski Resort, Lake Tahoe
Plus private homes, community centers, country clubs, and more. Add your wedding site to the list!

Did you know?
Thomas performed with the San Jose State University Concert Choir at St. Joseph Cathedral several times, Thomas and his wife Trystan L. Bass were married at the Capital Club on 2nd Street in downtown San Jose in 2000, and Thomas' grandparents were married at the Stanford Memorial Church in 1940



Whether or not you choose Video Impressions for your big day, here is some advice I'd give to any couple considering a wedding video:

1. Hire a professional. Do not ask a friend or family member to video your wedding unless they are already a pro. The vast majority of couples who elect to have an amateur or "film student" film their wedding do not like their video and will never watch it. Couples who hire pro videographers / editors to make their wedding video tend to cherish it for years to come, and make extra copies for their family to watch.

2. Future-proof your video. Only choose HD videographers. Anyone offering less than HD these days is stuck in the 20th century. Video Impressions only films in full HD unless it is specifically requested by the couple to use other gear.

3. Two cameras are generally better than one for your ceremony. If your ceremony is in a very tight space, however, stick with just one!

4. Ask about alternate video formats. How great would it be to show a short form montage of your entire wedding day any time, anywhere on your iPhone for example?

5. Hire a proven professional. Oh wait, I've said that already..! :-D

Above all, good luck with your wedding day and have fun!

Thomas Dowrie
Video Impressions