Tag: Chicago top wedding videographers

Do videographers give raw footage? | Wedding Videography

March 23, 2023
Wedding Films

A wedding video is a keepsake that allows couples to relive their special day for years to come. While the final edited product is undoubtedly the centerpiece of the video, some couples may be interested in receiving the raw footage as well. Raw footage refers to the unedited, unprocessed video files that the videographer captures throughout the day.

Explanation of raw footage

Raw footage provides a unique behind-the-scenes look at the wedding day that cannot be captured in the final edited video. It includes everything that the videographer captured, from the pre-ceremony preparations to the post-reception festivities. While raw footage can be less polished and refined than edited video, it can also be a valuable resource for couples who want to revisit certain moments or relive the emotions of the day.

Pros and cons of receiving raw footage from a wedding videographer

Receiving raw footage from a wedding videographer has both pros and cons. One advantage is that couples have access to all the footage captured by the videographer, giving them complete control over how they want to relive their day. Additionally, raw footage can serve as a backup in case the final edited video is lost or damaged.

However, there are also some drawbacks to receiving raw footage. First and foremost, raw footage requires a lot of time and effort to sort through and edit. It may also be less polished and refined than the final edited video, and may not include all the special effects or music that make the final video so memorable. Lastly, not all videographers offer raw footage as part of their package, and those that do may charge an additional fee.

Tips for negotiating raw footage with a wedding videographer

If you are interested in receiving raw footage from your wedding videographer, it is important to discuss this with them early on in the planning process. Some videographers may be willing to include raw footage as part of their package, while others may charge an additional fee. Be sure to clarify the terms and cost upfront to avoid any surprises later on.

It is also important to be realistic about the amount of raw footage you will receive. Videographers capture a lot of footage throughout the day, and it can be overwhelming to sort through it all. Consider asking your videographer to focus on capturing the key moments that are most important to you, and to provide additional footage as needed.

In conclusion, receiving raw footage from a wedding videographer can be a valuable resource for reliving the emotions of your special day. However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons and negotiate the terms upfront to ensure that you are getting the best value for your investment. Check what people think – forum.

Length of time a videographer is needed | Wedding Videography

March 19, 2023
Wedding Films

A wedding videographer is an important investment for couples who want to capture the memories of their special day. One of the common questions that couples have is the length of time a videographer is needed for at the wedding. The answer to this question depends on several factors that we will explore in this section.

Factors that determine the length of time a videographer is needed

The length of time that a videographer is needed at a wedding depends on several factors, including:

  • Length of the wedding: The longer the wedding ceremony and reception, the more time the videographer will need to be present to capture all the important moments.
  • Number of locations: If the wedding ceremony and reception are at different locations, the videographer will need to factor in travel time between the locations.
  • Type of coverage: Some couples only want the ceremony and reception filmed, while others want pre-wedding events and post-wedding activities captured as well.
  • Number of videographers: If a couple hires more than one videographer, they may be able to cover more events simultaneously and reduce the overall time required.

Average time frames for wedding videography services

The average time frame for wedding videography services is typically between 6-12 hours. This time frame usually covers the pre-wedding preparation, ceremony, reception, and other important moments. However, some videographers offer packages with shorter or longer time frames based on the couple’s needs.

Tips for planning the timeline of wedding videography services

Here are some tips for planning the timeline of wedding videography services:

  • Communicate with your videographer: Discuss your wedding day timeline with your videographer and ask for their input on how much time they will need to capture all the important moments.
  • Prioritize key events: Identify the key events that you want to be captured and prioritize them accordingly. This will help you allocate the necessary time for each event.
  • Build in buffer time: It’s always a good idea to build in some buffer time in case things run behind schedule or unexpected events occur.

In conclusion, the length of time a videographer takes at a wedding varies depending on several factors, including the length of the wedding, the number of locations, and the type of coverage. By communicating with your videographer and prioritizing key events, you can ensure that your wedding memories are captured in a way that meets your expectations.

Looking for a top-rated videographer – follow us on Instagram and contact us at CTRL+shot.

Fine average cost of a wedding videographer in 2023

March 17, 2023
Wedding Films

Your wedding day is one of the most special moments of your life, and capturing those memories is priceless. While investing in a professional wedding videographer may seem like a big expense, it’s an investment you won’t regret. However, determining how much to spend on a wedding videographer can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider, from the videographer’s experience to the length of time you want them to be present. So, what is a pay rate of a skilled wedding videographer to document your big day?

Factors that determine the average cost of a wedding videographer

  • Experience and expertise: Experienced and well-established videographers tend to charge more than those who are new to the industry.
  • Time and duration: The amount of time the videographer spends at your wedding will affect the cost. Also, the duration of the final video will also influence the price.
  • Equipment: The type of equipment used by the videographer, such as cameras, lighting, and editing software, can affect the price.
  • Travel: If your wedding location is out of town or requires significant travel, the videographer may charge an additional fee.

Average hourly pay rates for wedding videographers

The average hourly rate for a wedding videographer in the US ranges between $100 and $500. However, keep in mind that this is just an average, and rates can vary widely depending on your location and the videographer’s experience and expertise. CTRL+shot provides unique Art Films in the industry and turns your wedding video in a cinematic wedding film. 

Tips for negotiating rates with wedding videographers

Be clear about your budget: If you have a specific budget in mind, it’s best to communicate it to the videographer upfront. This will help them understand what you can afford and may lead to negotiation on their part.

  • Consider off-season weddings: Videographers may offer discounts during the off-season or on weekdays, so consider scheduling your wedding during these times.
  • Bundled services: Many videographers offer bundled packages that include multiple video delivery, drone footage, social media reels, and other services. Consider bundling to save money.

Overall, it’s crucial to invest in a quality wedding videographer to capture your wedding day’s memories. Don’t be afraid to negotiate rates, but remember that the lowest price may not always provide the best value. With CTRL+shot, you can rest assured that you are investing in a high-quality, unique wedding art film.

Is it Worth it to Have a Videographer at Your Wedding?

March 16, 2023
Wedding Films

Your wedding day is one of the most important and special days of your life, and you want to make sure that every moment is captured to cherish for years to come. While many couples choose to hire a photographer to capture their wedding day, the question of whether it’s worth it to have a videographer at your wedding often arises. In short, the answer is yes. Here’s why.

Importance of Capturing Wedding Memories

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event that you will want to remember forever. While photos are a great way to capture still moments, they don’t always capture the full essence and emotion of the day. A wedding video, on the other hand, allows you to relive your special day, hearing the laughter, vows, and speeches, and seeing the tears and smiles on your loved ones’ faces. A wedding video is a way to preserve and relive your memories for years to come.

Advantages of Having a Wedding Videographer

A professional wedding videographer has the experience and equipment to capture all the important moments of your wedding day. From the pre-ceremony preparations to the reception festivities, a wedding videographer can capture all the important moments in a way that a photographer cannot. They can also edit the footage into a beautiful, cinematic film that tells the story of your day.

Real-life Testimonials from Couples Who Hired a Wedding Videographer

Couples who have hired a wedding videographer consistently say that it was worth the investment. They appreciate being able to relive their special day and see things they may have missed. Many also say that they’ve watched their wedding video more times than they thought they would and that it’s become a cherished family heirloom.

In short, having a wedding videographer is definitely worth the investment. It allows you to relive your special day and cherish the memories for years to come.

Top Chicago Wedding Videographer for your Big Day

March 14, 2023
Wedding Films
Chicago Wedding Videographer
Wedding Shot

Are you planning your dream wedding in Chicago and looking for a professional videographer to capture your special day? Look no further than a Chicago Wedding Videographer! In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about wedding videography, from pricing to the benefits of having a professional videographer by your side.

Why Choose a Chicago Wedding Videographer?

A wedding videographer is a professional who specializes in capturing the special moments of your big day. A Chicago Wedding Videographer has the experience, skills, and equipment needed to document every aspect of your wedding, from the ceremony to the reception.

Not only do they have an eye for detail, but they also know how to create a beautiful and cinematic film that tells the story of your wedding day. By choosing a Chicago Wedding Videographer, you can rest assured that you’ll have a stunning and timeless video to cherish for years to come.

How Much Should You Spend on Wedding Videography?

The cost of wedding videography varies depending on a range of factors, such as the length of the video, the number of videographers, and the level of experience of the videographer. On average, couples in Chicago spend between $3,500 and $6,000 on high-quality wedding videography.

When choosing a Chicago Wedding Videographer, it’s essential to consider your budget, but also the value of investing in a professional who can deliver a high-quality and memorable wedding film.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Chicago Wedding Videographer?

There are numerous benefits to hiring a Chicago Wedding Videographer for your special day. Firstly, a professional videographer can capture moments that you may have missed, from the small details to the big emotional moments.

Additionally, a Chicago Wedding Videographer has the skills and equipment needed to create a cinematic and polished film that captures the essence of your wedding day. Finally, having a professional videographer means that you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your wedding day, knowing that everything is being documented by a skilled and experienced professional.

Tips for Choosing the Right Chicago Wedding Videographer

When choosing a Chicago Wedding Videographer, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, you should look for a professional who has experience in capturing weddings and has a portfolio that showcases their work.

Additionally, it’s important to choose a videographer who has the right equipment, such as high-quality cameras and microphones. Finally, you should choose a videographer who you feel comfortable with and who you trust to document your special day.

Common Questions and Concerns about Wedding Videography

Finally, let’s address some common questions and concerns about wedding videography. Firstly, it’s important to note that videographers specialize in capturing video footage, not photography. While some videographers may offer photography services, it’s important to choose a professional who specializes in one or the other.

Additionally, wedding videographers typically film for 8-10 hours on the wedding day, capturing everything from the pre-wedding preparations to the final dance of the night. Finally, when choosing a wedding videography package, be sure to ask what is included, such as the length of the final video, any additional edits or features, and the delivery timeline.

In conclusion, choosing a Chicago Wedding Videographer is an investment in capturing and preserving the memories of your special day. By considering the factors we’ve discussed, such as pricing, benefits, and tips for choosing the right professional, you’ll be on your way to finding the perfect videographer for your Chicago wedding.

Feel free to reach out to CTRL+shot shall you have any additional questions. We are here for you to make your day unforgettable. Let’s discuss your Big Day!

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Videographer? Yes, of course! - Wedding Videography

February 22, 2023
Wedding Films

A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event that most couples cherish and remember for years to come. Every moment of the big day is precious, and it’s understandable that couples want to capture as much of it as possible. While photographs are an essential part of wedding documentation, there is nothing like a wedding video that can fully capture the emotions, sounds, and movements of the day. This is where a videographer comes in.

A videographer is a professional who specializes in capturing the moments and emotions of a wedding day on film. Hiring a videographer for a wedding is becoming increasingly popular as couples realize the importance of having a visual record of their big day. Here are some reasons why having a videographer is essential for any wedding:

Capturing the Emotions

One of the most significant benefits of having a videographer is that they can capture the emotions of the day. A photograph can only capture a single moment in time, but a video can record the full spectrum of emotions that the couple and their guests experience. From the nervous excitement of the morning preparations to the joyful celebrations of the evening reception, a videographer can capture it all.

Preserving the Memories

A wedding video is not just a record of the day; it is a keepsake that the couple can cherish for years to come. It’s a way of preserving the memories of their special day and sharing them with family and friends who couldn’t be there. A video can bring back all the sights, sounds, and emotions of the day and allow the couple to relive the moments whenever they want.

Adding Production Value

A professional videographer can add a lot of production value to a wedding video. They have the equipment and expertise to capture stunning visuals, record clear audio, and edit the footage into a cohesive and engaging story. A well-produced wedding video can be a beautiful piece of art that the couple can be proud to share with their loved ones.

Including Guests Who Couldn’t Attend

Not everyone can attend a wedding in person, whether it’s due to distance, health issues, or other reasons. A wedding video can be a way to include those guests who couldn’t attend in the celebration. The couple can share the video with them afterward and make them feel like they were a part of the day.

A Different Perspective

A videographer can provide a different perspective on the day than a photographer. While a photographer can capture still moments, a videographer can capture the movement and action of the day. They can record the first dance, speeches, and other special moments that might not translate as well into still photographs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hiring a videographer for a wedding is a worthwhile investment. A wedding video is a beautiful and meaningful way to capture the memories of the day and preserve them for years to come. It allows the couple to relive the emotions of the day and share the celebration with those who couldn’t attend. A professional videographer can add production value to the video and provide a unique perspective on the day. If you’re planning a wedding, consider hiring a videographer to capture the special moments of your big day.

2023 Wedding Stationery - best tips

January 2, 2023
Wedding Films

Wedding stationery creates an atmosphere for your big day. Wedding stationery consists of the most important paper goods that will be used throughout planning the wedding, like invitations, guest lists, menus, seating charts, program planning, music, and many many more. 

Should you skip wedding stationery? – No. But you can choose the items that are genuinely required for you and your Big Day.

Based on our experience and analyzing many weddings and articles for wedding stationery plans, we have created a helpful stationery checklist you will want to include in your wedding planning. 

Before everything begins

Dates, dates, dates.

Lock in your dates. Plan ahead, the general rule of thumb is around 6-8 months before the wedding. Guests don’t like last-minute plans as they need to coordinate the time with their families, around their own plans, and work. It is also important for destination weddings so the guests have enough time to coordinate travel and accommodation plans.  This will also provide enough time for the guests to decide if they will make the wedding.

Bridal Shower Invites

A bridal shower is an event to honor the bride-to-be. This event is usually made for people who are live close by. A few weeks in advance, think about 4-5, should allow those to plan accordingly. Should you mail the invites? – No. Skip it and formulate nice emails out. You can use websites like Evite or Etsy.

Bridesmaids Invites

Your bridesmaids are always ready to come and join the party. Consider asking your folks to stand by your side as soon as possible. We suggest at a minimum of 5-6 months in advance should be enough to give them time to plan accordingly! You may mail the invites out to have some kinesthetic memories for some of them. Check out Canva to design your own invites! Your own design is always better and it will stand out. 

Wedding 

The wedding invitation

Think enough time, 6-8 months before the wedding day should give enough room to people build their plans. What to include? – The invitation should have the names of the newlyweds, the venue and precise location, the date and time, the reception information, and RSVP details. It is important to order those early enough in case there are things to change in the design. Also, when you mail them out, mail them with delivery confirmation.  

RSVP/response card

The RSVP card is mailed with the wedding invitation. Guests will return the card to the couple with their information and intent to attend the Big Day. Nowadays, it is common for couples to opt for a digital RSVP option via the wedding website. Plan to set a deadline to reply 3 – 4 weeks ahead of the wedding to give time for the creation of seating charts and confirming food and beverage headcounts. Zola provides a great article on how to properly RSVP.

Venue & Directions

Oftentimes, venue location is difficult to find. In this case, you should consider sending out a precise location card along with the wedding invitation. Especially when you have multiple wedding locations it is important to have all clear destinations and map pins available to the guests. As an alternate option, you may add such details on the wedding website you have. This will  shrink some printing costs.

Addressed Envelopes

Addressed envelopes – what’s that? The envelope includes the guests’ names and their mailing addresses. Be sure to budget for stamps for the outer envelope. Also the RSVP card envelope.

Day of the Wedding

Wedding Programs

Wedding programs are usually optional. This specifically applies to weddings with short ceremonies. The program consists of a one-page outline of the ceremony times and actions. Some other programs include further details such as the bridal party lineup, ceremony readings, or personal messages from the couple. Wedding programs might be helpful to set the tone for the day and provide guests with a clear outline of where to be and when. However, it is absolutely up to the couple to decide whether they would like to have it or not. 

Seating Chart

Important! These oftentimes get overlooked but when done properly, they will save you tons of time. A seating chart is mandatory if the dinner provided is in a sit-down fashion. Personnel will know who is receiving what and where they sit. The options are endless. Some do a champagne wall, standing frame, mirror, chalkboard, and digital assignee cards.

Place Cards

In addition to the seating chart, you should consider place cards. These cards are usually displayed in the exact seat where guests will be seated. If you do NOT have a seating chart near your entrance, place cards are necessary for guests to know where to go and sit. Consider sites like The Knot and Canva.

Table Numbers

When table numbers are necessary? Well, when you plan to have assigned seating. They both go together. Table signs will guide the guests to the tables. You will avoid any potential chaos and confusion with seating arrangements. This is a simple DIY assignment or Amazon has a variety of options. 

Wedding Menus

Some people say that menus are not needed when budgeting for a wedding. However, we disagree and recommend making table menus. It could be short with the most important set of details; first and second courses, entrees, and desserts, as well as any sides that will be served. You can use Canva to create your own menu design on a budget. 

After the Wedding

Thank You Cards

Thank you cards are very important to recognize the people who came and the gifts given to the new family. It might be a time-consuming task, but it is proper etiquette to show your gratitude to ALL guests and gift givers, and please don’t forget about your wedding vendors. Please consider writing each guest by their name, and express thanks for attending and the specific gift given. When to send it? – Thank you cards should be sent within 2-3 weeks of receiving the gifts or after the wedding.

With Respect,

CTRL+shot Wedding Videography

ctrlshot.com 

Why is it important to have a wedding film?

February 15, 2022
Uncategorized, Wedding Films

When you want to prepare for your wedding, hiring the right videographer is one of the first things you want to do. Since most videography experts are booked months or even years in advance, you want to make sure that you have someone ready to work on your wedding film early on in the process. Around 75% of couples regret they didn’t hire a videographer for their wedding, so it’s a great idea to NOT make such a mistake. Here’s why you want to have great wedding films!

wed2 Wedding Videography
Capture your moments

Pick great videographer to capture your wedding’s story and special moments

One of the advantages of having a wedding film is that it allows you to capture your wedding’s story and relive it again and again. A good videographer like the ones at CTRL+shot will be able to capture those moments with great success, the story behind the preserved moments, something that proves difficult without the right tools and expertise. That’s why hiring a videographer for your wedding is extremely important.

Showing these wedding films to your kids

Speaking of that, wedding films are a great thing to show to your children when they get older. Not only is it a great walk around memory lane, but it also allows your kids to see you when you were younger too. It’s a very emotional, yet satisfying moment that wedding films can bring to life.

wed4 Wedding Videography
Share with your kids

A great thing to enjoy during your anniversary

Watching your wedding film is a great way to remember your wedding anniversary every year. A lot of couples choose to rewatch their wedding videos because they are fun and bring in a very good time. Plus, it’s the type of thing that brings couples together.

Videographers have different wedding packages to choose from

What that means is that you can choose exactly the type of wedding video that you want. This is great because you can adapt their services to your own needs. And, in doing so, you also get to spend less, while still bringing the wedding of your dreams to life. There are tons of different options and this is a reason why we at CTRL+shot offer one package with all types of wedding films: art film, documentary video, and of course social media reel – check them HERE.

You are very busy during the wedding

Let’s face it, the last thing you have time for during the wedding is to take pictures or capture videos. That’s why you want a great videographer to take care of all wedding films. Not only does it help you save both time and money, but you get to be there for your guests too. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy your wedding, even more, knowing that a professional will take care of all the wedding films.

Conclusion

It’s very important to have someone specialized in capturing your wedding films ready to help every step of the way. It’s convenient, and it allows you to spend more time with your guests and enjoy the wedding festivities. Plus, if you hire a team of professionals like CTRL+shot crew, you know that you’re getting expert results and the best value for money. Don’t hesitate and contact us today for the best wedding videography services in Chicago, we are always ready to help!

Smart Wedding Planning

February 15, 2022
Uncategorized, Wedding Films

Things you should cut from your wedding to keep it simple and fun

wed1 Wedding Videography
Prioritize the important

Don’t just cut down, prioritize!

Keeping your wedding simple is a great way to not only represent yourself and your ideas, but also save some money too. Generally, many couples tend to overspend when it comes to their planning and focus a lot on items that aren’t really necessary. If anything, the most important things for a wedding should be the couple, official, location, date and time, as well as the marriage license. Of course, you will also need a good wedding videographer to create a great and memorable documentary-style film for you as well.

How can you make the right wedding decisions?

The main problem that a lot of couples have is that they want everything to be perfect. Because of that, they want to do everything themselves, just to ensure everything is right. The reality is that you want to take a cold look at all those tasks and features, then see if you really need them. You might be shocked, but more often than not you won’t need a lot of these services and items.

So, how can you figure out what to toss and what to keep? Create a list and then organize everything based on importance. For example, check out wedding videography services from CTRL+shot, check what is important, and what is recommended to be on your list. However, expensive centerpieces and decorations aren’t really mandatory. You just have to see what adds value to the wedding and what can be skipped.

Based on the clients’ feedback, The Knot was one of the options for many to perform self-planning and save some money.

Asking someone else for help

You may want to handle the decorations, baking or music yourself, but hiring others or asking friends to help could be another option. What you will notice is that outsourcing some of these wedding tasks can help you get back on track and worry a lot less. It might not seem that much in the beginning, but the results can be great and that’s what matters the most.

Take your time and assess every wedding task, then ensure that you either scrap it, outsource it or move on without that particular thing. It might sound challenging at first, but if you manage to do it right, then nothing will stand in your way, and that’s exactly the need you want to pursue. 

wed3 1 Wedding Videography
Asking someone else for help

Should you focus on keeping your wedding simple?

There are people that try to make their special day grandiose and massive. The reality is that you don’t have to do that. A simple wedding that represents you and who you are is a much better option. Plus, it also helps you save both time and money.

Since your planning has its fair share of challenges, you always want to focus on finding ways to keep your wedding simple, yet fun. Cutting down unnecessary tasks from your wedding list is really handy, and it’s definitely going to pay off big time. Just make sure that you take your time, go through all wedding tasks and then choose what works for you. Rest assured that simplifying your wedding can actually make the entire event better, not to mention you can prevent a lot of stress and anxiety!

Wedding Videographer - Chicago

February 13, 2022
Wedding Films

Plan To Hire Wedding Videographer with Style

Stop looking for a friend who owns the best-ever camera which she uses at every event or on your group trip to Hawaii. It might sound very good to ask your best man to use a camera at your ceremony and save some money, but you are most likely going to end up with something less than a pro wedding film after all. The question to ask is do you really want to miss out on your special moments, feelings, and emotions? I guess – No. Hire your personal wedding videography so you don’t regret it later.

Wedding Film for Romantic Couple

Art Film

For a realistic play-by-play of all these events, you need a videographer with the ability to see the story through the prism of the camera and create an art version of your wedding day. Your story will be the foundation for the art film and the length of such a film is about 2-3 mins. 

Documentary

Usually, the longest video version of the wedding day. The footage of the entire wedding day will be blended together with many moments from your vows and family toasts to friends’ jokes and disco dances. Your dad will crack a joke based on your childhood story when you both went fishing for the first time, and your mom, after a couple of drinks, opens a secret you told her about your first high school kiss. Your grandparents wish you a long and blessed marriage. Memorize them through the great documentary video. Don’t overlook videography options. 

Social Media Videography

Art Films and Documentary versions are great for your family treasure. But we live in the social media world. You can’t upload a 7 mins documentary to Instagram or Facebook but a short reel will work just fine.

It’s a short 20-30 seconds preview with special background music to make your friends and followers excited. 

A great wedding videographer carries more than just a camera. There must be a vision, a vision of your story that can be preserved and used to create art. This videographer also holds an imposing repertoire of video know-how. 

Here at CTRL+shot, we offer all the above-listed options in one package. Ping us today to get more details – contact us HERE. 

Written by CTRL+shot.com Chicago, IL