How Long should I book Videography for?

I want to make sure I make the best of the time you have me booked! I try to tailor your day to a timeline that works for you. My most popular package includes 6 hours of coverage.

Typically, I start with preparations, just before the couple is done getting ready. I love to show some details, and special moments of preparing for the day, allowing at least an hour before the ceremony, or more, if you would like both parties shown, or are planning a first look. If you don’t want any getting ready, I can start right at your first look, or half an hour before the ceremony, to gather special opening shots of the reception and ceremony space, or any details you may have, in the form of a flat lay.

Figuring out when I start will be a great way to see how long you’d like me to stay, to make sure I’m there long enough to capture everything you need. Typically, I end filming 30-60 minutes after dancing starts, because just a few clips of dancing tends to suffice for a 6-10 minute video. I am happy to stay and capture more if you so desire! If you would like a “send-off”, we can always stage it before the true end, for the sake of time. Keep in mind it takes some time away from the dance floor.

Linked below is a typical shot list that I try to gather at each wedding, depending on your wedding day timeline, and what you would like filmed. They are not all guaranteed, but just a way to show what I typically look for. Shot list, of course, is not limited to just these shots. Typical Shot List

Why Cat with a Camera?

I am a local creative, not a large corporation, so your investment means more to me. I spend my time getting to know you. I'm just an absolutely real person, doing what I love, and having a heck of a lot of fun with it. I chose the very literal name “Cat with a Camera” because I like to keep things lighthearted, and have a sense of humor about myself (I do seriously LOVE cats though).

You can trust there will be absolute transparency about my work, and that you will be treated as I do my very closest friends. My clients value not only the final product, but the services I provide them along the way. I don’t overbook myself, so that I can focus on one edit at a time, and deliver your product quickly, without compromising quality. I put my heart into each video.

Another thing you should know, is that I never outsource my editing. This means your precious footage is never sent overseas to strangers. I put a lot of loving energy into each edit and, and I truly believe that the care I put into the final products you receive set me apart from other companies.

Are you Fully Insured?

Yes, Cat with a Camera is fully insured with Full Frame Insurance. Please let me know in advance if your venue requires a COI.

How do I know if we are a good fit?

The truth is, I love everybody, and I take pride in being adaptable, to be able to adjust and work with any and every one. So the best way I can do that is by learning a little bit about you beforehand, so we don’t feel like total strangers! For the most parts I try to stay on the outskirts and blend in like a ninja, documenting real life, but I want to hear about what you’re comfortable with, and what makes you YOU!

In a nutshell, I am very trusting of the process, and I want to come from a place of genuine compassion, while bringing lightheartedness into frame and centering you and your loved ones. Kindness is my first instinct, though I may come off as just goofy, and I love to aid in any extra hype on your day! I’m not here to force anything, and I’m willing to go above and beyond to capture the essence of a feeling. I strive for the stars and yet live down on earth.

We weren’t going to get a videographer, but decided last minute to add one!

I try my hardest to accommodate last minute requests (less than 3 weeks before a wedding). However, A big part of my process is getting to know you, so I can give a more personalized experience. That being said, please still send that inquiry, and if we click, I will make myself available to you.

We are really awkward and don’t like being in front of cameras…. I also don’t want anything posed.

I FEEL THIS. Everyone has a different level of tolerance when it comes to being filmed, and when it comes down to actually getting in front of cameras, all you have to do is- 1. Forget it’s there, & 2. Be in the moment. I may ask you to head in a certain direction, step into the light, or try to evoke a certain feeling in you using questions. Some couples take direction only from their hearts, other times they seek my or a photographer’s help for ideas. Both are totally valid, and it could be a mix of both. Oftentimes, it’s really all quite spontaneous. This is where documentary and Creative films collide. Essentially, I am there to document everything that happens, and any planning or direction will help things look extra gorgeous in frame, but isn't always necessary, (because you look best in the moment). When you need a little extra help, I am happy to direct you into poses with movement that looks as natural and beautiful as you dreamed, and step back to assure your photo team achieves what they envisioned too. When we talk on the phone I like to check in about how you feel, and talk about what will make you more comfortable on your day. My best pieces of advice are to not look into my lens or at your photo/video team much, and to stay in the moment with your love and an open heart.

When will I get my video?

I pride myself in not overbooking, so that I can focus on one edit at a time, and deliver your product quickly, without compromising quality. I put my heart into each video. Please allow one to two weeks after your wedding for the delivery of your trailer. After that, the final Highlights Reel should be ready within 30-40 days.

Can I split the time of my Videography packages?

There is typically no splitting of time or gap hours, but I am open to discussing any special situations. I like to try to accommodate everyone’s needs. For example, filming getting ready at your house from 12-1pm, and then meeting at the ceremony space for 3pm leaves a two hour gap. Gap hours are charged at $100/hour.

Will you work with my Photographer?

I really care about what YOU want, which is why I care how your photos come out too. Everyone’s shooting style is different, and mine involves lots of communication, as I am constantly moving. Let’s talk about it. I’ll ask your photographer a few things before the day to open up the lines of communication and ease tensions-

1. How can I make your day go more smoothly?

2. Do you shoot flash? Are there times where we can use lights instead?

3. Are you comfortable working side by side?

4. Will you prioritize the couple’s video as well as their photos?

5. Will you please pass any group directing to me after you’re through?

6. Are you fine with sharing ideas?

Much of this comes down to attitude. The only energy I am bringing on your special day is uplifting and positive, and I will ask your photographer if they will help prioritize your video, by being communicative with me. I care about your photos too. Many photogs really go above and beyond curating your day, and the last thing I want is for them to feel responsible for me- I just want to work together, and hopefully bring something fresh and new into their lives, and maybe just laugh about it!

Upon request, I offer a list of inspiring creatives who love teamwork, and love working with me, as I do them.

How Does Choosing Music work?

Copyright laws in the United States are surprisingly strict. If a song is used without permission, the whole video risks being taken down. To avoid this, couples must purchase the right to use a song in a posted video. Unfortunately, not all songs are available at a reasonable price. That is why Video Creators tend to use websites specifically for music licensing. I use Fyrfly, which has Premium songs for $39 and the rest are free; MusicBed, which has songs for $69 each; and SoundStripe, which charges $89 per song. You may need 2-4 song choices, depending on how long your booking is. If you wish to save a few dollars, the other option is Royalty-Free, or Copyright Free music, which can be searched (along with genre or mood preferences) on YouTube.

Click here to see more details about why Videographer’s need permission to use songs.

Can I add Drone Footage?

Yes, Cat with a Camera is FAA Part 107 Drone certified. Drone shots are a beautiful way to introduce the location of your wedding from a perspective only a drone can get! Add Drone footage to any package for just $150. I will arrive early to fly, and fly again any time the day allows.

Can I have my Raw Footage?

Cat with a Camera reserves the right to protect the image and personal branding of the company, so a gallery of RAW footage is not provided. However, in the event a specific clip is wanted for any reason, other than posting it RAW, it can be colored, cut, and provided at an extra cost, but will not be delivered fully RAW.

Please understand that the nature of RAW footage is like separate, whole ingredients of a meal. The tomatoes and carrots need to be chopped, the raw salmon needs to be cooked. It takes some time, and I have experience in the kitchen. What you’ll recieve in the end, is a fully cooked meal.

RAW footage is under-saturated, an industry standard filming mode called LOG which is the absolute best way to colorize the most natural light back into the clip in post-production. This is usually one of the last steps in editing, after storytelling, precise cutting, sound design, transitions, and titles. This is why the cost of the many hours spent colorizing and editing is built right into my packages. Showing raw footage discredits the magic of editing. Instead of showing RAW footage, I am happy to add on extra edits, such as a full ceremony and speeches, at an extra cost. Please inform me of this request before the day of your wedding.

Below is an example of a RAW image from video, versus colorized.