Why shouldn't I just have my uncle do it for free?
Unless your Uncle Charlie is Steven Spielberg, we can't emphasize enough what a huge difference there is between home video and a professionally produced video. Your friend or relative may have great intentions, but it's unlikely they have the equipment (professional cameras, wireless microphones, editing gear...) that a professional has. It's also unlikely they have the expertise or experience to produce a great video. Also, do they have the foresight and experience to be on top of all the especially important moments and the candid moments as well? To make a great video, you must be meticulously aware of the best angles and experienced enough to anticipate the best moments.

How do I know which videographer is right for me?
Finding the right videographer is no easy task. We feel confident we're among the best in the Tampa Bay Area. However, we understand that people make decisions for different reasons and we want our clients to feel 100% certain that we're right for the job. Aside from the quality of our work, what we most want to establish with our clients is trust. We listen to your ideas, we address your concerns, and we use our expertise to design a wedding video that's uniquely yours. The people you hire to shoot your video can have a tremendous effect on your wedding day. We understand that great sensitivity and a keen instinct is necessary for knowing when to shoot and what to shoot all day long. If you're looking for a huge Hollywood production, we're probably not the people to do it. If you're looking for basement bargain video, we're not that either. But if you want someone who's going to listen, understand, and inspire creativity, then we are the right match for you! No matter who you hire, make sure you understand their style and what they intend to do. Make sure your videographer understands what you want and is professional enough to deliver what you expect.

What separates Hearts Video from the rest?
Among many other things, our experience, creativity, client trust and rapport, and our unquestionable passion for what we do are probably the most important differences that cut us above the rest. We tell your story and LOVE what we do! Being a great videojournalist requires a lot more than just knowing how to operate equipment. It requires attention to detail, experience to know where to be for the best shots, and the listening skills to be able to capture the story.

How do you prepare for our special/wedding day?
At our initial meeting, we gather information about who you are and what your wedding or special event will be like. About one week prior to your wedding day, we "finalize" with you over a phone appointment. We start by confirming all of the details and information that we have already gathered. We go over the events of your wedding day in detail and ask you questions about, special toasts, special formalities, announcements, information about the officiant, detailed ceremony and reception information, coordinator, etc. That helps us sometimes find "the story within the story". Our goal is to have a thorough understanding of what to expect on your wedding day from beginning to end.

Do you do guest interviews?
This is up to each individual client.  We are more than happy to capture messages from your guests or if you would us to take a more low-key approach we are happy to do that as well. If you'd like to have certain guests interviewed other than your wedding party and family, we ask that you provide us a list of their names beforehand so that we make sure everyone you want is included.

Will bright lights and long cables overpower our special event/wedding?
We use a very discrete setup, involving no cables or overpowering lights. Image quality is excellent thanks to its DV format recording. Bigger CCD size enables larger image dynamic range and a quality lens further enhances the overall picture. Our cameras do an excellent job of picking up quality images in very low-light situations and we use a low wattage light only.

What are lavaliers?
"Lavs" - as they are often called - are the most advanced and discreet way of gathering audio at a ceremony. We have all seen them on talk shows, show contestants or on news anchors. A lavalier consists of a wireless small transmitter that is attached discreetly to your clothing with a tiny microphone to gather sound. A receiver on the camera receives your sound, using wireless technology. The lavalier is attached to the groom's lapel and will clearly pick up every word of both the bride and groom during the ceremony.

How do you work with photographers?
Our goal in working with your photographer(s) is to cooperate closely with them and other wedding vendors to smoothly capture all the events on your special day. We do our best to stay out of the way during the ceremony and reception. Each of us is working in YOUR best interest and we make it a point to know what we expect from one another and how we can support your photographer throughout the day.

May I choose the music for our video?
Yes. Music sets the mood for your entire video and we leave the selection of music up to you first. We like to have your selected music in the office at least 2 weeks prior to your wedding. If we do not have any musical selections in the office prior to your event, we will choose what we think would sound the most appropriate.  Most clients have a favorite song or musical genre that they would like for us to use and so we edit music according to your style. However, we also know what sounds good and spend many hours taking special care as to exactly when we fade down and up, down to the exact frame. We usually ask that you choose at least three songs that we can make choices from. It's important that the music fits the mood of your occasion, reflecting your personality and enhancing the fluid moments.

How long will you take to finish our video?
Typically, videos will take between 6-10 weeks to complete depending on the season. It is not uncommon for us to spend upwards of 50 hours editing a video. The only thing we guarantee is that it will be worth your wait!

Why is DVD a great format?
Durability: Tape is a great medium to shoot in but a poor one to store in. Tape heads wear on the tape during every viewing and chemical processes are at work destroying your tape even while it sits on a shelf. Tapes as little as ten years old could be in serious jeopardy from wear, disintegration, and magnetic fields. A normal VHS tape only offers 200-300 vertical lines of resolutions. A DVD, on the other hand, should last 100 years if properly cared for and allows a full 480 lines of resolution… your picture is sharper, more detailed and very vivid. This means the image will be as good on the 100th year as it is the first time you watch it. DVD is also capable of sound quality that is on par with CD quality sound.

How soon before our wedding should we book with you?
Popular dates fill up quickly and we recommend booking as soon as possible, as it is not uncommon to book six months to one year in advance. However, if your wedding date is just around the corner please contact us since it's always possible a cancellation may have occurred.

Why should I book with Hearts Video?
We have been capturing events for many years and our pride, reputation, and experience goes into each video we create. You will absolutely love your video for years and years to come!  We recognize that you have many choices in selecting a videographer for your event and we feel honored that you are considering Hearts Video. In addition, we remain dedicated to delivering quality videos and superior service. We have a full-time office staff to answer any questions you may have and along with our normal office hours, we also have evening hours by appointment. We look forward to capturing your event!