Frequently Asked Questions
Where do we start?
Once you’ve chosen us to film your day, the first thing we do is meet with you. This is to discuss exactly what you want and how much it will cost and, ideally, takes place at least two months before the wedding. Anyone you choose is welcome to join (family, friends closely involved in the process, etc.). We prefer to meet with you on-site if at all possible. This initial once-over and study of the location helps us to determine angles, best-shot positions, etc. In the event the site is unavailable, we meet with you at your convenience, to discuss your video in-depth.
Once your needs are determined and a price is established, we remain in consistent communication with you. We help you as you select the music for your DVD, note any special requests you have for your video, and are around to answer any final questions you may have. This is done a month or more before the wedding. By doing this, all of the major concerns are up-front and out of your way, allowing you to forget about your video as your date approaches (no doubt you’ve got enough on your plate already!).
Finally, two to four weeks after your wedding you receive your DVDs in the mail, complete and ready for your viewing pleasure.
What’s my role?
Your role is everything you want it to be: director, producer, cast, costuming, cinematography. You determine your own level autonomy; if you want to control every minute detail, we allow you that freedom. Conversely, if you want a beautifully-edited video without any involvement of your own, we handle that too. Don’t want an embarrassing angle or awkward toast? Consider it gone. You decide what will be filmed, where it’ll be filmed, how long, who’s in it, and how it’s done. You control the DVD arrangement, from layout to background images to musical selection. Refined and sophisticated or fun and upbeat, or any combination in between; your wish is our command.
How about rehearsal dinners?
Our attendance at your rehearsal dinner is advised, but never necessary; we have plenty of experience doing weddings "on the fly," and these turn out wonderfully. If you would like to ensure maximum quality and coverage, however, we can be available to attend your rehearsal dinner. This service is included in Package One of our wedding selections, but will cost a small fee if desired with any other wedding packages.
What kind of equipment do you have?
For a complete technical list, please view the equipment page. We have the capability to shoot and master in high definition, have computers able to handle anything you can throw at us, and have top-of-the-line prosumer camcorders. Lights, stands, microphones – we’ve got it all.
Who picks the music?
Focus Ring wishes to respect artists' intellectual property to our utmost ability. Because of this, we use a variety of music and selections that do not violate any copyright laws. We have a pretty fine ear for music, so your video will definitely meet your expectations. However, we understand that there are "special songs" out there, too -- if you have a particular request you'd like featured in your video, that can certainly be arranged. Please ask for further information about this; though it depends on the copyright laws and fees, it is usually very reasonably-priced to include music not in the public domain.
What about my photographer?
The photographer controls the shoot. His job is to capture specific, time-sensitive moments, and he needs our cooperation to pull that off. A photographer’s job is tough enough as it is; the last thing he needs is us interfering. For this reason, we like to contact your photographer before your wedding, to coordinate our efforts and ensure we don’t step on one another’s toes during the event.
How do I reserve your services?
The deposit, which serves to reserve your date and is non-refundable, is $100. This is due at the time you contract us for the wedding.
When is payment due?
We offer flexible payment plans. Contact us for additional information.
How can I pay?
We accept personal checks (please allow seven
business days to clear), cash, and even PayPal. We strive for versatility!
What about cancellations?
It’s an unfortunate fact: weddings are occasionally called off. Every dollar you pay us is refunded, minus the $100 deposit, up until two weeks before the wedding.
When will I get my video?
We have all DVDs finished and returned to you within one month of your wedding, although many couples receive theirs in as little as two weeks. Rush jobs are available (additional fees applicable), with a turn-around as fast as three days, in the event you want your video sooner.
Do you travel?
We do travel within a 75-mile radius of Salem, Oregon (Anywhere in Portland, Salem, Corvallis, Eugene, etc. is in range!). After that distance, a .50/mile fee is assessed, with a maximum of 200 miles total.
AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! When it comes to weddings, "too early" doesn't exist! The sooner you let us know you'd like to reserve our services, the better. We prefer to have at least two months' notice, but more is always better! We use the time leading up to your wedding to meet with you, preview physical locations, and coordinate everything we possibly can with anyone we possibly can -- the more time we have to do this, the smoother the end production will be!
What about late bookings?
Most weddings are planned months, if not longer, in advance; hiring a videographer should be no different. We completely understand that sometimes situations arise and solutions are needed immediately; Focus Ring seeks to provide excellent and timely service regardless of when we're requested to film a wedding. But there is a $75 fee assessed, for ANY package chosen, for any booking that is less than three weeks (21 days) from the date of the wedding. This is compensation for our rearranged schedules that might result from a sudden booking.