What is 4K?

4K is a term we hear a lot when people are describing video quality. It's even mentioned here where I describe my service. So what do we mean by 4K video?

We mean, resolution. Resolution is the number of distinct pixels in each dimension that can be displayed. The more pixels, the higher the resolution, the better the image quality. For example, standard definition is the resolution of a standard DVD, and is 720 pixels by 480 (or 576) pixels. Standard definition is relatively low resolution, when compared with, for example, full high definition (HD), which is 1920 pixels by 1080 pixels. 

This graphic compares relative image sizes with increasing resolution. DVD resolution, or standard definition (SD), appears as the smallest image size, the lowest quality. High definition (HD) appears as a larger image size, with full HD appearing larger still. Finally, 4K is a spectacular 3840 pixels by 2160 pixels.  

4K resolution, is even greater than full HD at almost 4x the size. A 4K Ultra HD video frame is 3840 pixels by 2160 pixels. This substantial increase in resolution makes for a remarkable increase in image quality. 

If you don't own a 4K television or computer screen, a 4K wedding video might seem excessive. However, even if video recorded in 4K is reduced down to standard definition (SD) to be presented on DVD, the final result is better than if the original footage were to have been recorded in SD. Recording in 4K not only improves video quality in almost every situation regardless of the method in which it is presented, but it is also a way of future-proofing your wedding video, as 4K displays become increasingly commonplace. 

To finish off, I'm going to leave you with 3 reasons to opt for a 4K wedding videographer:

1. Excellent resolution at 3840 pixels by 2160 pixels.
2. 4K produces video with fine spatial detail.
3. Retains higher quality when resolution is reduced for presentation on DVD.

Robyn and Jamie

Watch the trailer for Robyn and Jamie's summer wedding of the year!

Top 10 Unmissable Wedding Video Moments

Below, I list my top 10 wedding moments that simply have to be captured on film. Starting at moment number 10, all the way through to the absolutely most important moment at number 1! Let me know if you agree in the comments, or if you have any wedding video moments that I have forgotten.

10 | Getting Ready

The nervous anticipation on the morning of the wedding is always a beautiful memory.

9 | Cutting the Cake

A celebratory and traditional moment, definitely a must!

8 | You May Now Kiss the Bride

It's got to be on the list.

7 | Friends & Family

Snapshots from the people of the day can capture unique and special moments. These definitely deserve a place on this list.

6 | The Speeches

The speeches can form some of the most emotional moments of the video. These soundbytes are no doubt unmissable.

5 | Mr & Mrs

Essential glimpses of the happy couple enjoying some time together.

4 | The First Dance

One of the most intimate and special moments of the day shared between the couple, and for me, unmissable.

3 | Confetti

A personal favourite wedding moment because it combines all the people of the day with a beautiful flurry of movement, colour and euphoria!

2 | The Aisle

I think this is unquestionably up there with the top 3 most important moments to capture on film. It was really hard to rank these last few!

1 | The Vows

Finally, my number 1 unmissable wedding video moment is the vows. They are the absolute heart of the video.

Exciting New Feature

I'm delighed to announce that I am now making the finishing touches to a new feature here at ah-videos.com, which will be launched at the end of July! From July onwards, you will be able to log in using the button at the bottom of the page, enter your own secure password, and view your wedding video when it's completed. You can also use the URL link and password to share your video with friends and family!

4 Things Videography Gives You That Photography Can Not

Now-a-days, almost every couple getting married will organise a professional wedding photographer. However, fewer couples will employ a professional videographer. But is there any additional benefit to be had from capturing moving images? I believe there is, so below, I present to you 4 things videography gives you that photography can not. 

1 - SOUND

Possibly one of the most obvious differences between videographic and photographic media is the addition of an audio element, be it music or speech. Despite it's obviousness, sound must not be overlooked as one of the main advantages that the video has over the still, especially when it comes to weddings. A photograph cannot capture the nervous and emotional moment of a bride and groom exchanging vows, the father of the bride proudly talking about his daughter during his speech or the laughter and fun of the best man's stories. To capture sound at a wedding is to capture some of the most significant moments of the day.

2 - MOVEMENT

Another obvious point, you may feel, but consider the advantages. Some of the most special moments of the day involve motion: walking down the aisle, the first kiss and the first dance are just three examples. A video will preserve these special moments in as real and re-liveable way as possible to be shared and enjoyed for years to come. Nothing can beat the slow motion video clip of you, the bride and groom, in a shower of colourful confetti, surrounded by friends and family.

3 - EMOTION

The right photograph can elicit very real and very strong emotions. However, a movie, providing it is well shot, well edited and well shaped, packs an even greater punch. A movie is able to tell a much richer and fuller story that a set of still photographs, by fully immersing the audience in the action. There is no better way to bring the day and all its feelings and emotions flooding back, than through a wedding video.

4 - MEMENTO

Videos on USB are an excellent memento, particularly when compared with photographs or albums. USBs are easily stored, duplicated and posted to family and friends. A USB video can be appreciated by many people at any one time, as opposed to just one or two, which makes for a greater, shared experience of your special day.

Professional vs. Amateur Wedding Videography

Why not just ask a friend with a smart phone or digital camcorder to shoot video clips of your wedding day? It seems like a reasonable idea, but is it? I believe that there are huge benefits to be had from going down the professional route, which is why I have compiled this list of 5 ways in which a professional video has the edge over the amateur equivalent. 

1 - QUALITY

Although the resolution modern smart phones and camcorders can achieve is quite incredible, there are many other important aspects that define quality. As well as recording in 4K resolution (ultra high definition), professional cameras have advanced image stabilisation, focussing features, low light capability and high frame rate options to allow for smooth slow motion playback. Cinematic lenses can allow for a beautiful shallow depth of field, an effect which simply can't be reproduced by a smartphone. Additionally, a professional service will provide you with high quality sound recordings of the day, essential when it comes to vows and speeches, soundbites that simply have to be well recorded.

2 - EXPERIENCE

Having high quality professional-grade equipment is only half the story. Not only will the professional be adept at manipulating their camera, he or she will know what to expect on the wedding day and will consequently be able to prepare for anything that might happen. The professional will know how to compose a balanced frame, where to stand for the best angles, and importantly where not to stand. The professional will also be accustomed to discretely organising or directing guests where necessary.

3 - RELIABILITY

It's often many hours from bridal preparation to the first dance. The professional will cover the entire time period in between, something for which you may not be able to rely on the enthusiastic amateur. The professional is also likely to carry spare batteries and data storage in the event of a power failure or damaged memory card, further improving their reliability when compared with an amateur. 

4 - EDITING

There is a lot to be said for a professional edit. It can take your wedding video to the next level, and a professional videographer will strive for artistic perfection. 

“The film is made in the editing room. The shooting of the film is about shopping... and you’ve got to make sure before you leave the store that you got all the ingredients. And then you take those ingredients and you can make a good cake - or not.”

— Philip Seymour Hoffman

5 - AFTERCARE

Finally, the professional is likely to provide an aftercare service, in the hope that clients are then more likely to recommend their video services to others. Aftercare can be as simple as providing extra copies of the DVD for friends and family, but some videographers may additionally offer a more long term video backup service.