mike varel weddings 4.8 out of 5.0 4.9/5.0
Based in Overland Park, but available worldwide
PO Box 26154, Overland Park, KS 66204
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816-588-6763
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Business Info
Services: Videography
Established: 2001
Employees: 2
Accepts:

 
About
Mike Varel Weddings has been producing cinematic wedding videos for the past 9 years all over the country. If you are looking for a professional video that captures the sights, sounds & emotions of your entire day, you’ve come to the right place. Imagine a video that you won’t want to fast forward through while covering every detail that you spent so much time planning for. Check out our website at www.mikevarelweddings.com or email / call me today!

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Endorsements
I've worked with tons of videographers in the city. In my opinion when you hire Mike Varel media you get a lot of bang for your buck. Mike and his crew are so wonderful to work with. When shooting weddings it so important that the videographer and the photographer work well together- you get that with Mike. He is so easy to get along with ..It is like having your best friend there with you every step of the way for your special day.
Mike is an extremely professional videographer that does beautiful work. He is always a pleasure to work with and would be a great asset to any wedding or event.

Frequently Asked Questions for Videography
Are you a commercial studio or a home-based business?
I am a home based business with office space I also use downtown at City Center Square in Kansas City, MO.
 
What types, such as unedited footage or special effects, of videography do you offer?
I always use multiple cameras. That doesn't mean you will notice them or people running around though. I use High Definition cameras to shoot everything and can archive it for when my clients eventually purchase an HD player. My style is very cinematic, and flows incedibly well with the music that you help pick out. I try to make it something you would never want to fast forward through.
 
Describe any special editing services you offer:
I can edit your wedding simply or all the way up to "A Wedding Story" style with interviews about how you met, got engaged, what you're looking forward to, etc.
 
Do you have lighting equipment to accommodate a more dimly-lit event?
I do have an on-camera light that comes in handy for darkly lit reception halls. Photographers love the light because it helps them focus as well as use it for a backlight giving you some amazing still pictures as well as well-lit video.
 
How many videographers do you work with?
Usually I have one other camera operator with me. I can have up to 5 if necessary, but after 80+ weddings, I've never used more than 3.
 
Does the client get to meet the videographers before the event?
The bride can absolutely meet me before the wedding. I am always at every wedding and do not assign others to do my work for me. I occassionally use different people as the 2nd camera operator which the bride can meet as well.
 
Do you guarantee your presence at the actual event?
Yes, always. My name is on the company, the behavior on the day of and the final product. That's very important to me. I stand for integrity and character and always make sure I'm there to film and oversee the whole day.
 
Do you book yourself for more than one event in a day? Weekend?
I've never booked myself for more than one wedding in a day. Things come up with schedules and sometimes things go longer than intended. I don't take chances. If I've committed to your wedding, I'll be there when I say I will and stay as long as I say I would.
 
Do you have a replacement videographer in case you become unavailable on the event day?
I have several videographers that have their own companies that I trust to replace me in the case of an accident or severe illness.
 
What kind of equipment do you typically bring with you on the day-of?
I bring a minimum of 2 High Definition Cameras, a wireless microphone for the ceremony, an on-camera light for the reception and a couple of tripods.
 
Do you bring backup equipment to the event in case of malfunction?
I do bring a backup camera, batteries, bulbs and other equipment. I use my equipment almost daily though and maintain it very well, so I trust it.
 
What is your policy on taking breaks? If you require a meal break, do you require that the client provide your meal?
I don't usually take a break throughout the day. There are many "down" times between things and I take a second to sit during those.
 
Do you charge overtime?
If we agree to a package of hours to film and it goes over I'll let the couple know and we can set up an amount for staying longer. It's never happened in the past because we usually know how late we need to stay to accomplish the filming goals of the couple.
 
Do you give access to your raw footage?
I don't typically, but if requested I can work something out. I shoot in a certain way and know how the shots will edit into the video. I also try to include almost every shot into the video, so having the raw footage wouldn't be all that different than the video you receive.
 
Do you reserve the right to use the video in the future for promotions, contents, etc.?
I request permission from individual couples at certain times for a particular part of the video to go on my website. If they are not comfortable with it, I follow their wishes.
 
Is the client involved in the editing process? If so, how much input does the client have in editing?
The bride can be involved in the sense that she can help pick the music as well as take out shots she may not like or use more black & white, or less.
 
How long does it take for the client to get the final video?
Typically I have between 30-50 hours of editing involved. That usually means 6-8 weeks before the rough draft goes out for approval, followed by another 2 weeks to make copies.

Tips and Advice
- You get what you pay for. - You need to trust & get along with your videographer. You want to be able to know they're doing their job and forget they're even there. - Make sure your videographer uses a wireless microphone to pick up your vows during the ceremony. If a camera is at the back of church how can it possibly hear you so far away if not? - Go with someone that has a LOT of experience. Why risk your special day to anyone else? - Anyone can go buy a camera and a cheap editing software and say they do wedding videos. Check out their demos. Is the sound, editing, color, and video quality really up to par? Can you picture yourself in a video like that? Would you be embarrassed to show your family & friends?