Hiring without risk
How we film and back up your wedding so no moment depends on a single piece of gear
Two video cameras at every event we film and three copies of every file before editing
At IAZ Photo Studio, every event we film has two video cameras, and we copy every photo and video file to three places before editing starts: the editing station, the studio server and an external drive. If a camera or a computer fails, we lose time, not your wedding.
Both rules came from events where something went wrong, and both still shape how our crew works every weekend. Here is what happened, what we changed and what to ask any videographer before you sign.
The January quinceañera where one camera stopped recording
One January night, our team filmed a quinceañera at a ranch in Buckeye. It was about 28 degrees Fahrenheit and the ground was fine dust. Over the day, the dust got into the tape camera and damaged the recording heads, and nothing showed it on the small screen. When we captured the tape at the studio, the lower half of the picture had never recorded.
We told the family, refunded the video and offered enlargements of the photos. Then we changed how we work: since that event, two video cameras go to every event we film.
The second camera started as insurance and gave us something better: a second angle. That is why our full films cut between two views of the vows, the waltz and the first dance, and why a moment never depends on one camera.
The editing computer that died with a wedding on it
Another time, the editing computer died in the middle of a wedding edit. Days of editing were lost, but the original footage was backed up, so the bride's film was safe. We told her early, asked for about two extra weeks and delivered.
Since then, every file is copied to three places before an edit begins: 1. The editing station, where the film is cut. 2. The studio server, which keeps a second copy apart from the computer. 3. An external drive, a third physical copy kept separately.
If a machine fails, we rebuild the edit from one of the other copies. What we lose is time, never your ceremony.
What each safeguard covers for your wedding film
Each rule answers a different kind of failure.
| Safeguard | Failure it covers | What you see |
|---|---|---|
| Two video cameras | A camera that breaks, runs out of battery or loses focus | Your full ceremony plus a second angle in the film |
| Three copies before editing | A computer or drive that dies | Your film arrives even if a machine fails |
| A team of several people | A videographer who is ill or has an emergency | Someone else from the team covers your date with the same plan |
| Early notice | A delivery that runs late | You know the new date before you ask |
What this means on your wedding day
On your wedding day you barely notice these rules, and that is the point. Here is what does happen: - Two video cameras work the ceremony and the reception, one fixed and one moving, whatever package you choose. - If the church or venue asks the crew not to walk during the ceremony, the fixed camera keeps recording everything while the other works from the side. - At the end of the day, the footage comes off the cards and is copied to three places before anyone starts editing. - Then you pick your photos. Usual photo and video delivery is 4 to 8 weeks from your selection; how long wedding photos take has the full timeline.
Questions about cameras and backups for your wedding film
Are the photos backed up too?
Yes. The rule covers the whole event: two video cameras film it, and every photo and video file is copied to three places before editing begins.
How long do you keep my files?
One year after delivery. Download and back up your gallery and your film within that year so you have your own copy.
What happens if the videographer is ill on my wedding day?
IAZ Photo Studio is a team, not one person. Another videographer from the team covers your date with the same plan and the same timeline.
Can I get the original unedited footage?
Yes, as an add-on: a USB with the original unedited video is $599, subject to delivery conditions. The edited film comes with every package.
What should I ask another videographer about backups?
Ask how many cameras they bring, where they keep copies before editing and who covers your date if they are ill. Our questions to ask before hiring has the full printable list.
What your contract should say about delivering the film
A good photo and video contract says what you receive, when and what happens if something fails. Before you sign with any studio, read what to include in a photo and video contract. With IAZ Photo Studio you sign online through ShutterTerms and pay the deposit as a separate step.
If you are still deciding between video and photos only, photo, video or both compares the three options with their prices.
Guides to hiring photo and video without the risk
- How to make sure you get your photos and videoThe main guide to hiring without the risk.
- What to include in a photo and video contractThe clauses that protect your delivery.
- How long wedding photos and video takeThe timeline from your selection to the USB.
- Photo, video or bothWhich one fits and what each option costs.
- What a wedding film includesThe full film, the highlights and the slideshows.
Where is your wedding?
Pick your wedding city and check your date with the team that works there. We reply within 24 to 48 hours.
Check your date with a team that plans for failure
Send us your wedding date and venue, and we'll tell you if it's open and which package fits your day. You can also text or call (602) 753-7969.