We get some inquiries for just the basic package (photography plus portraits/album).
Most of the time, AVPs (audio/visual presentations) are extra add-ons that the bride and groom don't want included. It's OK.
However, there was one event that this one we wanted to make sure that the AVP was included.
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Family reunions in the Philippines are huge affairs. However, frankly speaking, the budget isn't THAT big compared to weddings because even though it could involve the whole barangay of a small town, the perennial question comes up -- "Who pays for it?".
(Aaaahhhh, a sticky subject to be sure, but very important nevertheless.)
That said, it still is a huge and tearful affair. (*Cue: blow nose here.) One that demands a lot of work and time.
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My sister and I covered a family affair in Lagawe, Ifugao. It actually involved a lot of work for my sister since she had to do a lot of work BEFORE the day itself. MY work is on the day, hers is before and after.
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So yes, one of the presentations in a family reunion involved an AVP which my sister painstakingly made.
Simple? Not quite.
It's not just gathering all the old photos the family was able to provide.
What made it more touching was the presence of videos. VIDEOS!! Please note that in the early 1980's, not everybody had a video camera. One uncle had a video camera and he was able to take footage of a family reunion back then (possibly 1982 or 1983). With technology now, the video was transferred to a DVD, but the quality was Betamax-era.
In that family AVP, my sister took video clips of those family members who passed away. Imagine the surprise of the second and third generation of family who saw, not just pictures, but videos of their loved ones caught on film (the video even had the patriarch in it before he died in 1984), very dynamic, alive and having fun. There was hardly a dry eye in the place. It was a celebration of life and love for a huge family. Lots of hugging, games and strolls down memory lane. It's the stuff EVERY family is made of.
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They'll probably appreciate the album when it's done, yes. They'll appreciate the photos posted on facebook, yes. But that day, what meant more to everybody was seeing an AVP that made them realize what was most important in their lives - that of celebrating family and relationships while everybody is still here.
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The next family reunion is in Baguio, February 2013. AND we'll cover the same event as well. What will be easier that time around is that:
- since we did the photography and the AVP, we'll have more photos (and videos) of the family to show
- photos that will possibly get "lost" in the maze that is called facebook will not get lost with us since you're also paying for storage when you book with us. (Try looking for photos that you took 3 years ago from THAT class reunion.)
- we'll get to know you. We'll know that the little makulit boy grew up to be a polite 6-year old, and we'll take fantastic photos of him just the same (just wait 'til he grows up to be 10 or 12 years old - we'll still get to show those embarrassing pics of him when he was 4!).
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So before you start 'saving' by removing the AVP from a package, think about it. It could be the best gift you'll ever get for your family.
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