Smiling Toad Productions
Categories: Event Planning & Services Photographers Event Planning & Services Videographers Photographers, Videographers [Edit]
Chicago, IL 60657(773) 598-8934
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
Gloss Photography Studios specializing in fine art portraiture for baby, family, wedding, grad, child, maternity, boudoir, pet, commercial and more.
One review for Smiling Toad Productions
1 review in English
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Review from Eazmg C.
Chicago, IL
2/7/2012
A videographer was one of those things that i didn't think i wanted for my wedding. Perhaps it was years of big cameras blocking the aisle and bright lights shining in my eyes at receptions that made me cringe at the thought. I was against video until a co-worker mentioned that she couldn't wait to see hers, b/c she couldn't remember a thing from her wedding day. i heard this and panicked - and immediately began the hunt for a videographer.
I stumbled upon John and Smiling Toad Productions online, and choosing to work with him definitely was the right decision. Here are some pros:
- John was great to work with and the price was right for us. His package prices were reasonable and included two cameras at our wedding and reception (many vendors offer just one for the same price)
- the cameras they used were basically Nikon cameras with HD video. Nothing like a typical video camera with giant bright lights which was a relief
- The cameraman who traveled around with the bridal party for pictures (his name escapes me - Fernando i think??) was great. He was soft-spoken and kept to himself, but was willing to get adventurous with us for our "around the city" pics (onto the L platform, running across Michigan Ave, etc.). I didn't even notice him or John at the wedding or the reception.
- John was very responsive during email correspondence
- The best part was the end result. We absolutely love our video and have watched it at least 50 times already. We were able to provide songs of our choice, and John did a great job of editing everything together along with photos from our photographer.
Overall, we were very pleased with our decision and would recommend Smiling Toad Productions. And if you are on the fence about whether or not to have video, do it. you won't regret it!
Specialties
Have you ever seen photographs of your parents' or grandparents' wedding and wondered what that day was like beyond those still images? Regardless of the size and budget of your event, nothing comes close to capturing the spirit and emotion of your day like a wedding video.
Our competitive pricing structure and documentary filmmaking experience ensure that your high-definition wedding video will be an investment that you will cherish for many years to come.
Please take a look at our samples and do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, or to check if your date is available. Thank you for your interest in Smiling Toad Productions, and we look forward to speaking with you soon!
History
Established in 2005
Smiling Toad Productions was founded in 2005 with the goal of combining a documentary filmmaking style with personal, event-driven films.
In 2008, the company began to focus exclusively on wedding videography and owner John Severson continued to expand the company and further develop his documentary eye.
After getting married in 2009, Severson and his wife Sarah are now involved with every aspect of event coordination and seek to personalize each video to a client's particular wants and budget.
Meet the Business Owner: John S.
John Severson graduated from Washington University in St. Louis in 2004 with degrees in Anthropology and Film. After nearly seven months travelling to Europe, Africa, and Asia, Severson returned to the U.S. and settled in his hometown of Chicago, IL.
Severson's Cultural Anthropology background and love for filmmaking easily led him into the world of documentaries. Severson produced an award-winning film titled "Living with Landmines" based on his travel to Cambodia. He is currently finishing up a feature-length version titled "A Perfect Soldier" that is set to release mid-summer of 2010.
Severson loves being involved in all aspects of the wedding videography business, from pre-event coordination to the final edit and presentation process.
After getting married in July of 2009, Severson's wife Sarah assists with the critique stages of the wedding video edit, ensuring that each video Severson produces is seen through the eyes of a former groom as well as a former bride.
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