How to choose a Wedding Videographer
by Brian Patric
Videography holds profound significance in preserving cherished moments and emotions, encapsulating the essence of a couples’ special day. Beyond photography, it breathes life into memories, capturing the fleeting glances, heartfelt vows, and joyful celebrations in motion. A wedding video becomes a timeless keepsake, allowing couples to relive the intricate details and emotions that unfold amidst the whirlwind of the day.
When considering what videographer to hire, there are many things to look out for. Take some time to watch a few different highlight reels to make sure your potential videographer’s style is a good fit for your personality. Some of them will have flexibility on their style, but others will not so it is important to know upfront whether they are going to be able to produce your vision or not.
They should have professional equipment including high quality cameras and audio equipment. Ask them to send you an example of a ceremony that they did recently, this is something that they should be more than happy to do. Ask them what measures they are going to take to protect your video files. Memory cards can be prone to corruption, so it is important that your the videographer has a plan in case it happens. Using equipment that can save to two memory cards, a second shooter, or a secondary tripod camera are common ways to ensure that you are getting backup footage.
You should also be sure to ask them about their plans to capture the important audio from the day. This can be done using small microphones or by collaborating with the DJ to record audio through their system. But their plan should never be to record and use the raw audio through their camera, as they will occasionally have to move during the ceremony which will make the audio inconsistent.
Drones are also commonly used at weddings to get some amazing overhead shots of the venue and surrounding area, as well as shots of the couple. If your videographer is planning on using them, make sure that they are licensed and insured, because it could cause issues with the venue if they are not.
Now let’s talk about the deliverables and what all you should expect to receive from your videographer. There are a lot of videographers who want to just give you a short highlight film from the day but you should be receiving more. At minimum you should be getting a full version of the ceremony as well as the highlight film. The ceremony film should include quality audio of the officiant, bride, and groom. They should also provide you with all the behind the scenes, raw footage from the day. The shots that the editor decides not to use in the highlight film can be just as meaningful to the client as parts that were included.
The editing process after the wedding is just as much a part of the project as filming the wedding is. Ask them if they will be doing their own editing, as this will give them full control over the project and make them more flexible during editing. For the highlight film, you should be able to request the song used, or if you want vows included, or if there is anything special that you really want to make it in there.
Make sure that everything that they are promising you is put into writing in the form of a contract. The goal should be to find a videographer who you are comfortable with, so they should have no problem with this. By asking the right questions up-front, you should be able to select a videographer in your price range who you fully trust to document your special day and make your vision becomes a reality!