Before Your Choose a Wedding Videographer All too often couples planning their wedding, will over look one of the most important and less understood service - the Wedding Videographer.
The Videographer is one of the most critical service roles on the day. You are engaging them with the responsibility to capture a living record of all the special moments of your day, then to master the final product of a fully polished and engaging wedding video. Not only will your wedding video be yours to share with distant relatives and friends who couldn't make your special day, but also for the generations of family who will follow.
Good advice for having a beautifully finished video of her wedding day; is that hiring a videographer isn’t just a matter of ticking off a check box somewhere on your "To Do" list. For that matter, settling on the lowest price is no formula for selecting your wedding video supplier. All too often couples fall into the trap of choosing a videographer simply based on price. There is a strong belief that couples who treat videography as 'just another check box' along with the flower arrangements, often regret this approach later.
Tip 1 - Don't Rush! ..Give Yourself Time
For most people deciding on a videographer will mostly be a one time decision. Remember, that not only does a video capture voices, the laughter, the music and the ambiance and spirit of the day, but a quality Videographer with sound post production skills, will craft a wedding video that will take the viewer on a truly engaging journey, capturing all the emotions of your special day.
When choosing a videographer, choose thoughtfully and choose well. By settling with a quality video producer, couples soon realise that their wedding video can be a real investment of a lifetime. A quality video production will preserve moments to be relived and to be shared with viewers for generations to come.
Tip 2 - Be Informed - Do Your Homework!
Before you choose a Videographer, look at as many videographers as you can. Form an idea of what you want your own video to be like. Finally, make a selection based on the craftsmanship, experience, and professionalism of the videographer.
Many professional videographers have web sites that feature sample clips; This is an excellent way to build a short list of the styles that you like.
Always take the time to meet your 'short' listed videographers as you must feel comfortable during your interview process. This will ensure that you will feel comfortable with them training their cameras on you an hour before the ceremony. These times can be very stressful and will not always go to plan. A professional videographer will always have a supportive attitude, because after all, it's your day, and its critical that your day runs smoothly.
How do you judge a videographer’s craftsmanship? If you’ve only seen one or two wedding videos, then take the time to view as many as possible. When viewing wedding DVD samples, ask yourself : was the video engaging? how did the videographer handle the visual composition, timing, transitions, titling, and the use of special effects - did it make you YAWN? :) . Pay attension to the audio quality. You will soon find out if they use the correct equipment such as wireless lapel mics during the ceremony and the reception when capturing the couples vows and the speeches of friends and family. Beware of a videographer who will only use the microphone on the camcorder.
Avoid making your decision just by the website sample clip; request a hi resolution DVD sample to view in your home. A quality sample DVD should include an example of vows and speeches - not just a music track over footage. The DVD sample will also show you of how the Videographer will design DVD menus and organise DVD content.
Tip 3 - Understand The Cost
As you research videographers, you will notice a wide variation in prices and service descriptions. Some videographers have packages that mix and match the number of camera operators, offering two cameras for preparation and ceremony and a single camera for the reception; some limit their packages to strictly single-camera or strictly multi-camera options.
It's important to understand that when your wedding day is over the videographer’s work has really only begun. There are many hours involved in creating polished, tightly edited wedding video. Therefore if you choose multiple camera package, then expect the price to increase, as the more footage shot on the day, the more time it takes in post production.
At the top end of the market, Video producers will offer packages that can exceed $10,000, where a deluxe package can include multi-camera coverage including pre-wedding interviews with both couple and family and friends, groom and bridal preparations, ceremony, and reception, along with a photo montages, online web video streaming including guestbook facilities. Quality videographers who are sought-after videographers can command higher fees.
As Hight Definition video has become available, videographers are now offering it as an option. If you want the best quality, be sure to ask your videographer. Remember that quality videographers will always be upgrading their equipment, so but be prepared to pay extra for HD.
If your videographer is busy, you can expect deliver of your finished videos within two to three months after the wedding. Remember that quality video production, and post production takes time, therefore a quality job will not be the cheapest.
Tip 4 - Plan Ahead
It is considered essential to book your videographer as far in advance as possible. This will increase the likelihood that the sort after videographers will be available on the day you’ve chosen. It isn’t unusual to book a year or 18 months ahead.
The benefit of booking early means you not only lock in your date, you also lock in a rate. Most Videographers will adjust their prices annually.
FINALLY
Remember if all you can take with you from this article is one thing. Then let it be that when you engage a videographer, don't be lured and tempted by low price.
There are a lot of backyard operators who are unqualified in the craft of video production who will only appeal to 'price hunters', remember you get what you pay for.
Take the time to make the right decision, we guarantee that you will be glad you made the extra effort.
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Contributor's Note
I wrote this intel because there are more and more backyard videographers who can really make a mess of the most important day in most peoples relationship - Their Wedding Day
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