Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Hiring a Videographer for Your Wedding - Important Tips to Know

Your videographer should be able to interpret your desires and expectations and work with you to accomplish your stylistic vision. Consider these important tips on hiring the right wedding videographer before signing on the dotted line.

The Research Phase

  • Begin by gathering a list of potential videographers:
  • Seek recommendations from other newlyweds.
  • Check with your reception venue to see if they have a list of preferred videographers who are familiar with the setting.
  • Ask your other wedding vendors if they have any suggestions.

The Selection Process

Questions to Ask -
Once you have a list of encouraging prospects, set up an appointment with each of them and get answers to these important questions:

  • Who will be videotaping on the day of our wedding?
  • Make sure the videographer whose portfolio you view will be the one who will be filming your wedding. Some videography studios claim the right to send any staff member to your wedding, so make sure the person who signs your contract is the one who will be at your wedding.
  • What is your primary style?
  • Some videographers specialize in cinematic while others concentrate on documentary. Make sure your videographer’s expertise matches your preference.
  • Have you worked at our wedding venue before?
  • If so, ask to see a tape of that wedding. Your videographer should be accustomed to the setting so that they can capture your day without becoming intrusive. Take it one step further and ask your venue coordinator if he/she is familiar with the videographer’s work.
  • What types of equipment will be used during the shooting and editing processes?
  • Ask him/her to explain the equipment that will be there on your wedding day and how the tape will be converted into an end product. You may not understand it all, but at least he/she will know you mean business.
  • Do you have any references?
  • Call and ask former clients if they were satisfied with the overall experience and received the desired outcome.
Get even more advice to help you plan your wedding videography at Elegala.com

2 comments:

Eric Norcross said...

These are very good suggestions. I also offer to let them borrow a demo of weddings I had previously shot, that closely match the style of video they're seeking. Anyone who has been educated in video aesthetics will be able to achieve the different styles.

Great advice, keep it coming!
-Eric Norcross
www.norcrossmedia.com/tietheknot

Obviouschild Productions said...

good advice. and eric is right too; we often send example DVD's to clients.