Videography

Hiring a videographer to capture the memories of your special day can be one of the best investments you will ever make. A DVD of your wedding will give you the opportunity to relive the occasion for many years to come. It’s also a good memento to send to friends and family who were unable to celebrate the big day with you.

As with most services, you get what you pay for. Hiring the services of a professional videographer will set you back on average about $1,500. So before you make a booking for your wedding, it pays to do some research. It’s a good idea to ask friends and family who have recently been married about their wedding videos, whether they were satisfied, what their viewers thought, and whether the videographer did a good job capturing these precious moments.

When meeting with a videographer, ask to see some of their recent work. This will give you an indication of the style the videographer likes to work with and what they are capable of doing. But make sure that the same videographer captured the video that you’re viewing. Be aware that some companies will show you videos filmed by their best videographer, only to send someone less experienced to your event.

Communication is vital in the relationship between you and your videographer. Don’t be afraid to tell them what you want and how you want the video filmed. This is your wedding after all, though it also pays to listen to what the videographer has to suggest as well.

Booking a videographer

Some of the things that you should consider when hiring a videographer are:

• Their filming and editing equipment – digital video cameras is the industry standard because they produce crisp, professional-looking footage. Weddings are usually shot with one camera, but it’s recommended that two cameras be used on the day. This ensures that more of the wedding is recorded and the end product covers much more of the celebrations. As a precaution you might want to request that the videographer bring back-up cameras along, in case there are problems with the equipment on the day. It’s also recommended that your videographer use a tripod and microphone on the day, to ensure that smooth footage is captured and superior sound is recorded.
• Their lighting expertise – lighting is a very important aspect of your wedding video and it can set the tone of the whole film. It’s important that you discuss lighting options with your videographer before the day. A good idea is to get your videographer to visit the venue if they have never worked there before, to check out the lighting conditions they will be working under.
• Their recent work – viewing the videographer’s recent work can give you an indication of what you can expect in the final product of your wedding video and perhaps even give you some ideas that can be incorporated into your memento.
• Their filming and presentation style – there are three main styles used to film weddings: the documentary style, the staged style and the video clip. Enquire with your videographer which you would prefer for your own wedding.
• Their relationship with your photographer – ask your videographer if they have worked with your chosen photographer before if you have already selected one. Alternatively, the videography company may also provide photographic services as well. It’s important that your photographer and videographer work closely together to produce a more cohesive final product. The last thing you want is a videographer and photographer who contend for the same vantage points, get in each other’s way and have different agendas.
• Whether they have worked at your chosen venue before – if a videographer has previously worked at the venue, then they will know where to set up the cameras for the best shots. They will also have knowledge about the lighting available there and the layout of the setting.
• The date of your wedding and the videographer’s availability – it’s recommended that you ask your videographer how many other weddings they have on the day of your wedding, and whether they have one the day before. You don’t want a videographer who is under time constraints, or is fatigued from working at previous functions.
• The price – A good idea is to shortlist all candidates you see. Include packages they offer, additional services, their experience and expertise and don’t forget prices too! This list will help you distinguish between all the different videographers and their services and choose the one that is right for you.

After the wedding

After the big day, you should make an appointment with your videographer to see the raw footage. There may be many hours of raw footage, but it’s a good idea to watch it through and decide which parts you must have in the video and can be discarded.

At this stage, you may want to suggest a list of songs or music that you would like to be played during the video, but keep in mind that some of the songs you have selected may not be suitable. Work with the videographer to find the music suited for what is effectively the movie to the fondest memories of your life.

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