Bridal Club Magazine

Your Wedding On Video - How To Find A Good Videographer

Videography is an artform in its own right - gone are the days of shaky, badly lit home videos of your wedding. An experienced videographer can suit your requirements with a style and technique that would make your video look fit for a movie award. Keep these questions in mind when you are hiring your videographer.

• Ask what their style is - artsy, documentary or direct (interviews with your wedding guests) so you can work out whether it compliments the atmosphere you wish to have at your wedding. The last thing you need is a comical twist on an elegant and formal affair - unless that is what you intended.
• How many weddings has the videographer done before? Ask to see samples of their work so you can see their style in action.
• Have they won any awards? Are they a member of any associations that offer some kind of guarantee of quality?
• How do they co-ordinate with a wedding photographer?
• Have they ever shot at your wedding location before? You may be able to see footage to see what the conditions are like for yourself.
• Does the videographer have any other bookings on your wedding day causing any time constraints?
• Are you dealing with the videographer who will be shooting your wedding?
• What type of equipment will they be using? Will they have back-up equipment should something fail?
• Ask about editing. Ask them to explain to you what they will do to your footage. You may want to keep raw, unedited footage as well as the finished version. Ask about the transitions between frames, there are some fancy ones available that can either enhance or make your wedding video look tacky.
• Ask about lighting. You may be required to may additional lighting to enable better taping. However, certain lighting conditions will capture more of a romantic look - make sure you discuss your needs.
• How much does the videographer charge and for how long? Are there package deals available - ask to see a price list.