First and Foremost:
Hire a Videographer whose work you have seen, the best way to do this is to directly hire
the Videographer. If you hire through a company, be sure you view the demo tape of the
videographer that will shoot your affair. If they can not guarantee you which videographer
will be available for you, go to another company. You must see the actual camera and
editing work of the person you are employing. Always check with friends about people they
have used and are happy with. This goes for all areas of the Wedding. Do not rely totally
on recommendations provided by the Videographer, of course, they will only give you the
names of people whose events came out perfect.
We have a professional photographer, can we just have someone stand next to them and shoot
the video?
I would not recommend it.
Remember the photographer is looking for that "one" moment to take the picture.
Their not looking to capture the flow. Another very important point is the
photographer uses flash pictures to get the right lighting. For that one second everything
comes together. If the background is brighter than the wedding couple, or there is low
light, the pictures will still come out great, but the video will not. The wedding video
must show the bride as radiant and beautiful as
can be! This is not a video where shadows are acceptable.
What's with all the bright lights?
Know what the lighting needs of the
Videographer are!
If their equipment needs lots of light, be sure this is what you want. Today's equipment
needs much less light, however if the reception or chapel is dark the videographer must
use some light to get a quality picture. The question is how much! Is a 30 watt light on
the camera enough, or 3000 watt lights on poles all around the room. Some people like the
room to look like a TV Studio, the video taping is part of "show", with lights
and cameras, everywhere. Others want the videographer(s) to be almost unseen. It is YOUR
wedding, make it what you want! If you want lots of lights...go for it... if you want low
lighting, get it. You, not the videographer, should decide.
Can I have a friend videotape the wedding for me?
If you can afford to have it videotaped by a professional, then definitely do so. If
however you can't then I would say even a poorly taped affair is better then none, just
make sure the person videotaping the event has a tripod. During the wedding be sure the
camera is near a speaker in the church/hall/etc. or close to the wedding couple. If they
set-up back with the guests you can easily pick up the kids playing/crying, all the
coughing etc. During the reception again, with the tripod, and be sure the back of the
camera person is toward the windows of the room. If you shoot toward the windows the video
picture will be dark. Again however I would only have a friend video the wedding as a last
resort. Just like having a neighbors kid play CD's at the reception rather then a DJ or
band, better then nothing but not recommended.
Why does it cost so much?
Everything to do with a wedding has the prices marked up, the food, limo's, band, DJ's,
flowers. Is it fair, of course not, that's why you have to shop around. Don't be afraid to
ask the Videographer how the price can be lowered. You may not need everything included
with the package, if the wedding and reception are in the same place or nearby, you may be
able to get a lower price, if you don't need baby pictures or a recap, that should lower
the price. Remember if you hire a professional and just get the tape the end of the
evening it will cost you a lot less. (editing a 2 hour wedding tape can take 5 to 15
hours) and you will have all the benefits of the videographer (wireless mikes,
professional camera, etc.) Be sure to make copies of the tape as soon as you can, or pay
the videographer for a few copies, it is money well spent. Most videographers call this
their 'basic' package.
Do I have to feed the Videographer?
Some reception halls insist you feed the band / photographer / videographer, in that case
you do, but no, you don't have to.
Talk to the videographer or band etc. before hand. Save your money. If you are not going
to feed them, however, do let them know. If the videographer will be
spending the day with you 5+ hours, then they will need an hour off to eat. I would
definitely tell you that if you are not feeding them, let them know. I have seen
videographers, photographers and even the band get up and take an hours break to eat if
they are not fed. This usually results in the wedding party agreeing to feed them. Talk it
over with everyone in advance. Many reception halls have a special rate for a basic meal
for the band/videographer. Check with them.
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