Tips to Help You Choose a Qualified Videographer for Your Wedding…

     From Adams Video Services

 
      First of all, once you've decided to settle on an approximate wedding date, waste NO time in searching for the videographer. The better ones are booked well into the future, so time is of the essence.

Ask lots of questions when you interview the videographer.
 
     First, ask how much experience they have?  Do they appear ethical? Do they look like someone you want to have mingling with your guests and interviewing them?  Ask to see samples from different videos.  How does camerawork, audio, editing style, and image quality look?  These are really the most important factors, above all the special effects.  Have they ever worked at your church and reception hall before? You should ask your church if video is allowed and if so, where they should be placed, and where they are not allowed.

     Secondly, like any other product you purchase… don’t shop by price alone.  Ask what’s included in the cost… read the details and understand the video “package” you’re buying.  What do you expect to receive for the price, and what are the hidden costs, if any.  (This is also true for caterers, still photographers, limo services, etc.)

 
Does your videographer have capability for multiple camera coverage?

     Digital video cameras cost between $500 and $2,000, or more… but they create a great effect during the wedding ceremony. The primary reason for a second and third camera is to pick out the angle of primary importance… the angle the primary camera perhaps couldn’t get.  For example, the front camera will get the details of the ceremony, while the back or side camera gets an alternate angle of the recessional, the processional, pulpit speakers… as well as ceremony activities.  At least two cameras are important, simply said, because one person cannot be “in two places at once.”  Also, the second camera and shooter at the reception can capture activities and reactions that the first camera may have missed.

 
Do they bring lighting for the reception, dance floor?

      Today's video cameras have impressive specs in the dark, but grainy images in dimly lit situations can still be a problem.  A sympathetic videographer should have an adjustable camera mounted light that can be used in variable lighting situations;  very bright for dimly lit large rooms, a mellow light setting for up-close taping on the dance floor or in an interview situation.   Also, ask your videographer if they have done industrial video, corporate meetings, or the like. You will find these producers to be more experienced, and they may use better equipment, as corporate events are much more involved and require excellent quality video and sound. 

 
Ask how many copies of the final product you will receive.

     Every bride deserves at least two copies of their finished product.  It's also a nice gesture to include extra copies for each set of parents.  Some videographers can charge as much as $25 for each additional DVD or VHS copy… be sure to ask how many copies are included in the cost.

 
Do they record the event in a professional digital format? 

     Let’s be honest… you do not want a videographer recording your wedding with a VHS tape.  Some videographers don't like the latest digital technology and can make excuses for avoiding its additional cost or computer software requirements.  It is the 21st century, however, and analog videotape has gone the way of the vinyl record album.  All future playback devices will be (already are) digital in nature.  Don’t think you’re saving money by accepting a less-than-high-tech wedding video producer.  The tape you end up with might not last long enough to be transferred to DVD. 

Ask about computer generated graphics and transitions? …(and not cheesy ones, either). Be sure to look at examples of their work… compare and ask questions. 

 
What other hidden costs are associated with the quoted price?

     Some brides want a package that includes a short musical picture story known as a video collage (photos of the bride and groom growing up, meeting each other, activities done together, etc.)  Usually, photos of each person are given to the videographer to copy to tape.  At Adams Video Services, we call it our Video Scrapbook, and is included in all but the most inexpensive packages.

 
How many hours does the videographer stay during your Wedding Day?

     You don't want any surprises here.  Will the video be edited "In Camera" or on a computer? You want your video to be edited in software that makes it look great.

     Don't forget to ask if they have worked in the location of your reception before.

Get References From Friends and Co-workers 

     Your best resource is people you know. Ask around at work.  Most married couples have a video.  Look at other wedding videos.  As with your quest for photographers, interview at least 3 videographers. You want someone with years experience in photography and/or videography who really knows the wedding production sequence of events.  Quiz them on their knowledge.  Listen to their philosophy, their method of conducting a special event.  Ask how they interface with the DJ, photographer, and caterer. You want a videographer who is connected to the DJ, so they know when to be ready to tape the milestones.  Visit friends or relatives and view their videos and get an idea of what you like and don’t like. As you watch the video, ask yourself the following questions:

-Do you like the effects?
-Is the lighting bright enough and does it look acceptable?
-Do the colors look bright and accurate?
-Does the audio have a good level and is it free of distortion?
-Do you like the scene transitions, or are they choppy and sudden, cutting off the audio?
-Is there anything missing that would like to see on the video?
-Is the video vibration free and the left to right panning smooth?
-Are there too many zoom in/zoom out shots? These make it look unprofessional.
-Do the titles look professional or do they look old, low tech?

Summary:   What Do I Really Want In My Wedding Video?

     Decide what and who you really want included in the video so the videographer has no doubt.  Remember to include the following in your choice of video packages:

     -Multi-Camera shoot at Ceremony only (easily $300 extra or higher).  Not every wedding videographer does this;

     - At least THREE fully studio-edited DVDs (not edited in camera). DVD is best because quality is superior, and all today’s playback technology is based on DVD;
     -Titles, transitions, and a small amount of special effects (digital);
     - Interviews of guests, wedding party, relatives (often added to higher tier packages);
     - Video Scrapbook with your choice of music.

     It’s amazing!  When you choose the right video professionals, you can finally RELAX, leave it to those you can trust… and enjoy your Special Day!     Best Wishes!