 All of the mentioned worksheets can be found in the Videography section of our printable wedding guide.
Click Here to download
Choosing the right videographer for your wedding is an important decision. The video is one of the few memories along with your pictures that you will have after your wedding. When choosing a video professional, ask to see examples of his or her work. Examine the approach and style of the videographer as well as the sound quality and picture clarity. Ask the following questions: What video format will be used? Does the artist provide lighting, or does he rely on available light? What are the charges for extra time or extra tape? Will the videographer have available back-up equipment in the event difficulties are encountered? Can a photographic /videographic collage be provided? Is a choice of background music, where appropriate, available? Are title screens provided? How many cameras will be covering the events? Has the videographer had experience in conducting interviews? And so on
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Comfort Level: This is the most important aspect of choosing a videographer. You should be completely comfortable with them. If you don't have a good relationship with your videographer it will definitely show in the video.
Style: When looking at video you need to remember that it is an art form. Just like any other artist each videographer has their own style. Do you like the style you see? The style you see in their preview should be exactly the style you want for your wedding video. Will you be shown a Demo or an actual wedding? Demos are often not true representations of an actual wedding. Ask to see a wedding in its entirety. This way you will see what you are going to get.
Flexibility: How flexible will your videographer be? Are they open to your ideas? Are they open to new ideas? Or are they set in their ways. Are they willing to entertain creative and new concepts? This craft is always reinventing itself.
Production: How will your video be produced? Does the Videography company have separate editors from the camerapersons? Or will the same person handle the entire production. More often, when the same person shoots and produces your video. It more accurately reflects the personality and atmosphere of you wedding day.
Two Camera Coverage: Aside from the obvious advantages of having the 2nd camera. The most important is your peace of mind. Although all professional should have back up equipment, by the time any professional realizes they need to use it, something has been missed. With 2 camera coverage it's highly unlikely to happen.
How many events per year? Generally there are two schools of thought. High Volume, kind of like a fast food chain. Or Lower volume, more customized and individual attention, more like a fine restaurant. There is a need for both types of Videography companies. You must decide how important your wedding video is to you. Price will obviously be higher for the more individualized videographer. But as always you will get what you pay for.
How long has the company been in business? Any one time event, no matter how well planned, will have unexpected changes. Only a seasoned videographer can comfortably and smoothly adapt to the constant changes of a live event such as a wedding.
Organizations: When your videographer belongs to professional associations it provides great benefits to you. First, it means they take their craft very seriously and are intent on improving their business as well as their talents. Second, it allows the videographer to network with other professionals, seeing different ideas and concepts, and meeting colleges who can provide back up in case of an unforeseen emergency.
Equipment: Cameras producing the best images right now are 3 Chip Digital cameras. They need very little and sometimes no light at all. Some are very small and unobtrusive. In the Videography world today, bigger is not always better. The smaller professional cameras give a wonderful image and they allow your videographer to be almost as unobtrusive and a fly on the wall. The days of the big cameras with the bright lights are over.
Insurance: Your Videographer should have liability insurance, to protect you from liability in case of accidents. Many locations do require proof of insurance from your wedding professionals
Black & White: Get them to commit it on writing. Include in the contract, exactly how many cameras they would bring, what are the costs that would be covered, when is the delivery date, important shots that should be covered and videographer that would be doing the job - you wouldn't want the company to send a different videographer from the one you chose.
Use our Videographers Interview Sheet as a guide for questions to ask your potential videographer and then refer to our Videographer Comparison Worksheet to keep track of your interviews with different videographers.
All of the mentioned worksheets can be found in the Videoography section of our printable wedding guide.
Click Here to download
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