Wedding Video Tips: Choosing a Wedding Videographer

Wedding Videographers Lead by Example

Without a doubt the way to make sure your hiring the best wedding videographer for your wedding is by looking at examples of their work. Listen to what they have to offer but the proof is in the videos. Some of the easiest ways to watch some of the work of various wedding videographers is through online "demo videos" on the internet. These days most wedding videographers not only have their own web sites but sample videos that show off some of their work.

You can find these wedding videographers online through search engines such as Google. Try typing in words that best pertain to what you are looking for (ie. "wedding videographer", "orange county"). Try putting phrases in quotes to ensure the most accurate results.

Another method is by going to popular online wedding directories such as www.wedj.com  WedPlan.net or www.partypop.com. These directories work like the yellow pages of the internet and will often list wedding videographers by area. Another option is to talk to friends and family and ask them if they were happy with their videographer. If so ask if you can watch their wedding video to see if the videographer is up to par with your standards. A third place to look is at wedding related retail stores or even ask your local church who they recommend but again make sure you see some examples of the videographers work before you make your final decision.

Wedding Videographer Versatility

Another thing to keep in mind is that some of the best wedding videographers are capable of recording your wedding in any particular style you choose. Ask yourself do you see your wedding as a princess fairytale, a Hollywood movie with an incredible love story, an unforgettable evening that’s both classy and timeless, or simply want them to cover the day as is without the influence of any particular style. Let your wedding videographer know ahead of time because it’s up to you and if you aren't sure talk to your videographer. They should have no problem helping you come to a decision through both discussions with you and understanding any possible limitations of the wedding location have picked out.

Questions to Ask Your Wedding Videographer

Does the kind of equipment the wedding videographer use matter and if so what should I generally ask for?

While some wedding videographers work with substandard video equipment some of the best wedding videographers insist on using professional gear. While its not necessary that you technically understand what each piece of equipment does it is important to check if they are using gear that is reliable and of high quality. As a general guideline ask them if they are using the following:

1) "Will you be using 3-Chip Digital Video Cameras?"

Also known as 3 CCD video cameras. Make sure they are both digital and are 3-Chip.

2) "Do you use Wireless Lavaliere Microphones?"

These are tiny microphones that are often hidden away from view on the groom in order to insure crisp and clear sound. This allows every precious word to be captured. It's important that your wedding videographer not only has them but that they are good quality. Low quality wireless microphones are prone to interference and you risk the possibility of missing some if not all of the sounds of your ceremony. Generally speaking you normally can not find a good, reliable wireless microphone system for less than $500. It's important so you may want to go as far as ask them what the make and model number of the their wireless system is and check for the price online.

3) "Do you have lighting to mount to your camera or on stands around the room?"

While modern video cameras often times don't require extra lighting in order to simply get a picture, choosing a wedding videographer with lighting will insure not only that nothing will be lost in shadows but in the hands of a professional the lighting can be used creatively to capture your wedding in the most beautiful light. It's important to note however that extra lighting can be seen as somewhat distracting to some guest while at the same time some rooms are so dark that if no extra lighting is used the resulting video will either be too dark, grainy or perhaps even indistinguishable at all. In these tricky situations sometimes a decision has to be made between giving a higher importance to either the mood your trying to create on your wedding day both for your guest and the location vs. the quality of the wedding video that will live on forever.

4) "Will you be bringing a EXTRA video camera, microphone and light in case they were to stop working during my wedding?"

Your special day, and all of the moments that make it up, happen only once. It's important to choose a videographer that is ready for any challenge. Choose a professional that can answer yes in all cases otherwise you run the risk of missing and capturing some if not all of your wedding.

5) "Do you offer any special gear such as a camera stabilizer?"

Also know as a "steadycam" or "glide-cam", stabilizers are a extra piece of equipment that attaches to the video camera allowing the videographer to freely move around with the camera yet capture video that is not shaky but perfectly smooth. Rather than always watching what could be a boring shot that does not move because it was taken from a tripod (perhaps even hand held), video shot with a stabilizer will often be more entertaining to watch because it is ever changing as the videographer is able to smoothly moves through the room to capture each and everyone. If this sounds interesting to you make sure to ask your videographer if they offer it and perhaps request to see some sample weddings shot with a camera stabilizer.

Pricing Wedding Videographers

How much should a wedding videographer cost and why?

This is a difficult question to answer because every wedding videographer is different both in experience, style, ability, equipment and what they choose to offer. With that said, generally prices range from just under a thousand dollars to over three thousand. Of course you can still find a few videographers willing to do it for less and, if your budget allows it, some of the top pros offer their incredible services for much more.

With all of the different expenses of a wedding, money can be tight when it comes time to choose a videographer but it's important that you allow enough room in your budget to get a quality videographer. Some people come to the realization that long after their wedding day is over you won't really care about how cute your napkins were or how fancy the food was. Instead one of the few things that will remain will be your wedding video and, if done right, it will be the best record of your happiest day with everyone and something to show to friends and family both here now and though sure to come in the future. With that understanding make sure you put a respectable portion of your budget towards things that will become keepsakes and not trivial items that soon evaporate after your wedding day.

Another way to understand why wedding videos cost as much as they sometimes can it's important to realize just how much time, money and effort goes into making your wedding video. First of all thousands upon thousands of dollars are invested in both camera gear and special computers that are well beyond the quality of video cameras you may own or see every day. This gear is often times fairly heavy and the "one shot/one chance" nature of shooting a wedding can be stressful and tiring job.

Putting it All Together

Editing and packaging your special day is the final phase of the wedding videographer. After a full days work the wedding videographer sits down and the real work begins. In general, your wedding video is going to take anywhere from 40 to 80 hours to edit on a computer, with a few exceptions being longer or shorter (assuming everything runs smoothly). But before the editing and even the video taping can begin your wedding videographer will likely have already had a dozen phone calls and even a few in person meetings with you in order to show you their work and determine exactly what you are looking for. When its all done they will finish the job by designing and creating custom DVD's and DVD covers that will be unique to you. So don't compromise when it comes to choosing the best wedding videographer

If somehow you can find the money, do it! It will be one of the best investments you will make and one that is sure to bring many people joy for years to come.

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