Every wedding publication published at least one article about how to pick the right videographer. Online media and individual studio websites have variety of questions and tips posted and the answers the bride should be looking for. So why, would you ask, I wrote this post? Isn’t the experience, the camera, the editing equipment and length of the video pretty much cover all the basis? In my opinion – none of these really matter.
Even if the couple receives the right answers to all of these “standard” questions, it does not mean that they would get the movie they desire. The average person has no knowledge about video equipment or the editing technics, and she/he does not have to. Bride’s job is to have a beautiful wedding and receive a “WOW” film to remember it, not to overwhelm herself with the details of videographer’s job. The length of film has no impact on how good it is. It depends on the footage, the dynamic of the wedding, interesting moments, and the filmmaker’s artistic and creative judgment. Very often it is better to have 45 minutes of interesting and captivating film, than two boring hours of watching and waiting for it to end.
While asking questions is important to make a choice, watching the movie trailers and the samples of the full wedding is critical. The work has to speak for itself. Make sure you ask to view more than one sample. If you see three weddings and all of them look the same you are dealing with the “factory” not personal work that will capture the emotions of your special day. While samples may share the same style you have to feel the differences.
Ask who will shoot and edit the wedding. If you have a specific professional in mind make it know to the studio owner. If possible deal with the studio that is specializing in videography only and takes limited number of jobs. It lets the videographer to give you more personal attention, and spend as much time as needed to get your job to perfection.
Pay attention to the questions the filmmaker is asking you. Is he/she trying to get to know you, to understand your style and your vision? Good videographer has a strategy how to approach the wedding before he/she even starts to shoot.
You should be comfortable with your videographer. It may sound like a cliche, but there should be a chemistry between you and a person behind the camera.
Different studios use various terms to describe how much time they spend to edit. Usually they call packages from basic to advanced with the number of hours the editor spends to complete a video. Ask the videographer to show you the samples from each editing option. The number of hours does not tell the story. May be basic editing will satisfy your wishes.
Make sure you review the contract, including all of the disclaimers. Ask all the questions before you sign it. It is better to address all of the concerns from the start.
Choosing the videographer comes down to a very simple thing, after watching his work and talking to him you either “click” or “don’t click”. Trust you instincts and decision will be obvious.
