Meeting with
videographers? Find out who's
right for your wedding, budget,
and style. Here's what to ask.
A video account
of your wedding tells a unique story
-- and you're going to want the
style and technique to be in keeping
with your tastes. Here are the key
questions to ask when hiring your
videographer:
What's
the videographer's style --
cinematic, documentary, or a mix of
both? (Then ask yourself: Does this
jibe with what you're going for?)
Has
the videographer done many weddings
before? What's his or her
story-telling approach when it comes
to taping a wedding? (This clues you
in to experience and philosophy.)
Ask to view samples of his/her
recent work.
Has
the videographer won any awards? Is
he/she a member of any national and
local videography associations?
How
does he or she coordinate with a
wedding photographer? Has the
videographer worked with your
photographer before?
Has
he/she ever shot a wedding at your
ceremony and/or reception site? If
so, can you see the tape?
How
many other weddings is the
videographer doing on your wedding
day or weekend? (Make sure there are
no time constraints.)
Will
the videographer you're speaking to
be the one who will be shooting your
wedding? If not, make sure you speak
to whoever will actually shoot.
What
types of cameras, tapes, and
microphones will the videographer
use? How new is the equipment? Ask
him/her to explain how certain
effects are achieved and to outline
the benefit of using certain
technologies. You may not catch all
the techno-speak, but it helps to
have a sense of what's what.
Ask
about editing equipment. Request an
explanation of the technological
process.
How
bright a light do they use? (If
shooting requires the room lights to
be on all evening, much of the
romance and ambiance of your event
may be lost.)
Will
a backup camera be on hand for the
event?
How
does the videographer charge for
services? Are there packages?
Request a price list.
What's
the videographer's style --
cinematic, documentary, or a mix of
both? (Then ask yourself: Does this
jibe with what you're going for?)Has
the videographer done many weddings
before? What's his or her
story-telling approach when it comes
to taping a wedding? (This clues you
in to experience and philosophy.)
Ask to view samples of his/her
recent work.Has
the videographer won any awards? Is
he/she a member of any national and
local videography associations?How
does he or she coordinate with a
wedding photographer? Has the
videographer worked with your
photographer before?Has
he/she ever shot a wedding at your
ceremony and/or reception site? If
so, can you see the tape?How
many other weddings is the
videographer doing on your wedding
day or weekend? (Make sure there are
no time constraints.)Will
the videographer you're speaking to
be the one who will be shooting your
wedding? If not, make sure you speak
to whoever will actually shoot.What
types of cameras, tapes, and
microphones will the videographer
use? How new is the equipment? Ask
him/her to explain how certain
effects are achieved and to outline
the benefit of using certain
technologies. You may not catch all
the techno-speak, but it helps to
have a sense of what's what.Ask
about editing equipment. Request an
explanation of the technological
process.How
bright a light do they use? (If
shooting requires the room lights to
be on all evening, much of the
romance and ambiance of your event
may be lost.)Will
a backup camera be on hand for the
event?How
does the videographer charge for
services? Are there packages?
Request a price list.