Detroit Area Wedding Guide
Choosing a Wedding Videographer
Choose a Videographer
Videography is really quite different than photography at a wedding because it actually involves the realistic filming of the wedding rather than still shots. It also includes sound with a music mix. As computers, video cameras and specialized software become more sophisticated, the videography industry becomes more popular.
Like your wedding photographs, the videography is an investment in your life. It is your precious moments shared with all the people you cherish and it is a work of art that is to last a lifetime. It is for this specific reason alone that you should spend more time and effort on hiring a videographer than choosing a florist, baker or caterer. If the flowers are not "just perfect" or if the caterer forgot the pickles, it will not detract from your special day. In fact, most minor things that go wrong at a wedding are not even noticed by the guests. The bride and groom are the only ones to know because they ordered the service or they perceived something different than what was actually received.
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But in the case of the videographer, anything that goes wrong will be an issue, an issue that lasts a lifetime. So invest your time wisely and find the best videographer possible, not the cheapest because in this instance you will most likely receive "what you paid for".
For some couples, filming the wedding may not be as important as the photography. In fact, they may be happy to have a video camera buff in the family who would film certain sequences in the service and reception so that the couple has some added footage to the photographs. The video may just be an enhancement, an add-on. And there is nothing wrong with that philosophy at all.
But if you intend to hire a professional videographer then choose a professional and not an amateur who may charge less in order to make some extra money. While computers and software compliment a professional's natural talent, they also make it possible for anybody to say he or she is a videographer. And while they may think they are, their work is probably not what you desire.
Surveys conducted by WEVA (Wedding & Event Videographers Association International) indicate that prior to the actual wedding day and while in the planning process, brides did not feel that videography was that important. They either did not want the wedding filmed or they did not rate it as a high priority. After the wedding, when the bride had the opportunity to reflect on all the events of that day, the number rises dramatically. More brides wished they had paid better attention to choosing the right person and subsequently felt that their planning should have made the choice of videographer a higher priority on their wedding to-do list.
Benefits of Videography
Video becomes a family heirloom which can be passed on through the generations.
Because it includes sight and sound, it is a carbon copy of the day's events.
A keepsake to see people you do not see very often and also those precious family members who have passed away.
The bride and groom are usually so preoccupied at the wedding, that they do not see much. The video allows the bride and groom to go back to the wedding day to see everything they missed.
If the wedding is out of town or is a destination wedding, the video lets the absent family members enjoy the day as well when the couple returns home
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Once you have decided to videotape your wedding, here are some points that you should consider when interviewing prospective videographers.
Look at different videographers' work. Sometimes they post videos on their websites for viewing so use the internet as well as making visits to their studio.
Most brides attend wedding shows and fairs. Make sure you stop by the booths of videographers so that you can talk to each one and see their work.
While reviewing different works, decide upon the style that you prefer. Look at the workmanship and decide what is better for you.
Like other wedding vendors, you must be able to get along with the videographer. Remember that he or she will be working with you in very close quarters. He or she will be at the house as you and your bridesmaids get dressed, he or she will be with you at the ceremony and basically he or she will be your shadow for the day. You need to work with someone to whom you can relate.
Ask for references and whether you can call to talk to a least one of them.
While most people are watching the preview video, they neglect to think about the audio. Make sure the quality of the audio is good on the tapes you preview.
Talk to the videographer about any specialty services that can be added to the video.
What do they film? How many hours will they stay?
How many copies do you receive when everything is done and ready?
DO NOT base your decision on price alone. Prices will be varied and it is important that when you compare the videographers to one another that you are comparing apples to apples and not apples to oranges.
Ask about length of experience and whether he or she has ever filmed weddings. Make sure the samples you preview are of weddings so that you can see the level of experience first hand.
Always request a contract in writing and read the fine print. Avoid surprises where possible. The contract should also include terms such as:
the time, date and locations
the events which should be videoed
how long the final video will be
how long the videographer stays during the day
whether there are any special effects requested
whether music is to be added
the total price, deposit required and balance due date
what exactly happens if the videographer does not show up for the wedding and/or what happens if the video is ruined or of poor quality
Based on what previous brides have indicated, videography is an important decision in the wedding planning process. Create a lifetime of memories by being prepared and doing your research before choosing the final videographer.
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