Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Hiring a Wedding Videographer

Getting married? Go everything prepared? Let's see, you've got the cake...check, you've got the DJ...check, you've got the photographer...check. What else is there? You forgot the videographer didn't you? Come on, it's alright, it happens all the time. Well, if you're going to have a day worth remembering why not have a professional video of it. An event as special as a wedding is worth having on video. My wife and I watch ours regularly and it brings back all the fond memories of our wedding day. So what should you look for in a wedding videographer. Three things (isn't it always three things?)

1. Samples: Be sure to see the videographers work before making a decision. Make sure you see a full length version of their work as well. Anyone can make a 30 highlight reel look good. Find out if they have skill in menu design and how many cameras they use. Samples should be on any good videographers website but don't be bashful in asking for a DVD to be mailed to you.

2. Quality: This is a bit of a red herring but make sure your videographer knows quality. Do they shoot with good equipment? Do they use wireless microphones? Do they use multiple angles? Do they use tripods, dollies, or booms? With regard to multiple angles a bit of advice. Many videographers will charge less for one camera shoots. Is it worth it? Consider watching a baseball game where they never switched camera angles. Instead the camera just panned around with the action, zooming in and out. That would be a dull game to watch. A quality minded videographer knows that there are many moments taking place during a wedding that can't be given attention with just one camera angle.

3. Creativity:There are many ways to shoot a wedding. With that in mind, there are many ways not to shoot a wedding. Look for a videographer who has a creative eye. Someone who gets shots that are interesting to look at and doesn't just place their cameras on tripods and walk away. There is an art to event video and someone with experience knows how to creatively capture it.

A wedding video is an investment but one that can be well worth it if you choose the right videographer. Imagine 20 years from now being able to remember your wedding day just like it was yesterday. A great wedding video makes this possible.

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