Weddings - FAQ

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A professional videographer should ask you questions to better understand what you're looking for. They should be flexible enough to offer you what you want. You should ask your potential videographer some questions as well to better understand what is being offered.

Questions you should ask us	Questions we should ask you

How Long Have You been in Business? A more experienced videographer should do a better job for you. Using an established business means that they are in business for the long-term and probably won't shut down next week.	When is Your Wedding Date? This is the obvious first question. If the videographer is already booked, ask for a personal recommendation. A good videographer should network with other videographers which can save time in your search.

Are You the One Who Will Be Videotaping My Wedding? Make sure you speak to the person who will actually videotape your wedding. Many larger studios use free-lancers, and it is important to speak with the actual videographer ahead of time to make sure you get everything you want and to make sure you are comfortable with the videographer.	What Is the Time and Location of Your Ceremony and Reception? The videographer may have worked at your locations and can offer tips. The videographer needs to know the hours of coverage you are looking for because the price will vary based on how long the videographer(s) will be at your wedding.

How Many Cameras Do You Use? If you are having "two cameras", then find out if that means a second videographer or just a camera on a tripod. Having a second videographer is more expensive than just a camera on a tripod (usually kept on wide angle). A second videographer can be well worth the extra cost due to the extra coverage you will get. Be sure to discuss camera placement and any videotaping restrictions ahead of time with your videographer.	What Have You Seen That You Liked? Since no two brides are the same, no two weddings are the same. Some videographers have pre-determined packages to choose from. Other videographers will draw-up a custom package based on the coverage you are looking for.

What Kind of Lighting Do You Use Some videographers use lights on their cameras, others do not. Some videographers will use a stand-alone soft-box light that gives off soft, even lighting. Ambient lighting at the reception hall will also help the photographer's pictures turn out better and the flash or video light won't seem quite so harsh.	What Have You Not Liked? Some brides want getting ready preparations, others don't. Some brides like interviews, some don't. Some brides like black & white and slow-motion, some don't, etc. A videographer needs to be very receptive to what you want. Equally important is what the bride doesn't like.

How Many and What Kind of Microphones Do You Use? Audio quality is just as important as video quality. At the ceremony, have the groom wear a wireless microphone and have another one on the podium for any readers or singers. At the reception, make sure everyone who is giving a toast or blessing is using a microphone; this includes the person who is introducing the bridal party. Be sure to discuss audio placement ahead of time with your videographer.	Have You Talked to Other Videographers? This helps determine how much information the bride may know about video. Some brides may need more "education" about video than others. If a bride tells me that I am the first videographer she has called, then I will spend more time explaining the differences in video equipment and editing, and different shooting styles. If a bride tells me she has already talked with six videographers, then I will quickly move to what I do and how I differ from other videographers.

How Do you Edit the Wedding Video? The latest and newest technology is non-linear editing (on a computer). Ask how many hours your videographer spends on editing since it will make a difference in the final price. It is not unusual for videographers to spend between 30-40 plus hours on the computer editing a wedding. Expect a price difference (and quality difference) between those who edit non-linear and those who don't.	Who Are the Other Vendors? The bride may feel more comfortable if the videographer can say, "Yes, I have worked with these vendors." Knowing the other vendors will also help the videographer determine what "style" of wedding the bride is having. If you don't have all of your vendors, ask the videographer for some recommendations.

Can I Have My Wedding on DVD? DVD is the latest trend in videography. DVD is a much better quality picture than VHS tape because there is no loss of quality when going from a digital master tape to DVD. Some videographers can customize their DVDs with multiple chapter stops/scene selection and a customized case with your wedding picture on it.. Your wedding video can last for generations without any deterioration when archived to DVD.	Has Your Budget Been Determined for Video? If the bride hasn't already mentioned her budget, the videographer should ask. This helps determine if the bride's budget and the videographer's pricing are within the same ballpark. There are videographers in all price ranges. The varying factors can be artistic ability, equipment, hours in editing, hours of coverage,etc. Since your videographer will be creating a family heirloom for generations to come, our advice is to hire the best videographer you can afford.

How Can I See Samples of Your Work? Be sure you are seeing samples of the actual videographer who will be videotaping your wedding. This is especially important when dealing with larger studios that may have several crews that they send out on the weekend. Some videographers will send out demo tapes and others will ask you to schedule an appointment to visit them, others have video clips (called streaming video) on their website where you can view their work while you are on the internet. If possible, try to meet with the videographer before you sign the contract.	Are you looking for something over and above what has been discussed? Asking you this question prevents any surprises for both of us during the event. Any extras will be written down on the contract.

What Other Services or Special Effects Do You Offer? Some examples are childhood/dating photo montage, wedding/honeymoon photo montage, bridal preparations, love story video (the two of you describing how you met, etc.), short-form video, highlight video, recap video, concept video, rehearsal coverage, big screen presentation, etc. This is also a good time to ask the videographer if they use special effects such as black & white, sepia-toned, slow-motion, animation, etc.

What About the Contract? When you decide to hire the videographer, ask to see a copy of the contract. Ask how much of a deposit is required and when the remaining balance is due. Make sure everything you want in your wedding video is spelled out. As it gets closer to your wedding day, the videographer should request a "planning meeting" either over the phone or in person. Ask your videographer if they will attend your rehearsal - some videographers attend, some do not. It should also state when you will get your finished video.

What Will You Charge to Videotape my Wedding Based on the Coverage I am Looking For? If you are on a budget, let the videographer know that up front. If your budget is flexible, wait to ask about pricing until you have explained to the videographer what you are looking for and after the videographer has talked about skill, equipment and service.