Here are the top 5 questions you should ask a videographer before hiring them:
1. When will my video be returned?
We have heard horror stories of brides never receiving their video or the video came 6 months late. A video company that cannot tell you when the video will be delivered is probably running a video mill. That means they are recording so many videos that they don’t have the time or manpower to do the edit. The bride is caught in the crossfire. Make sure you have in your contract when the video will be returned. A professional company should have your video returned within 6 weeks.
2. How long will my video be?
Many brides are quite surprised when they receive their video and it is 20 minutes long even though the videographer was there the entire time of the wedding. Many video companies do highlight videos without telling the bride that is how they operate. Our company does not do highlight videos. You must ask. Most videographers will edit the end product an hour to an hour and forty five minutes long.
3. What type of equipment do you use?
The quality of your video will depend upon the quality of equipment. Commercial grade equipment or pro-consumer grade equipment are the best. You should also find out what type of lighting is available and the type of audio equipment they use. A professional videographer will have an on-board lighting system as well as a lighting kit. They will have lapel and hand held mics. Editing software should also be professional grade.
4. Should I shoot in SD or HD?
Shooting in standard definition for weddings is a lot better in low light situations if you have a professional grade camera. High Definition cameras do not do well in low light even though they have improved considerably over the years. If you want an HD production, you must weigh that out. Our recommendation would be to make sure that you have adequate light in the venue as well as the light the videographer can provide. If the videographer asks you to adjust the light, do comply.
5. How do you co-ordinate with the photographer?
A good wedding videographer will co-ordinate with the photographer to reduce the chances of getting in each others shot. Though it is not totally unavoidable, co-ordinating before the wedding often produces better results. If the photographer and the videographer do not get along well it will cause problems with the production. So make sure to ask, how do you handle working with the photographer. If they cannot give you a solid answer find another professional videographer because that element is very important.
If you are in need of a professional wedding videographer, please contact us.
