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The events of your wedding will flash by: your first kiss as
husband and wife; laughter and tears of joy; family and
friends toasting and dancing. Don't let these moments
disappear forever -- with a professional videographer, your
wedding can be preserved for you and generations to come.
Read on for our top tips on how to find the videographer
that will suit your personality, your needs, and your style.
Start With a Little Surfing…
Find a good selection of local professionals in our Local
Resources section, then browse each videographer's website
and watch wedding demos. Ideally, you should watch an entire
two-hour wedding video online using StreamingDVD -- demos
are always the cream off the top of any wedding video, so
it's important for you to see an entire wedding before you
commit.
Discover Your Style
If you aren't sure what videography style you want, take a
few minutes to research. Styles are diverse, including
traditional, video journalism, the short form, and cinematic
styles. You'll probably know the right style when you see
it... your wedding video should fit your personality like a
glove!
Look for the Associations
Professional videographer associations are a good way to
make sure that the videographer you're considering is
professional, skilled, and reliable. Look for a local
association in your area or check out a national association
such as WEVA (Wedding & Event Videographers Association).
Testimonials, References and Referrals
A videographer's website will usually have testimonials from
happy clients, but if it doesn't, feel free to call and ask
for references. They should be happy to give you a few
clients you can call for some personal feedback.
If you know any newlyweds who had a
videographer, ask who the videographer was, how the overall
experience was, and if they'd recommend that person for your
wedding. If you've already lined up your photographer, he is
sure to have a recommendation. But do beware: Referrals from
people in the industry can be commission-based, and
therefore, occasionally biased. If in doubt, ask if a
commission is involved.
Meet In Person
Once you've narrowed down your list to four or five possible
candidates, call or email to arrange a meeting in person.
Make sure you ask a few preliminary questions on the phone
-- see if they're available on your wedding date!! -- and
then set up a meeting to ask the rest of your questions.
Questions to Ask:
1. How much experience do they have? How
many weddings have they shot?
Answer: Our first of over
300 weddings was videotaped in 1984.
2. What's their style and approach in
filming a wedding, i.e., interview-style, artsy,
documentary, short form, avant-garde? Do they have a
standard shot/set-up list?
Answer: Your choice!
We've done it all but we prefer professional, discreet,
and creative coverage with unique editing.
3. What form will your final video
take? Will you get an industry-standard, chaptered DVD
with thumbnail image menus? Will you get to select
images from your movie and have photo prints created
from them? Can they deliver your entire wedding online
in StreamingDVD format so you can send friends and
family to look at it for a year after your wedding?
Answer: Your final video
will be mastered on dvd with a custom menu with
chapters. Your wedding highlights will be posted online for your family and friends to view. We are happy to provide electronic images upon request.
4. What type of equipment will they
use? Is it new and modern or old and potentially
obtrusive? Will they have backup equipment should
something go wrong? How will the tape be edited (so you
get a feel for how technologically-advanced the
videographer is)?
Answer: We use full size
DVCAM professional cameras (cameras like they use at
CNN). Your footage will be edited on Adobe Premier
Video Software and authored to DVD.
5. Who will actually be taping your
wedding -- the person you're talking to, a colleague, or
an assistant? Will an assistant be on-hand to help out,
and will that cost extra?
Answer: Our wedding teams
consist of your choice of 4 staff videographers and/or 3
longtime subcontractors. The price we quote is
your bottom line...no hidden costs, ever!
6. Do they have other weddings
scheduled that day or weekend?
Answer: Generally we
schedule only 1 wedding per day. Occasionally a
second or third wedding may be scheduled if the wedding
times are appropriate. You will always have a lead
producer for the full day.
7. What kind of lighting will they
use? If you're having a romantic evening wedding with
ambient candlelight, and they need the lights on in
order to get footage, there could be a problem.
Answer: Your choice.
We always respect your day first and lighting second.
8. Has the videographer worked with
your chosen photographer before? If so, find out if they
worked well together -- and get the story from both
sides.
Answer: We've worked with
almost everyone in Kalamazoo over the years. Our
favorites are; BZ, Yonkers, Boyce, and Gilroy to name
just a few.
9. Have they filmed at your venue
before? If so, ask to see the StreamingDVD or tape(s).
Answer: You are welcome to
view any wedding video in our archive. We love
shooting at KCC, Rose Street Market, Radisson,
Brooklodge, Yarrow, Lawton, McCamley, Fetzer, and the
many other fine banquet facilities listed at
www.kalamazoowedding.com
10. How much and how do they charge for services?
Hourly? Project-based? Get a price list -- often prices
and packages will be listed on their website, but you
may have to call for pricing in some instances.
Answer: The quote you
receive is your bottom line. All pricing is listed
on our website. We offer last-minute discounts,
seasonal specials, and custom packages too! Call
or email anytime!
The Deciding Factor
Once you've narrowed down your favorites, take personality
into account. Do your personalities mesh well? Can you see
them interviewing your Uncle Al with good taste? Does he
seem able to work well under pressure, or handle any curves
thrown his way? Once you've found your dream videographer,
be sure to get everything in writing, and that there are no
hidden fees. Once the details are taken care of, you can
look forward to years of reliving your special day by
watching your wedding video.
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