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First
and Foremost:
Hire a Videographer whose work you have seen,
the best way to do this is to directly hire the Videographer. If you hire
through a company, be sure you view the demo tape of the videographer that
will shoot your affair. If they can not guarantee you which videographer
will be available for you, go to another company. You must see the actual
camera and editing work of the person you are employing. Always check with
friends about people they have used and are happy with. This goes for all
areas of the Wedding. Do not rely totally on recommendations provided by
the Videographer, of course, they will only give you the names of people
whose events came out perfect.
What's with all the bright
lights?
Know what the lighting needs of the Videographer
are!
If their equipment needs lots of light, be sure this is what you
want. Today's equipment needs much less light, however if the reception or
chapel is dark the videographer must use some light to get a quality
picture. The question is how much! Is a 30 watt light on the camera
enough, or 3000 watt lights on poles all around the room. Some people like
the room to look like a TV Studio, The "Grand Effect" it is part of the
show, others want the videographer to be almost unseen. It is
your event, make it what you want. If you want lots of
lights...go for it... if you want low lighting, get it. You, not the
videographer, should decide.
Can I have a friend Videotape
the wedding for me?
If you can afford to have it videotaped
by a professional, then definitely do so. If however you can't then I
would say even a poorly taped affair is better then none, just make sure
the person videotaping the event has a tripod. During the wedding be sure
the camera is near a speaker in the church/hall/etc. or close to the
wedding couple. If they set-up back with the guests you can easily pick up
the kids playing/crying, all the coughing etc. During the reception again,
with the tripod, and be sure the back of the cameraperson is toward the
windows of the room. If you shoot toward the windows the video picture
will be dark. Again however I would only have a friend video the wedding
as a last resort. Just like having a neighbors kid play CD's at the
reception rather then a DJ or band, better then nothing but not
recommended.
Why does it cost so
much?
Everything to do with a wedding has the prices
marked up, the food, limo's, band, DJ's, flowers. Is it fair, of course
not, that's why you have to shop around. Don't be afraid to ask the
Videographer how the price can be lowered. You may not need everything
included with the package, if the wedding and reception are in the same
place or nearby, you may be able to get a lower price, if you don't need
baby pictures or a recap, that should lower the price. Remember if you
hire a professional and just get the tape the end of the evening it will
cost you a lot less. (editing a 2 hour wedding tape can take 5 to 15
hours) and you will have all the benefits of the videographer (wireless
mikes, professional camera, etc.) Be sure to make copies of the tape as
soon as you can, or pay the videographer for a few copies, it is money
well spent. Most videographers call this their 'basic' package.
Do I have to feed the Videographer?
Some
reception halls insist you feed the band / photographer / videographer, in
that case you do, but no, you don't have to.
Talk to
the videographer or band etc. before hand. Save your money. If you are not
going to feed them, however, do let them know. If the
videographer will be spending the day with you 5+ hours, then they will
need an hour off to eat. I would definitely tell you that if you are not
feeding them, let them know. I have seen videographers, photographers and
even the band get up and take an hours break to eat if they are not fed.
This usually results in the wedding party agreeing to feed them. Talk it
over with everyone in advance. Many reception halls have a special rate
for a basic meal for the band/videographer. Check with them.
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