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Tips on Video Coverage and Hiring the Right Videographer for You
By Lydia Boykin
Whether you planned a large wedding or a small intimate wedding, you will want to remember this day for the rest of your life. Your wedding day will be one of life's most treasured moments and you will want to remember and reminisce it often. You know that photographs will not have captured all the emotions and joy you will experience on your wedding day, so you have decided that video is the way to go. There's just one problem. You don't have a clue as to how to select a professional videographer, let alone to be able to determine if he or she is using the right equipment or techniques to produce a keepsake that you will be delighted to show to both friends and family for years to come.
Let's face it; no two videographers are alike in skills or techniques. Do you really think that any videographer would be willing to claim to be less than the best? How can you be sure that video coverage of your wedding is going to be the absolute best that it can be. Unless you have firsthand knowledge of your videographer or have already seen some of his or hers work, it's going to be up to you to communicate effectively by asking the right questions and obtaining the pertinent information so that you come away from your consultation with enough information to make the right decision for your choice of a wedding videographer. It's a good idea to take some notes beforehand if you have any special requests or have any special needs. Make a list of questions on items that are of concern to you about video coverage of your wedding and wedding day.
There's lots of information out there for you to consider when selecting a professional videographer for your wedding, and quite frankly most of it is overwhelming if not downright confusing. Bottom line, you want to know how to identify and hire a videographer that's easy to work with, flexible and if budget is a concern, flexible who can produce a remarkable video of your wedding day. You want a finished product with clear, crisp images with smooth transitions and clear and audible audio. Here are some easy and clear tips and questions to consider before you decide on a videographer for your wedding:
* Ask to see samples or demos of the videographer's work. Don't just settle for the demo version, but ask to view a full length version of the finished product. If you like what you see (and hear); camera angles, scene composition, music, transitions, and etc., view the video again and this time, pay close attention to things you may have missed the first time. Is the video smooth (not shaky)?. Are the colors crisp and vivid? How much video has been devoted to the ceremony, the reception, before the reception, guests, and any photo shoots. Play close attention to all the camera angles, lighting (or lack thereof) and locations during the ceremony and reception. If you have time, you will probably want to view at least one more sample of the videographer's work. What you are looking here for is consistency. Also note, if the videographer has captured all of the special moments like the mother's entrance, entrance of the bridal party(bridesmaids and groom) the lighting of the unity candle, exchange of vows, the kiss, first dance at reception, etc. etc. Also, note the final output form of the video. You should insist on at least one DVD even if you still want VHS tapes. Over time, tapes will deteriorate in quality, but the quality of video on DVDs will remain constant for generations to come.
* After you've seen the videographer's work and you are happy with it, ask him or her if they would be willing to do a short video clip of you before the wedding. This could be a mini "how we met" video or "love story" video and ask if the video can be viewed in one to three weeks. You should plan on the clip duration being no longer than 4 – 5 min. Be prepared, if the videographer is willing to do this, there will probably be a fee associated with this request, but it's a small price to pay if you still are not sure about the videographer's work or you really need a sample of his work with you in footage. This accomplishes two things. You get an idea of how flexible the videographer is and how willing the videographer is to ensure that you are happy. This will give you a final opportunity to evaluate his or hers' work and give you the opportunity to observe your videographer in action and if the videographer can meet deadlines timely. On the video shoot, your videographer should work smoothly and be familiar with the equipment. If you detect clumsy, awkward and indecisive techniques here, there's a good chance, this is what you can expect on your wedding day. An experienced professional videographer should be able to move almost unnoticed among your guests at your ceremony and reception. You want your guests to remember you and your wedding, not your videographer. Even if you are out of a few bucks, better to be sure now, while you still have time to interview other videographers than get stuck with disastrous results on your wedding day.
* The last, but certainly not the least thing you want to consider is price. If the videographer's prices are too good to believe, they probably are. Remember, when your videographer finishes up for your wedding day, there's another 10 – 20 hours more (depending on coverage) that your videographer is going to dedicate to producing the final product.
* Once you've come to an agreement, get it in writing - exactly how many cameras they will bring; what are the costs that would be covered; when is the delivery date; important shots that should be covered and who the actual videographer is that will be covering your wedding day. You don't want the company to send a different videographer from the one you have met with and chosen.
Some videographers will try to attempt to impress you about the type of equipment they are using. Of course good equipment is essential, but it takes skill, creativity and talent to produce a remarkable video,. Remember, your videographer is capturing a moment in your life that you will want to remember for years and years to come. Memories fade. Photos tear and yellow. Videos do not. Choose a videographer that can and will make your video as unique and special as you are.
About the Author
Lydia is a videographer in the Atlanta, GA area specializing in wedding videography. She has also been the primary videographer on several overseas missions.
http://www.mediamemoriesofatlanta.com
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/19857.html
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