Questions To Ask A Videographer

In a previous blog post, we shared questions you should ask a wedding photographer. Today we will share questions you should ask your wedding videographer.

1. How can I view your work? Online highlight wedding videos are a great example of a videographer’s work, but don’t always tell the complete story. It is best to watch examples of how they approach all areas of the day, from the pre-ceremony through the reception.
2. What is your style? While a highly stylized or photojournalistic approach is great for select montages of your wedding day, it is likely that you also want someone that uses a documentary style as well. This allows them to capture your special moments in an artful way, without to much intrusion.
3. Do I receive rights to my edited wedding video? You should be allowed to make your own copies or the videographer should make them for a nominal fee.
4. What packages do you offer? Your wedding day and needs are unique to you. Your videographer should offer an array of packages with options for ceremony only coverage with one videographer to 10 hours with two videographers.
5. Do you work with DJs, photographers and hall managers? Professionalism and courtesy should be the backbone of a professionals business practice. Be wary of a wedding vendor who has exclusivity as a contract term.
6. What attire do you wear to a wedding? A professional videographer should be dressed in professional business attire.
7. Will I receive a personal consultation with my wedding videographer? You should always speak with the videographer filming your wedding prior to your wedding day. This allows you the opportunity to discuss your personal preferences for your wedding video.
8. What kind of lighting do you use? Your wedding day is a special day for you and shouldn’t be a myriad of Hollywood lights. Professional HD cameras allow for the use of ambient light or small camera mounted lights. Anything more may be distracting.
9. When can I expect my edited video? Make sure any videographer you are considering for your wedding video employs a staff of video editors and states in advance when you can expect your wedding video. (Mike Staff Productions guarantees you will have your wedding video within 12 weeks of your wedding.)
10. May I review your contract? Never do business with a wedding professional that does not clearly express what you can expect.
11. Will the videographer require a meal? It is standard to provide dinner for the videographer, DJ and photographer.

For answers to frequently asked questions about wedding videography, click here.

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The First Look, The Reveal, First sight. Regardless of the terminology, more couples are choosing to meet in private before the ceremony, allowing for some beautiful and intimate photographs and videography to be captured. It can be a private event for the couple or shared with close friends and family. This time is a low pressure, yet highly emotional, way to spend a few special moments as a couple before walking down the aisle. If your wedding day timeline is tight a first look session can allow you to create amazing images, without sacrificing time with your guests.

The tradition of the groom not seeing the bride before the ceremony dates back to the times of arranged marriages. There was a fear that the groom would meet the bride and be displeased, thus backing out of the agreement. Those days are long gone, but the tradition remains. Some brides and grooms carry on the tradition in favor of “the big moment” when the bride walks down the aisle. Couples who choose to do the first look session realize that there will still be a “big moment” when the guests see the bride and the emotion of meeting the groom at the end of the aisle for your ceremony will still exist.

Another advantage to the first look session is no restrictions on the placement of the photographer and videographer. Some churches limit shooting locations, making it more difficult to get images of the bride or groom’s face during the processional. A first look session can take place at the location of your choice, allowing the photographer and videographer to position themselves to get the best images of this event. Your photographer and videographer can create the environment for this special moment and then allow it to unfold naturally. This gives you the private time to exchange looks and words without interference and direction. After you have a few private moments, you can capture additional images for your wedding album and video.

Most often, the groom is positioned so that his back is to his bride. Your photographer and videographer can then capture your approach to the groom and the moment when he gets the first look. Another twist is to have the bride positioned on one side of a door way and open the doors for the reveal. Some couples opt to keep the first look at the ceremony location by positioning the groom at the end of the aisle with his back to the bride as she approaches. If you wish to involve close family or friends, they can be seated in the pews for this approach.

Regardless of which approach you take, the first time you see each other on your wedding day will be amazing!

Ready to capture your First Look? Click here to learn more about our award winning photography and HD videography services.

Video Of The Week: Scott and Kristy

The wait is over! It’s time for……. VIDEO – OF – THE – WEEK (In my game show host voice)!

This week’s video comes from Scott and Kristy who were married on July 31 at St. Corneilus with a reception to follow at Twin Lakes Golf and Swim Club.

I love the fun choice of music here. You just know there is a great party to follow.

Did you catch those groomsmen getting down?!? Talk about a fun night!

Click here to capture all those priceless moments with wedding videography from Mike Staff Productions.