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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Unique Wedding Photo Ideas

Every bride wants her wedding photos to be unique, but it doesn’t happen by accident. As you plan for your wedding day, give some consideration to how those decisions will impact your wedding photography plan.

Choosing a non-traditional wedding reception venue, such as a museum, art gallery or zoo, can immediately set your wedding photos apart. How many wedding images do you see with an airplane?

Props to the photo props! Adding a few props to your wedding photos brings a unique element to your pictures.

Have fun. If you are a fun-loving couple, there is no reason to turn your wedding day into a somber event. If you have a great idea for your wedding day photos and activities, share it with your photographer.

Dress the room. Adding additional elements to your room design, such as fabric, up lighting and accent lighting, can help your wedding reception venue take on the feel you are looking for.

Personalize your images. Adding your names to the sand, spelling out your initials with flower petals and other ways of working in your details make the picture “yours”.

Add a ShutterBooth to your wedding reception. Your guests will have a great time and you will get images that will leave you laughing.

Take a few quiet moments to spend with each other. Not only will you be glad you did, but it makes for a great, intimate photo.

Plan an activity for the groomsmen prior to the ceremony. Not only will they appreciate the stress reliever, but it they’ll get fun pictures too! Just remember use sun screen and wait until after the wedding to share a toast.

Look for unique photo opportunities. The steam escaping during the winter can be a dramatic effect to your wedding photos.

Use nature as your backdrop. A great sunset can add visual interest to your wedding pictures. If you are interested in a few sunset images, let your photographer know. He or she can watch for the moment when the lighting is perfect; while you enjoy mingling with your guests.

To learn more about our unique approach to wedding photography, click here.

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Wedding Planning For A Happy Marriage

Wedding planning can be great fun. Cake sampling, food tasting and flower selection appointments are exciting times. Looking at wedding photos, watching videos and practicing your first dance allow you to dream about your wedding day. But amidst all the happy times, will be discussions about budgets, family member opinions and disagreements about details.

Wedding planning may be the first large scale project that you and your fiance tackle together. As you plan your wedding, you are also beginning the process of building your marriage. This involves your interactions as a couple and with your soon-to-be blended families. Practice the following tips to avoid hurt feelings and misunderstandings that can build long lasting resentment and strain in your relationships.

For the bride and groom:

1. Decide how much control you want to maintain over wedding planning and what tasks you are willing to delegate to family members. If you want to handle all the details yourself, let your family know your intentions. Discuss what their financial contribution entitles them to. They have probably been planning for your wedding day long before you.
2. For every hour you spend on wedding plans, spend an hour talking about life, your family goals and dreams. Make it a practice to split your time between things that matter to you and do not let one area take over your life. It is an important skill you will need throughout your marriage.
3. Even if you think you know what your fiance would want, ask the questions. It shows you value him or her.
4. If you ask family or friends for their opinion, let them know that you appreciate their suggestions, but may or may not use them.
5. Be loyal and supportive to each other first. Understand this may be difficult for each other when the disagreement involves your parents. You are working on forming your own family too.
6. Have frank conversations about wedding budgets. This will be a great way to approach financial decisions in the future.
7. If someone helps you, thank them. Often.
8. Remember to have fun! This should be a great time in your lives. If it is causing too much stress, reevaluate your wedding priorities.

For friends and family:

1. Despite your best intentions, the bride and groom do not want all of your opinions. This isn’t your wedding. Help the bride and groom when asked, but allow them to form their own bonds around this great event.
2. Your ideas should be suggestions, not demands.
3. If your financial contribution is a gift, let it be one.
4. Sometimes the bride or groom needs to vent frustrations. When this happens listen and be supportive. Don’t speak poorly about the other party. They will get over the issue at hand, but unkind words will sting for years to come.
5. Enjoy the celebration of the couple. A wedding, while a highly important one, is still a one day event. The couple will be together, and part of your family, for a lifetime.

www.mikestaff.com

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