Choosing a Videographer

Choosing a Videographer

February 18th, 2010 @ 4:47 pm by Mrs. Apple Cider
Share

So let me start by saying that I am biased. My background is in video production, I am deeply moved by movies and I know what makes a good “shot”. I can’t imagine not having decided to have a videographer capture our wedding. I am not here to convince anyone to spend extra money but I do want anyone that is considering spending a ton of money on flowers, invitations, programs or alcohol to really consider hiring a videographer. It is one of the best decisions that we made.

There are few things that go in to choosing a videographer:

1. You don’t want someone that is going to cramp your style. You need them to fit in, get your vibe, get your relationship, understand what you want and be open minded.

2. You have to look at their work. Get examples, get reviews, get testimonials and really understand what their forte is. Do they love telling a story? Are they big on detail shots? Are they modern? Are they traditional?

3. Most brides create a inspiration board or vision board for their weddings… SHARE THIS WITH YOUR VIDEOGRAPHER. They are a big part of your day so make sure that they are “in the know” and get your style.

4. Don’t get taken advantage of. DO NOT OVERPAY. Do some research. And don’t get suckered into a million extra DVDs or extra coverage that you don’t need. We had 6 hours of wedding day coverage, Wedding Highlights, Full Length Ceremony DVD and a Wedding Trailer, all for around $2,200 (give or take a few dollars).

Alan & Carolyn :: Wedding Trailer from FocalPoint Cinematic Weddings on Vimeo.

5. You will get what you pay for but honestly… be creative. If you don’t have extra money for a videographer reach out to a college with a great broadcasting school (I was in a program, and I would have loved an extra $300 bucks to edit a video for a wedding), ask around for friends who love taking videos of their kids/friends/dogs, and rent a camera. There are options out there if you can’t afford to hire a “professional”. IT IS WORTH IT, even if it isn’t professional!

6. Once you find the right person, give them time to scout locations. It is really important for the videographer to be comfortable where they are shooting and to find “interesting” and “compelling” shots.

Alan & Carolyn :: Highlights from FocalPoint Cinematic Weddings on Vimeo.

7. Another **could be controversial option** if you are expecting your family or friends to give you a big gift, ask them to group together and get you a videographer! Maybe this is a good job for your MOH or the mother of the bride/groom to organize. People want to give good gifts, they want to make you happy and they don’t want to get you glasses that you won’t ever use. Find a way to hint that a videographer is a great gift!!!And with that, I am open to answering any questions about videographers! More recaps coming soon.

Tags: videography |

Share |

Latest Gallery Pics

Hot Pink and White with Zebra 36" Lighted Spandex Ostrich Feather Centerpiece

17 Responses to “Choosing a Videographer”

Bee

Miss Lace (message) 702 posts, Busy bee

This is the one thing we had to cut out of our budget. It sounds like it’s be so good to have now that we can’t have it!

2/18/10 @ 4:57 pm (reply)

Bee

Mrs. Star (message) 2,057 posts, Buzzing bee

Our videographer was 1. A gift from a close family friend, 2. Less than $500, and 3. Someone we found off of CL who was experienced in other areas but this was her first wedding. What an incredible decision it was to hire her. Can’t wait to share our video.

Loved yours! Makes me want more recaps!!

2/18/10 @ 5:01 pm (reply)

Member

kayakgirl73 (message) 2,124 posts, Buzzing bee

I’m so glad we hired a videographer. My sister wanted one three years ago and I tought see was crazy. Then I saw hers and thought wow. I can’t wait to see ours, in fact I got word this morning that a draft was done.

2/18/10 @ 5:06 pm (reply)

Member

kirabee (message) 1,402 posts, Bumble bee

I LOVE your trailer, Mrs. AC! I am convinced! Must have videographer!

2/18/10 @ 5:10 pm (reply)

Member

thebriz (message) 448 posts, Helper bee

And if there’s something you want and someone things you are crazy, keep looking because it may not be you. I wanted a simple documentary yet artistic style videographer and a few I spoke to seemed to think I was crazing or that my request was juxtaposed. But I stuck with my guns and found a videographer and when I saw his samples, my heart was lifted. It was exactly what I wanted and the price was great.

So don’t be bullied and definitely shop around. Especially in this economy, you’d be surprised at how many really, really good videographers are out there. Don’t settle for all the usual recommendations, especially if they are over budget when it doesn’t make sense in these economic times.

2/18/10 @ 6:08 pm (reply)

Bee

Miss Nachos (message) 1,733 posts, Bumble bee

Videography was not high on our priority list, but we will have one through the hotel and I am happy that at least we’ll have something.

2/18/10 @ 6:19 pm (reply)

Member

jamielee828 (message) 84 posts, Worker bee

i too would say that a videographer is a must have for us. we love our photographer, but i really really wanted to have video because there’s just something lovely about moving picture that captivates me. however, we’ve seen some pretty bad “uncle bob” videos so i would caution you to think twice before having a friend/family member shoot it. it’s your wedding and there’s only one chance to get it right.

as some have already said, look around for a good videographer. from what i hear, shooting and editing for video is so much more intensive than photography, most videography packages are actually a really good deal for what you get. a great videographer won’t be cheap (hello stillmotion) but if you could swing the costs, it’s soooooo worth it!

2/18/10 @ 6:23 pm (reply)

Bee

Miss Spaniel (message) 6,792 posts, Bee Keeper

I didn’t want video at first, but since so many of my family members in Asia couldn’t come, my dad insisted. And I’m really glad he did, because I was watching a video of an old family event and it was so moving… even though it was terrible and cheesy! We are going cheap with the video, but I don’t care… as long as it’s recorded, I’m happy.

2/18/10 @ 7:21 pm (reply)

Bee

Miss Argyle (message) 2,516 posts, Sugar bee

Your video made me cry

Love the idea of having friends and family chip in, such a great idea.

I LOVE our videographer!

2/18/10 @ 8:02 pm (reply)

10.

Bee

Miss Cardigan (message) 8,645 posts, Bee Keeper

Sigh. I originally thought I didn’t care about videography, but now I kind of want it. And we most definitely can not afford it.

2/18/10 @ 9:21 pm (reply)

11.

Bee

Miss Elephant (message) 6,177 posts, Bee Keeper

We didn’t even think about video when we first got engaged. After the planning started and I saw some amazing videos, we found a way to work one into the budget.

2/18/10 @ 9:32 pm (reply)

12.

Member

kw221 (message) 2 posts, Wannabee

Great wedding videos! While all of the above is true, the only thing that doesn’t always apply is item 4. While you should never overpay, you also have to account for the market you live in. We live in NYC, and if you want a video of the quality that you see above–you will not pay less than 4K, unfortunately

2/18/10 @ 11:25 pm (reply)

13.

Bee

Miss Giraffe (message) 4,216 posts, Honey bee

thanks for the tips!

2/19/10 @ 9:37 am (reply)

14.

Bee

Mrs. Mouse (message) 5,844 posts, Bee Keeper

I wish I would’ve gotten one! My biggest wedding regret. Though I do have Flip footage–maybe one day someone can edit it into an awesome highlights video for us!

2/19/10 @ 3:05 pm (reply)

15.

Member

Cherry Blossom (message) 1 posts, Wannabee

You video is beautiful: )

Please could you tell me where you got all your beautiful designs? and also your beautiful fonts?

xxxx

2/21/10 @ 7:56 pm (reply)

16.

Member

HannahL (message) 5 posts, Newbee

I agree with a lot of your points - just not price. Knowing everything involved in this business, $2200 is really undervaluing the time and costs involved in delivering this service. I mean, good for you that you got a great price, but your vendor is undervaluing their service.

Just wanted to put it out there that someone charging more than $2200 for the equivalent of what you got is not ‘ripping off’ their potential clients.

3/7/10 @ 7:18 pm (reply)

17.

Member

Girlinlove (message) 12 posts, Newbee

I love you wedding earrings…do you mind sharing where you got them? Also did you make up your wedding vows that you said in the video?

5/12/10 @ 1:56 am (reply)