We always knew we wanted a videographer, but more than wanting one, it was a matter of whether we were going to be able to afford one. Finally, in August, we decided to go for it.
It’s normal for photographers around our area to offer complimentary videography, so we were naturally planning to hire our photographer, Alberto Alcorta, for videography. With this in mind I attended the bridal expo Alcorta’s studio hosts every year.
Sadly, Alberto informed me that he no longer does videography. He says he wants to fully focus on his photography and trying to coordinate a cameraman while trying to do his own things didn’t allow him to give his all. I completely understood, but I was a bit stressed about not having a videographer option. Fortunately for me, I was at a bridal expo.
Two videographers were showing at the expo. One had a super sweet, interview-style (like Mrs. Lioness’ video), that seemed of great quality; sadly, it was ridiculously out of my price range, so I turned away faster than you can say, “expensive.”
The second videographer was a real treat, and a great example of how “no matter how good you are, if I don’t like you, I won’t hire you.”
He was showing a very fun, wedding trailer. The quality looked great and although I wasn’t the biggest fan of the editing, I could see big potential. He offered 3 packages with 1, 2 or 3 shooters.
After looking at his prices, I decided to be honest and tell him I could stretch our budget a little bit to afford his 1 shooter package, so I wanted to hear about it. He then proceeded to (unknowingly, I’m sure) sabotage himself. He started telling me how that option “wouldn’t give us a video they’d feel happy with,” and how “they lose a lot of key moments when using just one camera.” He went on to explain how he dislikes the monotony of it and how the content is so simple he can edit it in just one afternoon.
Then why do you offer that package?
Image via Someecards
I know he was trying to sell me his more expensive packages, but he did it in the worst way possible. I’m not going to lie, hive—I was mad at his attitude and I wasn’t going to stretch our budget for someone who’s not promising an (at least) good job, let alone stellar. If you don’t trust yourself, I’m not going to trust you.
So, we were back to having no videographer, and since most videographers in town work alongside photographers, I started to get worried we were not going to find one.
Did you struggle finding a certain vendor? Did any vendor talk you out of hiring him/her? How?
I talked to a DJ who was out of my budget. He asked me what I could afford, and when I told him, he said he was sure I could find someone off Craigslist for that, but they would “ruin” my wedding. I can’t even tell you how peeved I was!! What a jerk!!
I ended up finding a DJ who fit in my budget, and, surprise surprise, he was freaking FANTASTIC and kept the party going all night long.
I really really hate people like that. Good call on walking away!
That makes me absolutely crazy! Why would any vendor tell you that some of their work is sub-par…is surely doesn’t inspire confidence in the rest of their work! Ugl…good for you for crossing him off 
Ugh, that’s so annoying. I understand trying to upsell, but not at the expense of the quality of YOUR work. What a loser! He must not be very good at his job, but he’s especially not a good salesman!
I am a professional videographer, and there are many approaches that work and many that do not. I understand what the one videographer was trying to do, whether it was to upsell his packages, or to cover himself so that expectations aren’t set too high.
A wedding is something that you must get right. It is good to make sure that you let your client know of some disadvantages of choosing a certain package. If a package has only one camera, then you will lose out on some moments and results would be less interesting. However, this is information that you provide without lowering the value of your work, and if you don’t have a good delivery/approach, it can be a huge turn off.
He shouldn’t even have the package anyway. If he has two or more cameras, then his lowest package should include at least 2 cameras. One camera films never come out great no matter how hard you try to fill it with editing techniques. The bulk of the ceremony itself is tied to one view, like any single person watching. That’s why his package should never include a single camera, and should only be offered if pricing is too high for a potential client.
Videographers are finicky people. They also take their craft to a seriousness that they make potential clients feel below them. I’ve had nothing but great feedback because I try to be thorough in detail, expectations, and answer all questions that come to me. I also let potential clients know that if there are things within the packages that they don’t think they need, that I can readjust the price to suit their needs.
Videographers forget what it is like when they didn’t know much about their possession. They try to use their knowledge to their advantage and scare clients to getting packages that they don’t need. They lose a lot of trust with clients because, while people may not understand everything involved in the business, they can see the tactics that are being used on them.
When looking for a videographer, you want someone that will give you the advantages and disadvantages of a package. You want someone that you feel is telling the truth. You can sense through his/hers pressure of talking about more expensive packages, how condescending he/she could be, and someone who answers your questions as best as he/she can.
If you have any questions about videography, then please email me at christian@vantuproductions.com.
I don’t blame you, he sounds like a piece of work. I get that it’s part of the job, but I really hate when people are so obvious about trying to upsell you, ESPECIALLY when you just told him your max budget. Sorry, I don’t have the willpower of cardboard–I’m not going to just roll over and hand you tons more money because you pushed me.
in all my vendor research, I’ve definitely allowed myself to judge by first impression. they’re salespeople in addition, and I think successful vendors realize that. good call walking away.
We actually have a videographer booked but no photograher… yet! It’s funny how things work like that. I totally understand what your saying about needing to like the people though. I feel like all of our vendors (so far) are people that we would be friends with IRL
@MrsJJC: Wow. I hate when they have that “you can’t do better than me” attitude. It sure makes you want to hire someone alse and rub it in their faces.
@kimbop: I understand what he wanted to do, but he lost me with the attitude, it wasn’t just the lack of confidence, he kind of acted like I should beg him to shoot my wedding, and that’s really annoying. Definetley not someone you want around on your big day.
@Lacelibs: It’s SO important to have vendors you like, specially the videographer and photographer. The other day I had a meeting with our photog and spent an hour just chatting with him once we were done with the schedule. It makes you feel better knowing that the person who’ll be following you on your wedding day is someone you can laugh with.
I would’ve immediately turned away from that videographer too!
Ugh that sounds awful. There is one videographer in our area that everyone raves about so we set up a meeting with him. He was SO FULL OF HIMSELF I could not wait for that meeting to end. I really don’t understand how he gets any business with that attitude. It took us a while, but I’m glad we were picky about finding our videographer. Our videographer was in our budget, the nicest guy you could ever met and produced a beautiful wedding video for us!
Good luck and I hope you find someone soon!!
If any one looking for videographer check out LTVPRO.COM they filmed my wedding.
Mrs. Toadstool, Obregon, Mexico Age and Occupation: 23, Research Assistant Fiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Sales Manager Engagement Date: October 1, 2011 Wedding Date: December 2012 Venue: Hacienda los Agaves About Me: I’m a born and bred Mexican girl with a severe coffee addiction, an obsession for books and an aversion for exercise. I like to plan things, so this wedding’s my dream project---I just need to remind myself from time to time that I’m the bride and not just the planner. I recently realized brown’s my favorite color as I was trying to incorporate it in every aspect of our wedding and I'm dreaming of an autumn vibe since we don’t have that around here. I’m marrying my best friend and partner in crime on the day of our nine-year anniversary! He’s an awesome, smart, fun guy who is patient, and crazy enough to spend the rest of his life with me. We’re planning our not-so-dreamy dream wedding in December in a non-traditional way and making it our own.
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