What should I ask? Videography
- What type of lighting will you use?
- You'll want to make sure that the videographer's lighting doesn't interfere with the ambience of your ceremony. Some cameras are sensitive enough to use with only available room light and if more is needed, small low-wattage lights can used.
- How will you be dressed at the wedding?
- Ask for references and if the videographer was dressed appropriately and was unobtrusive.
- Do you have sample videos I can see?
- Check for quality light and sound. Ask yourself if the editing seems professional or amateur. Review any additional music or graphics. Ask if these come standard or cost extra.
- How long have you been in business?
- Find out about the videographer's training, and whether she or he belongs to any professional associations.
- What packages do you offer?
- Do you use professional equipment, accessories and supplies?
- How many cameras do you use?
- Using more than one camera provides different perspectives and interest. Ask if this will require more than one cameraperson. Sometimes additional cameras, set up at the back of a ceremony site, for example, are remote-controlled.
- Are you familiar with my ceremony site and reception hall?
- If the videographer is not, make sure that he or she can arrive early to scout for the best angles and light.
- Do you have back-up equipment comparable in quality to your main gear?
- What can go wrong, will. Make sure you will still receive the product you are purchasing.
- Do you use wireless microphones?
- These microphones send sound to the camera via a radio transmitter attached to the bride or groom. Hard-wired microphones require that a small clip-on-mic be attached to the couple's clothing, the official, or podium. These may pick up movement during the ceremony.
- How is your footage edited?
- In-camera editing: This type of video does not have post editing or added graphics and means that the camera person stops recording during uninteresting moments or rewinds over the unnecessary footage.
- Post-edited: This production requires the videographer to take the raw footage, cut out the boring parts, smooth the transitions, and add titles and music.
- Do you copy-protect or scramble the videotape?
- Do you have a written contract?
- Get all guarantees, dates, prices and liabilities in writing.
- Will the shoot interfere with the proceedings in any way?
- What are your charges and fees?
- Find out how much will be charged for the agreed-upon time, and how much could be charged for additional hours beyond the contract. Ask also if charges increase for a visit to an additional location.
- Do you work with the photographer to ensure mutual cooperation?
- These individuals need to cooperate to make sure that both products reflect your vision. Ask the videographer's philosophy regarding working with photographers.
- Are you there throughout the entire reception?
- Videographers will capture what you need. You could have the entire day recorded, or just highlight major aspects of the ceremony and reception. You may even consider providing a list of friends and family for the cameraperson to record video messages.
- Do you have references I can call?
- Ask for these people and call them. Ask them if the videographer was timely and professional, and whether they were happy with the final product.
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