Questions To Ask
Your Wedding Videographer
Multiple award-winning Chicagoland videographer,
Kris Malandruccolo of Elegant Videos by Kris, gives
us her insight on choosing the best person to
videotape your wedding.
How long have you been in business?
A more experienced videographer should do a better
job for you. Using an established business means
that they are in business for the long-term and
probably won't shut down next week.
Are you the one who will be videotaping my wedding?
Make sure you speak to the person who will actually
videotape your wedding. Many larger studios use
free-lancers, and it is important to speak with the
actual videographer ahead of time to make sure you
get everything you want and to make sure you are
comfortable with the videographer.
How many cameras do you use? Does that mean a second
videographer?
If you are having "two cameras", then find out if
that means a second videographer or just a camera on
a tripod. Having a second videographer is more
expensive than just a camera on a tripod (usually
kept on wide angle). A second videographer can be
well worth the extra cost due to the extra coverage
you will get. Be sure to discuss camera placement
and any videotaping restrictions ahead of time with
your videographer.
What type of cameras do you use?
"3-Chip Digital" is the most recent and highest
resolution camera. Digital cameras have 530 lines of
resolution. Super VHS & Hi-8 cameras (which use
analog tape) have 400 lines of resolution and VHS
cameras have 230 lines of resolution. The higher the
lines of resolution, the better quality picture you
will get, but expect to pay more for a videographer
who uses 3-Chip Digital cameras.
What kind of lighting do you use?
Some videographers use lights on their cameras,
others do not. Some videographers will use a
stand-alone soft-box light that gives off soft, even
lighting. Ambient lighting at the reception hall
will also help the photographer's pictures turn out
better and the flash or video light won't seem quite
so harsh.
How many and what kind of microphones do you use?
Audio quality is just as important as video quality.
At the ceremony, have the groom wear a wireless
microphone and have another one on the podium for
any readers or singers. At the reception, make sure
everyone who is giving a toast or blessing is using
a microphone; this includes the person who is
introducing the bridal party. Be sure to discuss
audio placement ahead of time with your
videographer.
How do you edit the wedding video?
The latest and newest technology is non-linear
editing (on a computer). Ask how many hours your
videographer spends on editing since it will make a
difference in the final price. It is not unusual for
videographers to spend between 30-40 plus hours on
the computer editing a wedding. Expect a price
difference (and quality difference) between those
who edit non-linear and those who don't.
Can I have my wedding on DVD?
DVD is the latest trend in videography. DVD is a
much better quality picture than VHS tape because
there is no loss of quality when going from a
digital master tape to DVD. Some videographers can
customize their DVDs with multiple chapter
stops/scene selection and a customized case with
your wedding picture on it.. Your wedding video can
last for generations without any deterioration when
archived to DVD. I believe providing the finished
production on DVD is a must-have!
How do you stay up-to-date in the video business?
Video technology is an ever-changing field (like the
computer field) and professionals need to stay
current. A videographer should be a member in local
and national associations. Ask the videographer if
he/she has ever been to any seminars or conventions.
Any videographer belonging to WEVA (Wedding & Event
Videography Association) or ABC (Association of
Bridal Consultants) is a big plus.
How can I see samples of your work?
Be sure you are seeing samples of the actual
videographer who will be videotaping your wedding.
This is especially important when dealing with
larger studios that may have several crews that they
send out on the weekend. Some videographers will
send out demo tapes and others will ask you to
schedule an appointment to visit them, others have
video clips (called streaming video) on their
website where you can view their work while you are
on the internet. If possible, try to meet with the
videographer before you sign the contract.
What other services or special effects do you offer?
Some examples are childhood/dating photo montage,
wedding/honeymoon photo montage, bridal
preparations, love story video (the two of you
describing how you met, etc.), short-form video,
highlight video, recap video, concept video,
rehearsal coverage, big screen presentation, etc.
This is also a good time to ask the videographer if
they use special effects such as black & white,
sepia-toned, slow-motion, animation, etc. There are
many options to choose from!
What about the contract?
When you decide to hire the videographer, ask to see
a copy of the contract. Ask how much of a deposit is
required and when the remaining balance is due. Make
sure everything you want in your wedding video is
spelled out. As it gets closer to your wedding day,
the videographer should request a "planning meeting"
either over the phone or in person. Ask your
videographer if they will attend your rehearsal -
some videographers attend, some do not. It should
also state when you will get your finished video.
What will you charge to videotape my wedding based
on the coverage I am looking for?
If you are on a budget, let the videographer know
that upfront. If your budget is flexible, wait to
ask about pricing until you have explained to the
videographer what you are looking for and after the
videographer has talked about skill, equipment and
service. A professional videographer with up-to-date
digital equipment can start around $2000.
Videographers with S-VHS cameras and less editing
will probably charge less. A more seasoned
professional offering many extras can charge upwards
of $5000 and more. These prices are only a
guideline, as pricing can vary region to region. It
is hard to put a price on talent unless you view
their work. Remember, your videographer is creating
a family heirloom. Great video is not expensive,
it's priceless!
Kris Malandruccolo
Elegant Videos by
Kris
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