Your Videographer

Your wedding ceremony may seem only a moment in time and your reception may feel like a whirl, but video can give you a permanent memory of your special day. To find the right videographer, you'll want to meet with a number to see their work - particularly if they have worked in the same location of your wedding and reception. You'll get a feel for what you'd like to have in your video and how well they work under those circumstances.

Does the work you see feature colors that are true? Is there interesting camera angles, good lighting, smooth zooming in for close-ups; does the cameral pan smoothly along with moving guests. There should be no jumps, static, or picture disturbances in the video samples you are shown.

Decide if your want your video set up with a narrator talking about what is happening, or as a romantic tale with music dubbed in, or a more realist approach with candid interviews and close-ups. Will you include your and your groom's histories and old photos from your childhoods and from when you first started dating? Will you want still photos from your honeymoon added?

What kind of equipment will be used? Will there be a crew and more than one videographer to get different angles (additional cost?). Camera equipment has come a long way. Low light or artificial light situations are not the problem they once were. Still, it is a good thing to confirm.

Ask your videographer how much time they will actually film. Make sure it fits within your budget and includes the scenes you really want. Decide whether your want them to start at the ceremony and then film the reception, or would you like them to begin at your home while you're getting ready. Be sure that the quote you receive and certainly the contract you sign includes specified time of arrival and departure. You'll want your videographer to visit the sites to plan shots if they are not familiar with the location(s).

Be sure to discuss with your clergy any restrictions on filming and lighting that may be required. They may even have the names of videographers to refer you to for your special day.

Be sure that you are comfortable expressing yourself with the videographer(s) you've hired. You don't want to be self-conscious on your special day. If you plan to have wedding guests interviewed on tape, ask someone to help your videographer in locating the appropriate people. You may want to let these people know ahead of time so that they can plan what to say.

Sound is a very important part of your video whether it is recorded directly onto the tapes as filming happens, or is dubbed during editing. Music can be added (remember to specify what type). The videographer's samples will show you what they can do.

Ask your videographer to prepare a list of questions for interviewing guests, or you help create it. This will make it easier for the person being interviewed. Consider adding specific photos of you or your groom with certain people. Computer graphics, captions or titles, almost anything can be added. Discuss the possibilities with your videographer. Ask when the final video will be available. Consider adding honeymoon photos.

A family friend or relative may offer to video the proceedings. This can be a lovely gift as an addition to our professional's work. Keep in mind that your videographer's years of experience and skilled knowledge will insure the matchless quality of your video memories and preserve the memory of your very special day. Ask your friend/relative to be sure not to get in the way of the professional. After the wedding, protect your video by keeping it in a safe, dry, cool place away from direct sunlight.