Choosing a Videographer for Your Wedding Day
Choosing a Videographer for Your Wedding Day
Wedding planning really is just one decision after the next. It’s as simple as that. You’re presented with an option – and you answer with a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’. When it comes to choosing your videographer, again all it comes down to is a series of responses – ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
Take a moment and ask yourself the questions below, and consider the right supplier to record your day, your memories, your special moments.
Is my videographer professional, personable and friendly? Yes/No
This should become clear through your initial contact with the videographer, and sometimes it is a great idea to arrange a meeting to discuss your plans. Remember that in most cases your videographer is the only supplier who will be with you from the hair and makeup right through until you leave the reception at the end of your night. Your videographer should be friendly, efficient, well presented and professional to help make you, your partner and your guests feel at ease.
Is my videographer experienced in the wedding industry? Yes/No
Good wedding videography is not something that anyone who owns a video camera can achieve. An experienced and professional wedding videographer will have years of experience shooting weddings, have contacts and be recommended by others in the 
industry, will understand the formalities and structure of a variety of wedding styles and most importantly will be unobtrusive, whilst getting the best available shot at any given moment. Look for membership or accreditation with professional organisations and industry associations such as the AVPA and ABIA.
Will I get value for money? Yes/No
It is important to ensure you have clear expectations of what you want from your wedding video, and choose a videography package that suits your needs and budget. When considering a budget for wedding video though, take into account that you will get what you pay for and the cheapest suppliers may leave you disappointed. Your wedding videographer will often be filming your day for 8 or more hours, and an average wedding will require 20-30 hours worth of editing. Don’t forget to always read over and take the time to understand the terms and conditions of your videography and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Do I like what I see? Yes/No
The first step in choosing a videographer has got to be viewing samples of their past work. You should be able to view recent ‘highlights’ edits or sample videos on the videographers website, or request a meeting to view samples in their studio. The most important thing to look out for when viewing samples is to consider if the style of videography suits you and your wedding. Classy or comedic, stylish or sassy, cinematic or clichéd. Consider also the quality of sound and vision presented to you, as there are no excuses these days for poor quality videography at any price point. Your videographer should be flexible and willing to work with you to produce an amazing wedding video that exceeds your expectations, so talk to them and make sure that they are on the same page.
Will my wedding day be a day that I will never want to forget? Yes/No
A beautifully produced, creative, timeless wedding video will tell the story of your day, will capture those little moments that often go unnoticed, and will become a lasting record filled with movement, voices, music and emotions. One day in your lives that will seem to pass you by so fast. Your wedding video will become your most treasured memory.
For more information or if you have any questions about your wedding videography contact Ben Amos from Innovate Media
0434 399 027 :: ben@innovatemedia.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes for an outstanding wedding video?
An outstanding wedding video requires a combination of all the right elements, both the technical and the personal.
From a technical perspective you need professional-quality, high-definition cameras and equipment to ensure that the footage and sound captured is of the highest possible standard. Of course it wouldn’t be worthwhile having good equipment if you didn’t have someone that knows how to use it, and use it for weddings specifically. Weddings are a special time and, unlike other types of video production, you only have one chance. Having an experienced videographer will ensure that you have someone that will be in the right place, at the right time, getting a perfect shot every time. An experienced videographer will also know how to put couples and their guests at ease, ensuring that the day is captured but not intruded upon. In addition, never underestimate the importance of good quality sound recording. A truly professional videographer will use discreet wireless microphones to ensure that the vows, ceremony and speeches are recorded with perfect clarity.
Capturing beautiful footage and recording crystal clear sound is only half the process. The story of your day really comes together back in the editing suite. A skilled video producer can turn an assortment of shots of your day into timeless cinema that’s a joy to watch. Of course every couple is as individual as their wedding, so it is an important part of the process prior to the wedding day for a videographer to collect information about the bride and grooms preferences for style, music and themes as well as any special components to the day itself. This way their video can be tailored with subtle touches to be uniquely theirs.
Personally, I find that what makes a wedding video truly magical is when those little moments, the ones that often go unnoticed or are easily forgotten, are captured. Moments like these make a wedding unique, special and so very personal and this, in turn, is reflected in the video. It is these moments that make me feel so privileged to have a job which allows me to capture and present these memories to couples, memories that they and their families will treasure for ever.
Ben Amos
Innovate Media
