10 Questions To Ask A Wedding Videographer
WHY YOU SHOULD ASK QUESTIONS
Its your wedding day. You’ve spend weeks, months, maybe even years planning and envisioning this day. You want everything to be perfect. Everything is going great, your make up is almost done, everyone is almost ready, décor is almost set and in comes your photographer and videographer. Suddenly they are rearranging everything, telling you to pose in uncomfortable ways, schedule is falling behind and you’re being told there isn’t enough time to do that one special thing you really wanted to do before ceremony. You’re now worried about a million different things and you no longer feel like you’re enjoying the day. All those hours put into making things happen and you are no longer living in the moment. I’ve seen it happen and the last thing you want is to get your photos and videos back just to remember how you were being posed to set up for a particular shot rather than feeling the joy and sentiment that you should have felt.
I hear about this all the time. You have to be with you photographer and videographer almost all day so it is crucial to know what you are getting into before the day comes. Here are a few questions to help you get a better feel about who it is you’re hiring to avoid making a mistake.
1. WHAT IS YOUR FILMING STYLE?
Ask about how they approach filming through the day. Everyone has a different style. A fly on the wall videographer will document everything as it happens but sometimes you will need to be staged to look your best. Some people prefer things to be candid with minor corrections like "make sure I'm not slouching." The last thing you want is a videographer that stages every moment so that your video doesn't reflect your day at all. Figure out if you want a stylized video or a documentary styled video for your highlight!
2. WHY DO YOU FILM WEDDINGS?
The why is a very important question because it will give you insight on what brought them into wedding film making and show you if they truly care about the people they meet and the product they create. Wedding Videography can be a bit lucrative as you have seen with all the price ranges and some people care more for the money than they do for the art. You want to find someone you can vibe with and be comfortable trusting that they will take your vision for your day and bring it to life.
3. DO YOU LICENSE THE MUSIC?
Legally we all have to use music that we have permission to use, otherwise your video may be blocked, muted, or even removed from Youtube, Facebook, and Instagram. Using unlicensed music leaves videographers at risk of getting sued and fined for using copyrighted music. There are thousands of songs and artists that can be licensed for your video and you may even be able to help choose the right song for your own video!
4. HOW DO YOU CAPTURE AUDIO?
In the video world, audio is 70% of the viewing experience. Capturing speeches, letter readings, vows, and the ceremony are crucial to making a great video that tells your story that will bring you back to your wedding day time and time again. Your videographer should have the tools and equipment to work with a DJ for proper audio recording as well as lapel and lav mics to make sure there is back up audio.
That being said, ask your DJ how they can help your videographer capture audio as well!
5. WHAT IS YOUR TURN AROUND TIME?
This may be a full time or a part time passion for your videographer and it may take a bit longer to edit for some more than others. The average time for a video is about 3-6 months. Editing takes time and rushing something isn't always a good idea. There are times where I have a video 60% edited and will start over from scratch because it doesn't feel like it reflects the couple or their day. You want a videographer that cares about the edit and cares about the art you have entrusted them to make for you, but you should know when to expect the final video.
6. HOW LONG DO YOU HOLD ON TO THE VIDEO?
I worked for a wedding company that got rid of all the RAW footage after a few months and it broke my heart telling couples that all the footage is gone when they would ask a year later. Some people will only host your video for a few weeks or a few months and leave you responsible for downloading all your videos for safe keeping. Storage can be expensive and hard drives do corrupt when you least expect so it is important to know if your videographer will be holding all your footage or if they will be deleting the Dropbox folder with all your videos after delivery!
7. WHAT DOES MY PACKAGE INCLUDE?
Your videographer should be very clear on what the deliverables will be. Are they offering an engaging 4-8 minute long video for social media or an hour long documentary that you can sit down with some wine, a blanket, and some tissues to watch and celebrate with on special occasions.
Are you getting a separate video of just your ceremony? Speeches? First Dances?
You only live your wedding day once so don't be afraid to ask if what you want is something that your videographer offers. After all you are paying for the service and you are putting your trust into your videographer to capture everything that is important to you.
8. WHAT CAN YOU DO TO MAKE YOUR VIDEO MORE PERSONAL?
Some people like that their wedding video looks like a music video and some people prefer the video tell their story. Voice overs are a major part of making your video feel more personal. Adding personalized vows or a letter from one another to the video will stir up emotions and bring you right back to the happiest moments of your day. Your videographer should be asking you about all the juicy sentimental moments you're planning that will bring a tear to your eye as you watch your video over and over again.
Music carries emotion and this video is a perfect example. Using speeches and vows can really bring you back to those eye watering moments.
9. DO YOU WORK WELL WITH OTHER PHOTOGRAPHERS?
Videographers and photographers should always have you in mind as they go through the day. The last thing you want is for your camera team to bicker at each other and bump heads on how they want to capture certain moments (It does happen). There are hundreds of photos and videos of moments that were ruined because the photo/video team did not communicate clearly. Everyone should know how to work together like a well oiled machine to make sure things are captured in the best way possible without distracting you from living in the moment. Photographers and Videographers all have different styles and it is always a good idea to ask for someone they recommend that will work well and vibe with everyone.
10. WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?
You found the right videographer for you! Great! Now you need to know how to book your videographer and make sure no one can steal them away from you. Get their contract, pay the deposit, fill out any questionnaires they may have, and get them connected to your coordinator, photographer, your parents, your pets, or anyone else that may have some questions or input with your wedding planning process. A seasoned videographer will know what can make or break your day. You painted your vision for them, they can help you and your wedding team bring it to life!
STILL LOOKING FOR A VIDEOGRAPHER?
Hi! My name is Matt, I am a wedding videographer based in Dallas Texas. If you are needing someone to really capture and tell the story of your wedding, check out my pricing page to see if I fit your budget. If you’re ready to take the next step, contact me and lets get started!