A wedding video is the most glamorous record of a special day in your life. No matter how well you plan everything, if you settle down for a less-than-brilliant videographer, you’ll regret the decision forever.
Before hiring a videographer for your wedding, here are some crucial details you should ask for.
#1 What Is Your Videography Style?
The first thing you need to know is what style the videographer follows. That’s the fundamental question that can reveal whether the videographer will be able to interpret your vision.
In technical terms, the videographer may tell you that his style is artistic, documentary or commercial. Artistic and commercial videography styles are staged and directed for the desired results. The documentary style of videography is more about candid captures and building a natural narrative.
A videographer who seems very rigid about following one particular style may not be the ideal choice. Choose a videographer who has a dominant style but is also open to incorporating variations and elements.
The videographer should be willing to customize the final video according to your requests and be open to suggestions and reedits.
#2 What’s Your Experience At Covering Weddings?
You wanna look for a videographer who has reasonable experience filming real weddings.
Don’t just fall for the number of years the videographer has been in business. For all you know, they may be filming other projects besides weddings too. Be straightforward and ask exactly how many weddings the videographer has filmed.
If you’re planning a traditional wedding representing regional customs like an Indian wedding or a Jewish wedding, ask if the videographer has experience with such weddings.
#3 Can I Review Your Complete Portfolio?
You may have already viewed some of the sample videos from the videographer’s portfolio. That’s good for first impressions. But remember, that’s also a marketing strategy.
The videographer might have only posted his best works on his website and social media. That’s why before you finalize the videographer, always ask for a review of the videographer’s complete portfolio.
You don’t have to go through every video on the record. But just play a few random videos and you’ll know if the videographer’s profile is just smoke and mirrors.
#4 Can You Travel For The Video shoots?
If you’re planning a destination wedding, or if the venue is off the city limits, it’s a good idea to discuss the same with the videographer.
Most top-rated videographers may agree to travel to nearby areas for shoots. For example, Symboll is a Los Angeles wedding videographer but also accepts shoots in Orange County, Napa, San Francisco, Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, Big Sur and San Diego.
Some videographers may also be willing to travel across the country or internationally for destination weddings. They may charge travel fees or expect reimbursement for travel and accommodation.
#5 Will You Be Available For All Wedding Events?
Most traditional weddings involve ceremonies and customs that take place over a few days. Without these special moments, a wedding video is incomplete.
But in the haste of wedding preparations, this crucial point can get easily overlooked.
Make sure you confirm the exact dates with your wedding videographer and specifically ask if he’ll be available for shooting all important wedding events.
#6 What’s Included In The Package?
All leading wedding videographers offer different packages to suit clients’ budgets. Even if the website or brochure gives a general idea of what’s included, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask the question directly.
You should know exactly what services you’ll be paying for and decide whether the price is worth it or not. Feel free to negotiate some extras too. For example, you can ask for a teaser video or a couple of extra reedits.
#7 When Can You Deliver?
The excitement of viewing your wedding video is unparalleled. Nobody wants to wait for half a year to be able to view their final wedding video.
The videographer should be able to give you a definite timeline for delivering the final video and add-ons if any. The timeline should be reasonable and match your expectations too.
Many in-demand videographers will agree to share the RAW files with you within a week of the wedding but may take months to give the final edited version. If you’re not comfortable with this kind of turnaround, then you should choose another videographer.
Conclusion
Making these inquiries will help you know the videographer better. During the discussions, you’ll also get to know his traits and working style. See if he is attentive to your questions and understands your requirements.
With these tips and suggestions, you’ll surely find the ideal videographer for your wedding. Good Luck!
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