Choosing a Videographer

A wedding DVD should never be considered a substitute for still photographs. However, by virtue of its sound and movement, a DVD can preserve a distinct and important part of your wedding.

Imagine being able to see and hear your vows being said, reliving again the emotions of the moment. A DVD of your wedding and the following festivities will capture the “real life” that otherwise goes unobserved, and is a poignant, often humorous, accompaniment to the traditional wedding photographs.

• To find a videographer, look at his work, and talk with him about his taping style.
• Start looking at least six to 12 months before your wedding, and reserve a firm date as soon as possible.
• Fees will generally depend on the number of cameras, editing time, and special production needs. Although most professionals do total packages, some videographers charge per camera, per hour.
• Decide what you want captured. You may want to design your own package to include the rehearsal, the bachelor dinner, a bridal shower, or anything you want to be sure to remember in moving sight and sound for years to come.
• Your demonstration should include examples which help you understand the difference between one- and two-camera coverage. Is the video you are viewing taken by the videographer who would cover your wedding?
• Observe how the camera covered the ceremony and reception. Coverage should flow with the proceedings, interacting with guests, not intruding. The technique should be smooth, not jerky — the scenes should not look contrived. Poor scenes should have been edited out.
• Be sure there is a contract outlining all responsibilities and costs. It should include specific coverage that you want on the video and when you will receive the finished video.
• Ask what happens if a personal emergency arises for the videographer you’ve contracted. Most professionals network with others of comparable experience, so they will be able to assure you that their contract will be fulfilled.