10 Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a Professional Videographer

You know that you need to hire a professional, because consumer cameras today often deliver grainy footage and muffled sound. You also realize that you want each and every one of your guests to enjoy the day, and putting one of your friends or relatives behind a camera all day wouldn't be fair to them, besides, what if they decide to stop videotaping and start having fun?!

So, now you call several videographers to set up appointments, but what do you ask them? Here are some questions that you need to ask with the answers that you need to know!

1. Where will your cameras be during the ceremony? There's nothing worse than a camera man two inches from your face or your guests' faces during the entire ceremony or reception. A good videographer will be virtually invisible on this day, capturing footage as unobtrusively and discreetly as possible.



2. Have you had much experience in videography? Also, ask to see a full length wedding video. A good videographer should have this. And you deserve to see examples of the kind of work you will be getting. When you watch each wedding video, be paying attention and taking notes on things like: the digital effects that are used (are they elegant or cheesy?), the footage itself (is it shaky or steady), and pay close attention to how it makes you feel overall.



3. Are you a member of any videography associations?
   If so, this speaks to the validity and seriousness of the business.



4. How do you coordinate with the wedding photographer?
   It's a good idea to find out how the videographer plans on creating a good working relationship with this man/woman that he will be working closely with. It's ideal if the videographer plans on meeting with the photographer, on the phone or in person, sometime before the wedding to coordinate their plans.



5. How many other weddings are you doing on my day, or weekend?
   Make sure the videographer is not trying to sandwich your day in on an already crowded schedule.



6. Will you be the one shooting my wedding?
   If not, be sure to request at least a phone meeting with him to be sure that he is aware of your specific needs.



7. What types of cameras, microphones, and lighting will you be using?
   Also, how new is the equipment? The cameras should all be 3 chip cameras with 400 lines of resolution or more (which means that they are broadcast quality). The videographer should have a combination of professional microphones to pick up vows, readings and music. If your reception is going to have 'mood lighting' then make sure your videographer will be using an on-camera light, otherwise your footage will turn out very grainy and dark. These are usually very small lights (10-20 watts), so it will not be overwhelming.



8. What type of editing equipment will be used?
   The editing part is what will make the magic in your wedding video, so ask them to explain the editing process in a way you can understand, without all the technical jargon.



9. Are you fully insured?
   A fully insured videographer means peace of mind for you, and a worry-free event.



10. How do you charge for services?
    Are there packages? Request a price list. Keep in mind, though, that good videography services are not cheap, in quality or pricing. Most wedding planning experts agree that the videography portion should make up at least 7 percent of your budget.

Finding a good videographer will be easy if you ask the right questions. Your video will look elegant, the colors will be vivid, and, most importantly, you'll be able to hear your vows, your laughter, the toasts, and the music whenever your heart desires!

Written by Angie Sickler - Colorado Digital Video

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