What To Look For In A Wedding Videographer?

The Wedding and Event Videographers Association (WEVA) is an international professional group founded in the 1980s. They ran a 2005 nationwide study to look at brides' attitudes about videography; one survey was done before the Origin Films ' weddings and one survey was done afterward. In both cases, the brides were asked to choose the importance of the videography among other wedding priorities. Before the weddings occurred, only about 50% of the brides thought videography was a "top 10" priority. However, after the weddings, that percentage jumped to 79%.

It may also be true that if brides were surveyed again a year after the weddings, that percentage might be even higher. Like photographs, videos are something that should last forever and should show your special day to you whenever you want. Unlike other mementos such as flowers, wedding cake, even that special champagne, they are something that can endure and can help you relive your memories, similar to photographs.

A VISUAL HEIRLOOM

Your video can provide a "living" memento of your special day, in that every single nuance is recaptured, except for perhaps the smells of the flowers or of your special perfume. Nonetheless, everything else is preserved, every visual image, every laugh, every note of your special song, played at the reception. It can also preserve memories to be shown later to people who weren't even born at the time you wedding, such as your children. Now, how can you skimp on that?

As time goes on, most people realize that their video was meant to be an investment, to be enjoyed again and again. Unlike other things like the caterer or the flower color, they were shopping for something as special and as permanent as their wedding rings. Unfortunately, many didn't realize this until it's too late.

Therefore, don't make the same mistake yourself. Choose your videographer with the same care as you would your photographer.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Do your homework and look at the work of as many videographers as you can find. You'll need to do this because you need to look at several in order to find what you want and to get an idea of what you want your own video to have in it. Make your selection based upon the experience, personality and professionalism of the videographer.

Although it might not seem important to you, "personality" is an important part of the equation because the videographer will be working closely with you on one of the most important days of your life. In addition to being important, you wedding day is also very stressful, so he or she will need to have a calm personality and good people skills to stay above the fray. Take your time and choose carefully.

If you're not comfortable with a particular videographer during the interview process, keep looking. If the interview isn't comfortable for you, it sure won't be comfortable for you to have him or her looking at you continually through a camera lens for the entire (stressful) day of your wedding. In addition, look with someone who is supportive and can help instead of hinder things if something goes awry during your wedding day.

Next, look at the videographer's craftsmanship. When you're shopping, make sure you look at each videographer's work so that you have some base of comparison. As you continue to look around, you'll get a feel for who's good and who's not, so that that you can make the proper choice.

WHERE SHOULD YOU START?

Bridal fairs are great places to start looking. Most of these will have at least three or four exhibits by videographers. As you watch how each videographer approaches his or her task, you'll see how each handles visual composition, transitions, timing, and such things as captions and special effects. As you watch, you'll get a clear idea of what you like.