Choosing a Videographer
You have made the decision to hire a videographer to capture your wedding day, now what? How do you sort through the possibilities? Who will do a quality job and beautifully tell your story? There are a few key ideas to remember when hiring a videographer. Of course, the price is a big factor, but choosing a videographer that meets your needs is also paramount. Keeping a few key ideas in mind will help you narrow your choice and help ensure you have a wedding keepsake that will bring you joy for years to come.
The first thing to account for is flexibility. When inquiring and talking with your videographer, do you get the sense that this is about them or about you? A wedding film tells your story; therefore, the videographer is your storyteller. Find someone that is interested in your story and will ask about your interests and ideas, as well as offering suggestions of their own. The filmmaker should bring expertise to the table and incorporate that into your wedding day.
The art of videography has advanced quickly over the last several years. Digital videography has revolutionized the way wedding films are shot and produced. High definition 1080 is the standard; however, 4K should be expected. With the popularity of 4K television, computer, and phone displays, you should expect this quality in your wedding film. The goal of a videographer is to make a film that highlights and presents your day in the best way possible.
Another very important topic to discuss is audio. Capturing the audio of the wedding service and speeches is key to producing an excellent wedding film. Greater than 50% of the quality and effect of a film is sound engineering. It is the sound that helps bring the video to life. Be sure to ask how that will be accomplished. Does your videographer have multiple audio systems? The rule is to have a back up to your back up to your back up. Some ways to achieve this are lapel mics for the groom and officiant, plugging in to the DJ or house audio or both, and utilizing direct camera audio. Having these systems in place will help ensure quality audio to incorporate and enhance your wedding film.
In addition to quality sound, the music chosen to highlight the audio is extremely important. Your wedding film is meant to be shared with family and friends. One important component for your wedding film is to ensure the music is used legally and you receive a copy of any licenses. This guarantees the ability to share your video through any platform. If the videographer is using unlicensed material, it may be flagged and not be allowed on social media or other sites. Having the correct licences will safeguard your memories and allow them to be shared with those you love.
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. The importance of video quality and sound engineering will help guide the process of choosing a wedding filmmaker. However, it is important to go beyond the technical to the personal aspect of filmmaking. Your wedding day is special and you want to be surrounded by the right people. Choose a person you like and one that has your best interest in mind. One that will tell your story. A true storyteller is there to take in the big moments and quiet details of your day. They will take all those precious moments and produce an authentic representation of your wedding day. A memorable and beautiful keepsake is the goal. Choosing the right videographer will not only achieve that goal but give you a treasure to last a lifetime.
