Photo Credit: Tyler Tyndell
When people start planning their weddings, hiring a videographer isn’t typically at the top of their list. Yet a wedding video is one of the few things about your big day -- other than photos -- that captures the moments that you might otherwise forget. Today couples can choose from various styles and formats to document the story of their day in a unique way.
We gathered some tips with the help of Matt Johnson of FilmStrong Productions on what you should think about when hiring a wedding videographer.
Make Video A Priority
Video is usually down there on the list with ice sculptures, says Johnson, but he encourages couples to give video some priority. The main reason, he says, is that video gives you exact memories of your day. “Photos you can look at, but in video you can hear yourself saying your vows, you can see your nervousness while getting ready. It’s a perfect capsule of your day,” said Johnson.
Expect To Make An Investment
Couples typically don’t expect video to be expensive, but it can be. Johnson tells couples to expect to spend as much as they’re spending on wedding photography or more. If you’re struggling with price, just remember that you’re investing in a wonderful reminder of what your wedding day was like.
Think About Style
Choose a style that you like. Johnson breaks down wedding videos into two main camps: documentary style and cinematic style. Documentary style gives you a chronological look at the day’s events, from getting ready to the ceremony to the party. Cinematic style treats your wedding video more like a movie. It’s more artistic and character driven and tells your wedding story in a unique way. Individual videographers’ styles also vary so look around to find what you like.
Book Your Videographer For As Much Time As You Can
“If you want to have a good, cohesive story, you need as much as footage as possible to tell the story well,” says Johnson. Ask about the packages available from the videographers you’re considering. Some offer all-day coverage while others offer packages for a set number of hours.
Share Details About Your Photographer
Your videographer and your photographer will have to work closely together to capture your nuptials. If they don’t know each other, it’s a great idea to share the photographer’s information with the videographer so that they can talk prior to the event. Johnson says he always asks couples who their photographer is and reaches out a few weeks before the wedding.
Understand Equipment
Ask your videographer about the equipment they’ll use to film your wedding. For example, what kind of microphones will they use for sound? Will they use lights? It’s good to know what to expect when the day arrives so you know what equipment will be around you.
Ask About Delivery Formats
How do you want your wedding video delivered? Johnson says physical media is on its way out but he still offers DVDs because couples ask for it primarily to share with older generations. Whatever your preference, make sure to discuss this with your videographer.
Make Sure You Hit It Off
Videographers will go to great lengths to blend into the background and be as unobtrusive as possible, but you’re still going to have someone with a camera rolling near you at most times. So it’s important that you feel comfortable with your videographer. If you don’t hit it off when you first talk to them or meet them, look elsewhere. There are many people who shoot weddings and you should be able to find one you love.